308 into a 1980 rangie. good or bad?

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

hi im thinking of an engine transplant into my range rover and wondering if many have done this conversion and peoples ideas on it? Im thinking of putting a 308 into it but not sure what problems im going to get if any?

Joined: 29 May 2003 Location: hidin frm da wiminz!!!

Only down side I see with the 308 & 350 etc etc is weight.
edit: and fuel consumption would be worse.

A ls1 or ls2 would be pretty sweet Very Happy

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

yeah an ls1/2 would be fantastic but then your going from a conversion costing around $2000 DIY to something in the region of $15000 not sure its really worth it although it would be very nice

Joined: 26 Oct 2002 Location: Geelong

HSV Rangie the story:
Part 1 repower.

Car: 1986 Highline RR Caspian blue.

3.5 lt Rover V8 EFI.

LT77 5 speed.

LT230 t/case 1.192-1 high range.

3.32-1 low range.

3.54 Diffs.

Range Rover alloys 7x16 fitted with 205 Michelins.

Purchase condition: clean tidy with around 150K on the clock.

Had LPG duel fuel conversion fitted (what a PIA that was) very unreliable.

Fitted a set of peco star (real ones) white spoke wheels (100mm back space) with 31*10R15 mud terrains, these required the guards to be trimmed so I fitted a set of Rangie spares flare kit, at the same time fitting a set of 220x17 lb springs to the rear and swapping the rear springs into the front this gave a 50mm lift. Removed bouge unit.

In this guise it performed its duties well enough, all its problems can be attributed to the gas conversion (crap never again).

Playing on a track near the slate mine up the Howqua track near Jamieson.

On road absolutely brilliant to drive just gutless.
Off road it performs very well on all trips easily surpasses toys nissans ect in its ability and comfort.

But its limits were soon found.
Speedo now reads 250K after a few years.
The time to improve this RR has arrived.

Why modify this one and not purchase new:

1: New RR at that time 130K.

2: New Toy L/c 50-70K.

3: New Nissan Patrol 40-60K.

4: I own it.

The above options while sound were expensive and they still would not achieve what I wanted, all would need at least 10-15K spent on them after purchase.

So I decided that spending 10-20K on it would give the car I want and be many $ in front of a new purchase.

What mods should be entailed.

1: Performance severely lacking, gutless on road, hates towing, need a week and many Ks of clear road to overtake a car also the legendary RR fuel economy.

Engine replace or rebuild:

The options:

Petrol:

Rebuild RR engine.

Upgrade to 3.9, 4.2, 4.6, 5.0 and all the way to 5.2 lts.

4.6 drive in drive out $11-13K.

5Lt 250KW ,mmmmmmmmm 12 K for engine.

5.2 lt almost 300 KW $20K for engine. This I wanted just expensive.

Holden engines 5Lt torque to far up rev range for what I wanted.

Chev 350 almost made it torque perfect about $5.5K new engine.

LT1 Gen 3 $6.5K but from the info I could find torque was to far up rev range and no conversion kit available bell housing bolt pattern is different.

Then noticed an add for a HSV 215 (stroked 308) 355 CI.
Research determined that the specs were:

215 KW @ 4800.

475 NM @ 3600 with 400NM available @ 1200rpm. (Now I’m smiling at this)

Diesels well I just couldn’t. (ones I thought about, 6.5 chev, LR tdi, 4lt BMW 6 cyl)

The 215 was on sale for $6.5K new crate motor comes with comp, clutch, exhausts and starter.

The 215 Holden I ordered.

Let the works begin:

Other items needed to make engine run.

Wiring loom: (new Holden VT engine loom).

Ignition module:

O2 sensors x2:

W/pump pulley:

Crank pullies:

Hi volume high pressure fuel pump (HSV std Item)

The above items including engine purchased from Bay City Holden Frankston. (very very Helpful with all info required)

Power steering pump: S/Hand from VS V8.

Alternator 120 amp: new from Enhanced Auto electrics Dandenong also all wiring.

Speed sensor and speedo correction, Howard Instruments Geelong.

