BMW V12 into a P38 Range Rover
Discussion
I'm pondering on the possibilities of this conversion. I have a 4.6 P38 with a few miles on it now and happen to have a good BMW V12 engine sitting in my workshop doing nothing. Anyone heard of such a conversion? I guess the engine would bolt straight onto the existing gearbox as it is the same box as used in the 750/850. I suspect the sump clearance may prove a problem. Just throwing it open to ideas and opinions. I reckon it'd be a good match in terms of characteristics.
I think that the BMW V12 uses a ZF 5HP30 whereas the P38 uses a 4HP22. The 5HP30 is a very big transmission, that may not actually fit in a P38 without major surgery.
The 4HP22 or for that matter 4HP24 would not have the torque capacity for the V12 so you would need to upgrade the transmission.
If you really want V12 power your best bet is to convert to manual transmission - I think what you want is an NVG 3500 or 4500 from a Dodge pick-up truck - it is basically a Getrag 290 with a transfer case.
The 4HP22 or for that matter 4HP24 would not have the torque capacity for the V12 so you would need to upgrade the transmission.
If you really want V12 power your best bet is to convert to manual transmission - I think what you want is an NVG 3500 or 4500 from a Dodge pick-up truck - it is basically a Getrag 290 with a transfer case.
GavinPearson said:
I think that the BMW V12 uses a ZF 5HP30 whereas the P38 uses a 4HP22. The 5HP30 is a very big transmission, that may not actually fit in a P38 without major surgery.
The 4HP22 or for that matter 4HP24 would not have the torque capacity for the V12 so you would need to upgrade the transmission.
The BMW 850 uses a 4HP24. I have the gearbox to match the engine. It certainly doesnt struggle to cope with the 850 torque. They have a reputation for excellent longevity. From external observation, it looks like it would bolt straight on to the Range Rover transfer box.The 4HP22 or for that matter 4HP24 would not have the torque capacity for the V12 so you would need to upgrade the transmission.
eliot said:
Intersting conversion. I'm interested in how you get the BECM to understand/ignore the engine. I know there is a way of sending ffff to the becm (or was it the ecu) to disable the imobiliser - but does it still expect to see the engine?
I'm assuming its possible, simply because Overfinch manage it with the Chevy engine. Its just this kind of problem that I need feedback about!rev-erend said:
Sounds like a whole lot of hastle .. why not just refurbish the current engine .. it will be a lot cheaper and easier.
Cheaper - probably. Easier - oh yes... and a bit boring ....I just fancied a bit of a challenge and something different. I love that V12 (I have two other 850's) and I reckon the massive torque would really suit the Range Rover. Its not that heavy an engine and gives such an easy, effortless 300+bhp.
Its just an idea at the moment!
Talkwrench said:
eliot said:
Intersting conversion. I'm interested in how you get the BECM to understand/ignore the engine. I know there is a way of sending ffff to the becm (or was it the ecu) to disable the imobiliser - but does it still expect to see the engine?
I'm assuming its possible, simply because Overfinch manage it with the Chevy engine. Its just this kind of problem that I need feedback about!http://www.swiftcomm.co.uk/alt4/
But its slow and you have to keep refreshing your browser to get anything back - but if you dig around, there is good information on there.
Talkwrench said:
GavinPearson said:
I think that the BMW V12 uses a ZF 5HP30 whereas the P38 uses a 4HP22. The 5HP30 is a very big transmission, that may not actually fit in a P38 without major surgery.
The 4HP22 or for that matter 4HP24 would not have the torque capacity for the V12 so you would need to upgrade the transmission.
The BMW 850 uses a 4HP24. I have the gearbox to match the engine. It certainly doesnt struggle to cope with the 850 torque. They have a reputation for excellent longevity. From external observation, it looks like it would bolt straight on to the Range Rover transfer box.The 4HP22 or for that matter 4HP24 would not have the torque capacity for the V12 so you would need to upgrade the transmission.
Only joking.
You may find you need to change the output shaft of the BMW box as they tend to have different lengths when coupling to a 4x4 transfer box.
As I said before, I think the bigger challenge will be sorting the electronics out - the ZF boxes can be controlled by an aftermarket controller and you could even megasquirt the BMW engine if you couldn't get that to run with the factory ECU.
But the BECM needs an engine signal - It may be a pretty simple. Would be nice to find out how overfinch got the chevy engine working in the P38 - I doubt ther'e going to tell you directly though.
I've made a couple of adapters to get GM autoboxes into range rover classic LT230's without too many problems:
TH350 to LT230:
www.mez.co.uk/chevyupgradeadapter.html
TH700R4 to LT230:
www.mez.co.uk/Chevy700r4.html
4L80e / TH400 adapter:
www.mez.co.uk/4l80e-1.html
As I said before, I think the bigger challenge will be sorting the electronics out - the ZF boxes can be controlled by an aftermarket controller and you could even megasquirt the BMW engine if you couldn't get that to run with the factory ECU.
But the BECM needs an engine signal - It may be a pretty simple. Would be nice to find out how overfinch got the chevy engine working in the P38 - I doubt ther'e going to tell you directly though.
I've made a couple of adapters to get GM autoboxes into range rover classic LT230's without too many problems:
TH350 to LT230:
www.mez.co.uk/chevyupgradeadapter.html
TH700R4 to LT230:
www.mez.co.uk/Chevy700r4.html
4L80e / TH400 adapter:
www.mez.co.uk/4l80e-1.html
Boosted LS1 said:
eliot said:
Well its slightly longer and a little larger. Why not use a 4l80e, 4 speed, lockup and you can use a controller with it.
Having loked around your site it's certainly an option. I just need to know it'll fit. A t56 fits but only just.I can measure any critical points on the 4l80e that I have in the shed - TH400 will be smaller.
Another O/T reply for you! When I worked for Overfinch about 10 years ago (only in the parts dept, nothing exciting!) They were in the process of putting a Merc V12 in a P38.
It's a bit hazy but I think it was from an S-Class and it caused them loads of grief, not sure if it was ever completed though.
It's a bit hazy but I think it was from an S-Class and it caused them loads of grief, not sure if it was ever completed though.
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff