Upgrading classic Range
Discussion
Hello,
I've been thinking of building a 3 door range rover to suit my 'needs'.
I've always been a big fan of the classic Range, and after having a friend's 3.5 EFI 5 speed manual, I was pleasantly surprised by the way it drives.
Although I liked the 5 gears in this car, I found that a manual transmission doesn't really suit the car's character.
Which was somewhat of a suprise to me, since I would have a manual over an auto in practically every car.
This is why I'd like to explore the possibility of building a 3 door car with a 4.6, mated to a more modern 5 or 6 speed auto.
I've been looking whether it would be possible to fit an american 4WD 5 or 5 speed auto transmission, but haven't really found any clear information about such a swap. Might there be any adaptor plates on the market to convert the "Buick" V8 to a modern chevy or ford transmission that's possible to fit in a classic RR chassis?
I'd have no problem in having custom driveshafts etc made to fit a different transfer case.
Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Axel
I've been thinking of building a 3 door range rover to suit my 'needs'.
I've always been a big fan of the classic Range, and after having a friend's 3.5 EFI 5 speed manual, I was pleasantly surprised by the way it drives.
Although I liked the 5 gears in this car, I found that a manual transmission doesn't really suit the car's character.
Which was somewhat of a suprise to me, since I would have a manual over an auto in practically every car.
This is why I'd like to explore the possibility of building a 3 door car with a 4.6, mated to a more modern 5 or 6 speed auto.
I've been looking whether it would be possible to fit an american 4WD 5 or 5 speed auto transmission, but haven't really found any clear information about such a swap. Might there be any adaptor plates on the market to convert the "Buick" V8 to a modern chevy or ford transmission that's possible to fit in a classic RR chassis?
I'd have no problem in having custom driveshafts etc made to fit a different transfer case.
Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Axel
Hi,
Thanks for all the replies.
Whilst searching for a nice donor vehicle, I came across an incredibly sound, low mileage LHD suffix A car, that's unfortunately had a (recent
) 200tdi and a 5speed manual conversion. The car was in exceptional condition otherwise.
Long story short, I bought it and brought the V8 along in the boot.
I now facing the dilemma of putting it back to it's exact factory spec, since it's a suffix A car, or to tastefully upgrade it mechanically anyway.
If I were to upgrade it, I would stick with a manual, since an auto seems out of place in a suffix A, but I think I'd prefer a 5speed with a very low ratio transfer box for relaxed driving.
For the engine, I'm quite tempted to go for a completely new 4.6 with distributor and Weber 500 carb and manifold from Rpi.
Suspension wise, I've been looking into the Harvey Bailey ARB's and shocks that used to be available...
It might be sacrilege to deviate from the originality of this car, but then again, it currently has a 200 Tdi, and surely I'm not the only person who fancies an original looking suffix A car with these upgraded driving capabilities,... or am I?
Any help, guidance, or upgrade tips would be very welcome,
All the best,
Axel
Thanks for all the replies.
Whilst searching for a nice donor vehicle, I came across an incredibly sound, low mileage LHD suffix A car, that's unfortunately had a (recent
) 200tdi and a 5speed manual conversion. The car was in exceptional condition otherwise.Long story short, I bought it and brought the V8 along in the boot.
I now facing the dilemma of putting it back to it's exact factory spec, since it's a suffix A car, or to tastefully upgrade it mechanically anyway.
If I were to upgrade it, I would stick with a manual, since an auto seems out of place in a suffix A, but I think I'd prefer a 5speed with a very low ratio transfer box for relaxed driving.
For the engine, I'm quite tempted to go for a completely new 4.6 with distributor and Weber 500 carb and manifold from Rpi.
Suspension wise, I've been looking into the Harvey Bailey ARB's and shocks that used to be available...
It might be sacrilege to deviate from the originality of this car, but then again, it currently has a 200 Tdi, and surely I'm not the only person who fancies an original looking suffix A car with these upgraded driving capabilities,... or am I?
Any help, guidance, or upgrade tips would be very welcome,
All the best,
Axel
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