Defender 90 TD5, 2.2, or 2.4 real world MPG

[mat205125]

Hi all,

Looking for some idea as to what could be expected for a real world MPG for the above engine options of the more recent Defender 90s

My commute of 25 miles is 80% NSL country roads, and 20% with one junction on the motorway, so no real stop start traffic or hold ups.

Is better than 25mpg likely or possible?

Is 30mpg just a fantasy?

[tight fart]

I don't think I ever made 30mpg in my 110 but it would do over 25mpg on a run.
A 90 TD5 wouldn't be far off 30mpg

[jeremyc]

mat205125 said:

Hi all,

Looking for some idea as to what could be expected for a real world MPG for the above engine options of the more recent Defender 90s

My commute of 25 miles is 80% NSL country roads, and 20% with one junction on the motorway, so no real stop start traffic or hold ups.

Is better than 25mpg likely or possible?

Is 30mpg just a fantasy?

My 90 TD5 returns about 27mpg on longer journeys like yours.

I've never managed to achieve 30mpg though.

[anonymous-user]

If you've got the skills (and you can find a decent one), consider fitting a Discovery transfer box to a Defender for better mpg.
It's a straight swap but the final drive is higher in the Discovery for better motorway work.
Low ratio remains the same so you won't lose any capability there. Only issue is the speedo under-reads a bit.

[Dixy]

Td5 County 90 with a Roverdrive, always driven enthusiastically, nearly 80 thousand miles. 25 mpg started using premium diesel 27mpg. Sad enough to tank test most of the time.

[mat205125]

Crossflow Kid said:

If you've got the skills (and you can find a decent one), consider fitting a Discovery transfer box to a Defender for better mpg.
It's a straight swap but the final drive is higher in the Discovery for better motorway work.
Low ratio remains the same so you won't lose any capability there. Only issue is the speedo under-reads a bit.

Top Tip.

Very interesting.

The tinkering potential for the Defender is something that's very attractive

[The Wookie]

Crossflow Kid said:

If you've got the skills (and you can find a decent one), consider fitting a Discovery transfer box to a Defender for better mpg.
It's a straight swap but the final drive is higher in the Discovery for better motorway work.
Low ratio remains the same so you won't lose any capability there. Only issue is the speedo under-reads a bit.

Speedo runs on the output doesn’t it? I fitted a TD5 gearset to my 2.8i (has a 1.667 normally) and the speedo reads the same

[anonymous-user]

Mine's a TD5 with an LT230 t-box.
All I know is it under-reads on the speedo. Can't remember where the pick up is for the speedo but it's clearly affected.

[anonymous-user]

mat205125 said:

Top Tip.

Very interesting.

The tinkering potential for the Defender is something that's very attractive

It's a really simple job.
Drop the prop shafts and transmission brake, disconnect the diff lock switch cable and the split the two boxes.
The official LR workshop process involves replacing a couple of the mounting bolts with extended studs to support the t-box as it comes off.
Or just have three Shredded Wheat for breakfast.
Biggest challenge is access. I was lucky enough to get mine up on a ramp although I have heard it's possible to do the job from above by removing the seats and seat box tops.