engine change

[Landycyprus]

Would you recommend reconditioning a knackered 2.25 diesel engine on a series 3 or replacing with something like a 2litre TDI from a defender?  If the latter, is it seriously doable without massive alteration?

[Chicken Drumstick]

33 minutes ago, Landycyprus said:

Would you recommend reconditioning a knackered 2.25 diesel engine on a series 3 or replacing with something like a 2litre TDI from a defender?  If the latter, is it seriously doable without massive alteration?

Depends what you want really. If originality matters then the original will be the way to go. 
 

However if you want usability and increased performance there are other options. 
 

A 200Tdi is a pretty swap in. Lots of guides online. These are nice engines (2.5 litre). Only down side is lack of refinement and noise. Although the 2.25d isn’t exactly silent…. but you will need to make decisions on things like steering, intercooler, brakes and maybe gearbox. 
 

The older 19j TD is also just as easy to retrofit. Smoother and more refined than the Tdi. But less power and a reputation of more issues. 
 

A 300Tdi is also ab option. But more work than a 200. 
 

Lots of other options too. Rover V8 is a nice option if you aren’t doing big mileages. And I always fancied putting a 2.0 litre petrol T-Series in as used in the Mpi Discovery. 
 

 

[FridgeFreezer]

A lot depends on what you can legally do locally - some engine swaps may be easier than others.

The 2.25d is not renowned as a brilliant engine, however it is solid, reliable, and very simple. The 2.25 petrol is better, in good condition it's a great lump and runs like a sewing machine.

The later 2.5 versions are also good bets, the 2.5D was a pretty solid old hector and an easy bolt-in.

TDi swaps are a fair bit more work, which can ruin the originality, plus they're all quite old engines now too. Maybe worthwhile if you're planning on doing lots of miles or going travelling long distance.

For low mileage a V8 swap is a good option, you lose a bit of fuel economy (maybe not so much over the 2.25) but gain a ton of driveability and general fun.

It depends on a lot of factors - what you need the vehicle to do, budget, skill level, what's legal & available locally, etc.

[Arjan]

Also to consider is for the vehicle to be LHD or RHD.

 

2.5 N/A in a SWB Series is a very nice engine

[Gazzar]

Or rebuild your current diesel as a petrol engine? 

[Landycyprus]

11 hours ago, Arjan said:

Also to consider is for the vehicle to be LHD or RHD.

 

2.5 N/A in a SWB Series is a very nice engine

why is LHD or RHD a factor in the decision?

 

[Arjan]

LHD Series are less easy for full 200 / 300 Tdi conversions as steering components are sometimes in the way

[Snagger]

55 minutes ago, Arjan said:

LHD Series are less easy for full 200 / 300 Tdi conversions as steering components are sometimes in the way

Yep, the steering on LHD vehicles is where the TDI turbo charger and ducting want to be.  If you change to PAS at the same time, it can help, but it’s more cost and work.

[Maverik]

If going TDI I would go 300.

Parts for 200's are becoming much harder to find and prices more expensive.

[Bigj66]

V8

[Nonimouse]

I take it you are in Cyprus. So long distance motorway driving isn't an issue, but spares and reliability are...

Depending on how much you want to do, options include VW 1.9Tdi, various Merc Diesels, Peugeot 1.9 XRD, Mazda 2.0 and 2.5 TD

If you can get the parts and were happy with the OE, then rebuild it - but bigger bore exhaust and tweak the pump