Re-building a Series 3....but which engine?

**Crispyduck** · #1 26 Mar 2001

Hi,
I'm currently undertaking the full re-build of a Series 3 109" for a charitable fund-raising trip to north and central Africa early next year. It's very likely that some of the journey will involve going off-road and I'm trying to decide which engine would be suitable to fit, knowing that the previous 2.25 petrol was vastly underpowered for the job. They'll be quite a load on board - our own kit and some supplies for schoolchildren and the destitute, so a bit more power will certainly be needed in the harsh terrain. Any recommendations of an easy fit that will solve the problem?

Thanks

PS. If anyone fancies donating some parts for the re-build in return for advertising logos on the vehicle, we'd only be too happy to hear from you!!

**Chris Scott** · #2 27 Mar 2001

Stick with the standard engine - well known in Africa - and don't overload it (also well known in Africa!) is my advice.

Chris S

**GWJ** · #3 3 Apr 2001

Hello,
We are now in Ghana traveling in a LRO 109 ambulance 2.25 liter diesel!
Even the diesel is good enough to do it, just take it easy!
Even in Sahara it went very well!
Our LRO weight is even 3160 kilos!
See our up to date website about our Landrover and journey.
If you have any Questions? Leave your message on our site www.deprobeurzen.nl/crossingafrica.html

P.S. Diesel is much cheaper here and african people start laughing if you tell them you're traveling in a petrol Landrover!

Hope to hear from you!

Angela and Mike!

**Pete** · #4 3 Apr 2001

Crispyduck
I have almost the same problem stick to petrol or change to diesel. If you want to change the current engine to diesel.You will need a 2.25 diesel head (2.5 heads are virtually non existent) Series 3 2.25 Injector pump (2.5 Pump is non-existent)2.5L Diesel pistons and conrods (petrol pistons and conrods cannot handle the compression ratio)2.25 or 2.5 Diesel Cam Tappet cover
Vaccum pump other funny bits. As far as I know you might even have to change something on the ratios on the difs. Next option would be getting a complete "new" diesel engine. Please let me know how it goes and what you have decided on.
Pete

**GWJ** · #5 24 Apr 2001

Pete, DO NOT USE the petrol crankshaft in a diesel application. It is cast whereas the diesel one is forged.Although they are the same size etc.It will break when the going gets tough.
Crispy Duck, as Chris says, the standard engine is perfectly capable, very reliable and easily understood/repaired and many parts available from the unlikliest of scources.The majority of series Landrover used by the locals are 4 cylinder petrol.
If you try to use an alternative engine, you may end up with non standard parts and the possibility of unreliability. Extra power means extra strain on the transmission and axles. Avoid overloading, take it steady and have a great time.

**Peter Tolebjer** · #6 25 Apr 2001

I bought a S3 in South Africa and traveled around southern Africa for 6 months. It had a Perkins 4236 engine. It was a great engine, never a single problem, very good milage but..25 000km and 4 gearboxes later I couldnt afford to go all the way up to Sweden. Stick to standard engines.
Peter Tolebjer

**ctc** · #7 25 Apr 2001

Not on the subject of engines, but I gather parabolic springs greatly enhance the ride on a Series three. May also be worth your while.

**GWJ** · #8 26 Apr 2001

I have a 200 Tdi in my Series 2a Carawagon mated to the five speed box with a GKN overdrive. Cruising at 70 mph and getting a steady 26 to the gallon takes some beating. I've knocked up 30,000 miles with this setup in North Africa and don't begrudge a penny of the investment. Plus its made the Land Rover more saleable should I decide to flog it.
My brother has paranormals fitted to his Series 3 and raves about them. Hope this is of some use.
Toby