The conversion:

Conversion kit Marks 4x4 adaptors: (hmmmmmmmmmmmmm)

Adaptor kit from marks 4x4:

Fitted perfect, but small print in instructions say temporally fit engine, note where distributor hits fire wall, remove engine and panel beat fire wall to fit. NO, Remove engine and move gearbox forward 25mm solved all clearance problems, at the same time gave it a 50mm body lift. And not one sender/sensor adaptor they provided was of any use.

ECU fitted up under dash shouldn’t get wet up here.

ECU problems:

After fitting engine and ecu Marks tell me I will need a body control module and speed sensor. BCM $750.00 not amused, off to HSV dealer talk to him and technician Yep need BCM but Tech says he can reprogram chip says will just delete the requirement for BCM and anything else not required. $150.00 Done. Should have had him raise KW to 250 (soon).

Engine fits in perfect now:

Manifolds Exhaust: Had std HSV VT manifolds left side fit perfect, right side straight through chasy. Find another manifold to suit now all is well. HPC coated should hell keep under body temp down.

Exhaust is 75mm mandrel bent, with full flow 75mm cat fitted.

Supplied and fitted by Johnny mac exhausts.

Radiator:

New aluminium radiator from Race Radiators Dandenong.

This radiator lasted 12 months not happy here, used the corrosion inhibitor recommended by race rads and Holden, leaks around both the inlet and outlet looks like cracked welds or epoxy to me, Just down $800.00 and no one admits fault.

Would not recommend an aluminium rad now.

Currently have stock rover rad back in car with temporary pipes made up, will fit rad from Aussie desert coolers ASAP. $450.00.

Cooling taken care of by Ford EL electric fans. To date there have been no cooling issues, these fans are brilliant. Highly recommend.

Hoses: Bottom VT V8 perfect, Top: Vt V8 perfect.

Sump:

Required a rear drop pan, purchased s/hand H/Q sump removed windage tray from original sump fitted to H/Q but not happy with oil retention on inclines. Speak to High Energy Oil Pans Dandenong, Get a Pro Eliminator Sump made up full windage tray, baffles and trap door. (Overkill but I have no oil starvation issues)

Power steering:

Std holden pump and mount from VS engine.
Had to raise mount and move back aprox 25mm now uses middle pulley on crank.
Fitted to Std location with only these mods to bracket.

Alternator.

From Holden had to fab new mounts as the std mounts used front pulley on crank and would not allow access to A/C drive. So moved Alt to use rear crank pulley.

A/C: Fab mount in conjunction with Alt bracket. Now drives off front of crank.

AC plumbing and regas by Advanced auto elec Dandy.

Fuel Pump:

Kept R/R intank pump as it is similar to Holden unit. HSV run 2 pumps with this engine so fitted HSV pump at right rear wheel made cover to protect from mud etc Run new heavy wire to front connecting to both pumps.

Engine mounts:
Supplied Marks 4x4. Uses R/R engine mounts, but should fit V12 jag ones.

Air cleaner:
Modified RR unit to increase air flow not happy with it. (looks terrible) Will fab S/S unit to take Std holden V8 air cleaner element. Also building 2 snorkels to supply air. (Still not done).

Finally all is fitted and the time comes to start engine.

Engine is turned over for 5 mins until oil is seen in Rockers.

Coil is hooked up.

Turn key and it launches into life smiles all around. Damn it sounds good.

We let it run and watch temps climb then the elec fans cut in things looking good.

Put it into gear no crunches all works smoothly slowly release clutch and we have movement smiles again, backwards forwards in the shed.

First drive!!!!!!

Out the doors, turn left down Hammond Rd, plant the foot and my god!! the power this thing has is unbelievable, performance all through the rev range pulls away from 30ks in O/D just accelerates niceeeeeee. Far better than I ever thought.

Problems:

Gear box is noisy wont last long. hopefully 6-12 months. NOPE 3.

Decide to fit R380 none available at the time next option is a ZF 4 speed auto duly purchased and fitted so smooth to drive.

