Land Rover Series III with 200tdi engine conversion

[EarlOfHazard]

Hi all,
Does anyone have experience with this conversion. I missed out on a standard 2.25 petrol series III, but there is one available with the tdi. I reckon it would be slightly more noisy, but more powerful and a bit cheaper to run. But then it'll only be a weekend car, so running costs aren't such a consideration.

[EarlOfHazard]

Thanks for the responses. I'm thinking I'll hold out for an original petrol. The one I looked at did have the turbo and I'll worry the gearbox will die

[EarlOfHazard]

bakerstreet said:

EarlOfHazard said:

Thanks for the responses. I'm thinking I'll hold out for an original petrol. The one I looked at did have the turbo and I'll worry the gearbox will die

If you are fretting about things like that, then maybe a series Land Rover isn't the car for you.

The gearbox design is fairly ancient and the syrncro can go on the lower gears and that is with the standard petrol or diesel engine. However, the gearboxes can go for years with even a 300tdi engine bolted in. Unfortauntly I have been unlucky and mine pops out of second gear

The prices of the 200tdi engines have got silly now, so if its a reasonable price, ten I would snap it up. Remember that Defender production officially ends this year and prices of series 2/2A/3 will go up. Engine conversions are common in series Land Rovers and if you want to retain value, then the Land Rover conversions are always preferred (IE. Rover V8, 200 TDI or 300tdi). 200 is easier as it used the same engine mounts and you can re-use the manifolds.

If you buy a series diesel, then chances are you will want to convert it after your first long journey , so save your self soe grief and buy one all ready converted. People are commanding £500-£700 for a 200tdi engine now and that will only go up as people look to upgrade their old Defenders.

Ok that's food for thought. I'm not sure if a non converted would retain its value more. To put it in to context: I missed out on one a couple of weeks ago- it was a petrol 109. It sold for more that's being asked for a similar specced 109 with a 200tdi engine, that at present remains unsold. Still like you day, it could just be a timing issue and will be desirable in the future.

[EarlOfHazard]

bakerstreet said:

EarlOfHazard said:

Ok that's food for thought. I'm not sure if a non converted would retain its value more. To put it in to context: I missed out on one a couple of weeks ago- it was a petrol 109. It sold for more that's being asked for a similar specced 109 with a 200tdi engine, that at present remains unsold. Still like you day, it could just be a timing issue and will be desirable in the future.

The series 3 diesel engine is crap. Noisy, slow and not very economical. They said they had 55bhp when they new in the, so I'm guessing that most don't have that now.

The petrol engines are much more desirable on the used market. A decent 200tdi conversion shouldn't affect the value. In my opinion a 200tdi conversion would be worth more than the standard diesel car.

People say colour isn't a factor, but I personally think it is. A decent marine blue petrol will go for good money.

Good aftermarket mods to look out for are overdrive, delux seats and maybe a cubby box where the centre seat usually is. Having removed my old leaf springs, I would also try and find one with parabolics fitted too. The springs are a real pig to remove and refit. Decent parabolics cost £300 for set from GB Springs. For safety, I would also advise three point inertia seat belts.

I bought mine when I think Series 3s were at their lowest value. I think you have to spend £1.5-£2k for a decent one now and I'd expect that to go up too.

The 2 that I was looking at were both £4k and over; but then they were genuine Countys. The 200tdi converted has sold now too.

[EarlOfHazard]

I've just bought an 88' series 3 petrol !!!
Can't wait to pick it up, pics to follow.

[EarlOfHazard]

2.25 petrol County. So it has mod cons such as: inertia reel seat belts, and door cards .
I plan to slowly restore her as she's a bit shabby in areas.

[EarlOfHazard]

bakerstreet said:

EarlOfHazard said:

2.25 petrol County. So it has mod cons such as: inertia reel seat belts, and door cards .
I plan to slowly restore her as she's a bit shabby in areas.

That's a lovely looking example. Rear windows make them so much brighter inside and easier to maneuver too.

Bodywork looks quite straight. Whats the interior like? If the dash and the speedo work, then you are in good shape

Seeing a pic of yours has encouraged me to go and get the seat belt mounts on mine sorted, so I can get her through her MOT

After that, it will be time to remove the roof and get the window panels in. I've only had the widow panels for two years now!

The interior is pretty good, the dash is complete, and the seats are like new. She needs new door tops, and front door cards.
First things first are a conclusive inspection underneath to make sure she not completely rotten, and if not a complete service is needed. I'm going to flush the radiator and replace all the hoses and vaccum lines.
Planned mods are:

Parabolic spring and dampers (probably Rocky Mountain)
Electronic ignition
Engine mods to get a bit more power - she's ok at the moment, but by raising the CR and changing the carb, you can liberate some horsies making her better in traffic. Also, she's so original that I don't want to change to a modern diesel unit. I like the sound of the petrol unit anyway.

I'll probably start a reader's car tab, so will provide updates as and when..