I'd eventually like to get a modern diesel in my Defender as opposed to the 300Tdi I've got in there now. I've been hoping for the Ford motor offered in Europe to make it's way into a US vehicle, which then makes it's way into an accident, a junk yard, and subsequently my garage.
I was hoping the Ford Transit van would bring it here, but in the North America market they've only offered the 3.2L (which I'm thinking is too big). If the 2.2 was offered it seems like it would be a nice diesel upgrade with a minimum of custom adapters required (as it's the same motor used in Eurospec Defenders) but maybe this will just not happen.
That said, the wiring/computer control would be a challenge for sure, but diesels are still less complicated than gasoline ECUs and I'd be able to get a fully 'modern' (-ish) Defender experience in the US.
Has anyone else been thinking about a project like this? Just curious.
It would still be a bunch of work and be very expensive, assuming you can find someone that is capable of getting the ECU to run separate from the original vehicle.
Why not do the Cummins ISF2.8? Lots of power and torque. Brand new, warranty, and a factory supported standalone ECU. should not be any more work to fit than anything else. Price is not out yet, but I doubt it would be more than the option you are proposing.
I didn't know about the Cummins ISF2.8. I imagine that's not a cheap drop-in though if it's new/crate/etc. Googled it. I do like the 50-state emissions legal part and it would be a solid power upgrade. Now I'd also need a new transmission and custom adapter too. Nice looking powerplant.
My 300tdi is tired and will need a rebuild before too long - maybe later this year / over the winter. I was considering installing the VNT kit and doing the rebuild, but thinking about options.
I can find 2.2 TDCis in Europe for $2500 (plus shipping) and was imagining that no custom adapter would be needed. Also, it's what is installed in Defenders in Europe so it would be kind-of "stock" ish... yah know, pure Landy, for whatever that's worth.
Going with a 2.2 is still going to be big undertaking, it's not just an easy nut and bolt swap. Also not EPA certified. And it's not like it's a Land Rover engine- it's a ford.
This has been on my mind. I have a 2013 2.2 Puma 110 here in Europe. Whilst not anemic, it is no barn burner. Of course, this is autobahn driving. How often do you cruise at 90MPH in the USA? Off road, there is decent grunt to get over most terrain.
Yes Bell (BAS) and Twisted have both done this, and if a Puma swap, the trail has been blazed, the hard parts done, the code written for ECU remap. So it is not a one-off proposition. Getting all the Puma functions to work (dash, ABS, traction control) was probably code intensive and a large development cost.
Ford sells a crate motor 3.2, either new or reconditioned. I assume this is EPA for at lest 49? Under $5K. Transit Gearbox has some beefed up guts to handle the extra power of what is known here as 3.2 Puma, so factor that in. If you are putting one in a non-Tdci Defender you would also need to sort all fuel lines and tank pump etc making sure they are compatable with the new engine.
Judicious parts gathering for eBay UK and UK breakers should make getting the right parts doable for US guys.
I have been meaning to email Pete Bell and ask what the loom he is rumoured to have goes for.
------ Follow up post added February 26th, 2017 12:55 AM ------
The Rover V8 is also not a Rover engine, to be technical.
The 3.2 conversion fell out of favor quickly in Europe and they were working with tdci spec Defenders. Too much modification was needed to fit the bigger motor. Most of the tuning shops are now installing Corvette engines.
The 300tdi is reliable and should add value to your Defender in the US--not the expert on that, but it would be my guess. No point switching in my opinion and certainly not on an NAS truck to a tdci engine.
If you are answering my question I think we crossed lines here, I was referring to the cost of the ISF2.8 power-up crate motor. I don't think it's available yet, but I was wondering if any pricing had been released. I didn't see any online.
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