3.9 V8 in Defender?

[WishIhadaLandy]

Just wondered if anyone has done this themselves or know of anyone who has?

Would it be better to get it out of a disco or a rangie?
Would bringing the auto with it cause a head ache?
Would it fit!?
Is there any point, would it be better to just live a TDi and give it an uprated intercooler to give you a bit more get up and go?

Just curious once again, thanks for any help.

[Xtremeteam]

yes it fits,the rangie & disco engines are pretty much identicla,

the auto box helps & does fit 9theresa few comp cars up here racing this setuo)

its plenty worth it if u can fuel it  

im still rubbered so so exuse the spelling mistakes

[v8kenny]

I put a 3.9 into my TD 110 a few years ago - bloody great motor and fuel is only a big issue if you do a lot of miles
The 110 would only average low to mid 20's with the TD and could get 20mpg with the V8 on a run
Ran it with rejetted SU's and a high ratio transfer box
One of the best Landies I have had and a huge "grin"factor

[muddyweb]

Been there, done it a few times :-)

Yes, it will go in.
Yes, bring the auto.... it will make the whole thing simpler and more reliable

Use an LT230 transfer box from the Defender and mount it on the original box mounts... set your engine mounts from this.  This will set the engine nicely back in the engine bay and make the tunnel / seat box much easier.

[Miniman]

Dont bother they sup fuel like its going out of fashon and cause you all sorts of problems if not looked after. Stick a 200tdi  or 300tdi then dont put a silencer on it......sounds lovely......

I AM WAITING NOW FOR THE BANG...........

[dew1911]

The 3.5 is a FAR superior engine to the 3.9, so if you want a V8 (And can't afford a Chevy lump) then the 3.5 is a better bet by a long way.

[Henry Webster]

The 3.5 is a FAR superior engine to the 3.9, so if you want a V8 (And can't afford a Chevy lump) then the 3.5 is a better bet by a long way.

Can't think why you would say that, Dew.  The 3.9 is significantly more powerful and no less reliable.  3.5s are probably cheaper, but that's about their only advantage in my eyes.

4.6 is another option - and if you've already decided you can cope with the V8 fuel economy, not much worse.

I like my Tdi (28mpg even with me driving!) in the road car, but wouldn't have anything other than my 3.9 in the racer (15mpg on road about 4 mpg on stage on a standard engine)

[WishIhadaLandy]

But with a LPG conversion it'll be affordable to run, in fact i remember reading that with LPG it works out even more economical than a Tdi! :shock:

[Henry Webster]

Until the government put the tax back on! :lol:

[Miniman]

Most people I have spoken to who have 90L tanks on there V8s still only get about 100 to 120miles to a full tank.......

[WishIhadaLandy]

Most people I have spoken to who have 90L tanks on there V8s still only get about 100 to 120miles to a full tank.......

Is that with an LPG conversion?

Even so its not the actual consumption that goes down, it just works out cheaper because it's half the price.

The reason the tax is so low is because it burns much cleaner so i don't know if they will raise it, unless something comes along which is even better.

[Miniman]

It will rise as its those right honorable gents wages mate.....give it time....Look at Derv now.....

[WishIhadaLandy]

It will rise as its those right honorable gents wages mate

Very true, unfortunately :(

Oh well, i've got a while to think about it yet as i won't be starting this planned poject for at least 3 years anyway!! :D :D