Trip to Shepparton average about 25 mpg at 110-120. Excellent.

Never let anyone convince that rovers have adequate power THEY DON’T.

Power, performance and economy solved.

Now

2: Suspension mods in progress details soon.

3: Drive line mods in progress details soon.

As it now stands:

Repowered.
Now an auto ZF.
4.3 diffs.
Transfer now 1.1-1.
Tyres Silverstone MT117 35 inch or BFG 265/75/16 at.

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

HSV this all sounds well and good but bloody expensive like all i want big power,torque and want it really cheap. It has a p76 engine in it and it goes well but the fuel gauge moves quicker than the tacho hence i need something different, reliable and easy on my wallet, honestly im not too sure what to go for?

Joined: 31 May 2006 Location: Bellarine, Brackistan

350 Chev on gas in front of an auto..........3 or 4 speed. Secondhand for less dollars & pretty indestructible.

Mine on gas costs about the same to run as a Magna on petrol. Love driving it.

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

Im going to put whatever i buy onto gas but how much are you talking for a 350 with all the bracketry to suit

Joined: 26 Oct 2002 Location: Geelong

stick a 350 chev in it.

put it on gas and all is good.

if running dual fuel DONT use a holley fit a rochy Qjet.

Michael.

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

How much to buy a 350 and wheres the best place to get one from?

Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Location: Dandenong Ranges

Ye Old Rangie,

If you are interested in doing a 308, i am sort of wrecking a Schuler which had RED 308 fitted, very good conversions.

I drove it into a bog hole at excessive speed and drowned it. Towed it home dried it out and up she started, about a week later driving along after pressure washing her, she started belching huge amounts of white smoke.

I tried to sort it out couldn't, so i gave up.

PM me if you are interested in talking to me. The Rangie is in the Dandenong Ranges.

Steve

Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Location: brisvagas

HSV rangie, have you done any mods to the ZF?

how long has it been in and how is it holding up?

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

like as a guestimate? how long would my manual box last with a 308 or thinking maybe 5ltr now? honestly any advice from whoever as done a conversion in a rangie classic is helping me

Joined: 31 May 2006 Location: Bellarine, Brackistan

Hi,

LT 95 will last behind anything. That's what was in mine when I bought it. Now has a 1981 Ritter C9 conversion that uses the TC from an LT 95. Accelerates harder than the manual due to the multiplier effect of the torque convertor. Great to drive on or off road.

Cloughy had a used Chev for about $1200 (???) that's been sold, and the Ritter conversions go for about $500 ish. Finding a wreck with what you want is the cheapest way forward.

Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Location: Yinnar South, Vic

DL wrote:

Hi,

LT 95 will last behind anything. That's what was in mine when I bought it. Now has a 1981 Ritter C9 conversion that uses the TC from an LT 95. Accelerates harder than the manual due to the multiplier effect of the torque convertor. Great to drive on or off road.

Cloughy had a used Chev for about $1200 (???) that's been sold, and the Ritter conversions go for about $500 ish. Finding a wreck with what you want is the cheapest way forward.

I ain't got diddly at the moment Crying or Very sad

Last one went in this

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/52373-350-95-disco.html

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

yeah not sure what to get now i need an engine and would like to sell my p76 if anyones interested before the car goes to the auto elecs

Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Location: here and there

I can get hold of a wrecked rangie with a 308 black motor fitted to an auto.(3 speed I think). has everthing needed, quady, electronic iginition, headers, power steer pump, engine mounts etc. might be able to get an alum radiator to suit also from this same conversion). Engine has big $$$ spent on it but has not been run for a fair while now. It came off the road because the transfer case (it was an unusual one - not sure what it was - maybe a Schuler) couldnt handle the power - stripped splines and the owner walked away from it.

I could put it all on a pallet if you arranged freight. $1500 for the engine with all accessories, autobox and transfer.

Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Location: A.C.T

what about a soarer engine, light, most of the engines have low ks, about the same size and can be found pretty cheap and can make some good power if you run psi in them.

there was a import guy on ebay selling engines, auto box,computer, loom, alt for $1250 buy now price

its the engine i'll put in mine if it ever dies

Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Location: Toowoomba

Gen 3s are going for $1500-2500 if you look hard enough (ebay etc). Remap computer to the 300kw....Sounds hard to beat.

Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Location: Yinnar South, Vic

zook4fun wrote:

, about the same size

Ever looked at one?

Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Location: Sydney Australia

I've had the Lexus/Soarer engine in my Rangie for around 3 years.

Plenty of grunt, pulls better down low than the old 4.6 Rangie and returns around 18mpg on the freeway.

Tight fit but I think but certainly worth it.

That said I'm now re-powering with a supercharged Lexus that should see around 600+HP and piss poor fuel economy!

Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Location: A.C.T

i ment in cc they are 4.2l

Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Location: Yinnar South, Vic

zook4fun wrote:

i ment in cc they are 4.2l

1UZ-FE is 4l

If I do another petrol conversion on my own rover, it'll be gen 3, nothing else Wink

Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Location: Yinnar South, Vic

zuffen wrote:

I've had the Lexus/Soarer engine in my Rangie for around 3 years.

Plenty of grunt, pulls better down low than the old 4.6 Rangie and returns around 18mpg on the freeway.

Tight fit but I think but certainly worth it.

That said I'm now re-powering with a supercharged Lexus that should see around 600+HP and piss poor fuel economy!

That's cause 4.6's suck for Hp along with all Rover motors armsup

Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Location: melbourne

yeah gen 3 would be nice but no one does an adaptor plate to suit do they? Im just gonna try and pick a good 308 up i think and buy a kit from marks 4wd, im just gonna stick with carby too i think injection is a little too much f@#king around.

Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Location: Yinnar South, Vic

Ye Olde Rangie wrote:

yeah gen 3 would be nice but no one does an adaptor plate to suit do they? Im just gonna try and pick a good 308 up i think and buy a kit from marks 4wd, im just gonna stick with carby too i think injection is a little too much f@#king around.

Wouldn't buy a marks kit new, just buy a rangie with a chev in it, much cheaper

Gen 3 is chev/turbo block pattern and engine mounts are easy made

EFI gives a FAR bettr end result if starting from scratch

Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Location: mornington pen

Ye Olde Rangie wrote:

yeah gen 3 would be nice but no one does an adaptor plate to suit do they? Im just gonna try and pick a good 308 up i think and buy a kit from marks 4wd, im just gonna stick with carby too i think injection is a little too much f@#king around.

Easiest way is to buy a turbo 700/ LT 95 conversion, bolt that in and your chev/holden/gen3 will bolt straight to it. Just happens that i have one in my shed that is up for grabs if you interested, just needs a converter. $1.5k Smile

Auto and transfer was recoed 5000k ago. Cool

Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Location: Toowoomba

$4000 6.0 270kw crate motor
http://www.letsgocruisin.com.au/special-offer01.html

1UZ lexus v8 ebay $650+

Another lexus v8 $500

5 litre holden $650

403 chev + turbo 400 $35+ Laughing

Nissan VH45 $2k in front cut

Rebuilt 454 chev $2500

Gen III LS1 $2750, seen cheaper...

Gen 3 Senator $1500, manifold elsewhere for $200

And the ecu for the 300kw tune $100+

Joined: 26 Oct 2002 Location: Geelong

def90 wrote:

HSV rangie, have you done any mods to the ZF?

how long has it been in and how is it holding up?

no mods .

when it dies it will get the treatmnent.

Michael.

Joined: 29 May 2003 Location: hidin frm da wiminz!!!

hmm 6L....

Joined: 10 Feb 2005 Location: Gold Coast QLD

Aww yeah

Thinking of putting the 5.7 out of my VYSS in my Rangie.. then get a crate 6.0 300kw and throw in SS :-)

Only things to change on the 5.7 would be the sump and exhaust manifolds yeah? guessing the 5.7 would be too much for the ZF.. thinking just a T400 or 700

Camo