To Tdi Or To V6/lpg?

[MarkieB]

The more I think on it, [+ the more fuel prices rise] the more it seems the V6 lpg idea could be more feasible. A conversion plate, engine mountings, fuel system; there are people selling brand new Ford V6 2.8 engines for ~ a grand.

My questions really are who's put a V6 in their Land Rover, what kind of fuel consumption do they give, [hope it compares favourably with a 200tdi] is it better than V8; is a V6 as good as a tdi for pulling a heavy crate? V8 sounds good for power, although just a touch too juicy, even on lpg.

[white90]

A V6 lump weighs twice a V8 or very nearly, power curve would be unsuitable and crappy compared to a 200TDI

I haven't had one but remember the V6 essex and cologne well from previous vehicle life.

[MarkieB]

I owned a Bronco II once, that had a [2.7 I think] Cologne in that went nicely, although a bit juicily, the only trouble being the transmission wasn't set up for it, everyone who knew them badmouthed the auto box. Heavy, though, you say? Hmm.

[MarkieB]

so, does a V8 weigh much less than the 2.5 n/a lump, then I may have to consider a 3.5.

All else being equal, the power of a V8 + the peaceful drive, at a generally lower initial capital price [before lpg] than the 200tdi, possibly makes it worthwhile. As everyone who's got or had one seems to say, it puts the smile on your face

The only hassle being that changing the fueling system, then in case of teething trouble, I couldn't simply swap back temporarily while fixing it.

Now that the archives have gone, there's all the questions to answer here, so I may as well put the questions rather than searching other sites:

would I be right in thinking that all Rover V8's could match to a V8 LT77 / are there other manual gearbox options; that I could put a V8 from a rangie [especially] or from a disco in [plus changing the engine mountings, plus a suitable gearbox] without an adaptor plate?

[Millsy]

Go V8.

If you are doing it properly don't bother with a LT77. They are not the strongest. You would need a adapter plate to keep your current gearbox (and modify the bulkhead), as you say a V8 LT77 from a Range Rover will mate up and if you get a "long stick" gearbox from a 1984/85 RR the gearlevers will be in the same place as they are now.

What I would do is either

- Use a 4 speed LT95 from a Range Rover with a overdrive - virtually bombproof.

- Splash out on a 5 speed LT85 (aka the Santana box) as used in the factory V8's.

- Fit a 4 speed auto from a Range Rover - Mark90 is currently doing this and a few others here probably already have.

The noise alone makes it worthwhile. B)