upgrades for series 2a

[bernhund]

Ok, I'm getting used to this 40 year old beast I've not long bought and would like to improve the performance and reliability a bit. I know you don't buy a series 2a and expect modern performance, however I'm sure there must be some essential improvements.
Anyone know if there is an electronic ignition available & if its's worth doing?
What about a Weber carb conversion. Any point?
And any other improvements?
Thanks

[300bhp/ton]

Lots of options. A sorted Series IIa should be reliable in stock trim.

Performance wise yes. Luminitions ignition or similar could be used. Weber carb will make a difference. But to be honest you could spend a fortune and you won't make it into a fire breather.

Probably the most cost affective way to more power is to fit a different engine. The Tdi engine is the same basic block. You can get a 200Tdi for about £300 off eBay and it'll bolt up to a Series gearbox. It's a bit of work but as far as engine swaps go it's pretty easy.

The Rover V8 is another option. A low CR 3.5 will make around 137bhp and offer similar mpg to the 2.25

these are probably your cheapest bets. Lots of other options and other upgrades like PAS available too.

[bernhund]

Like the V8 idea! Not looking to do 100mph or anything daft, but 65-70mph would be nice. What about the gearing though? does it make a difference?

[maffy32]

if you want a little bit more power get some su carbs i a mate of mine has some no longer has a landy so he may sell them

[300bhp/ton]

bernhund said:

Like the V8 idea! Not looking to do 100mph or anything daft, but 65-70mph would be nice. What about the gearing though? does it make a difference?

couple of options. Cheapest would be to fit either an OD unit to give you an extra gear for motorway use. Or swap the diffs for Range Rover/Disco diffs as they are 3.54:1 instead of the normal 4.75:1 for a Series Landy.

You could look at fitting an LT77 5 speed box. But you'll need a custom propshaft so will be more pricey.

[budrover]

Speak to Rowland at ACR

http://www.automotivecomp.com/landrover_perf.html

He does 2.25 petrol engine tuning, and more likely the leader with this engine...he even does a 2.8ltr version... but head / carb and decent ignition gets the power up.
Once the engine has been tuned..to lower the revs on the motorway fit 12 spline 3.54 Range Rover / Disco Diffs [up to 1994]

Suspension..fit good extended shocks and parabolic springs.

After all this, you can get front disc brake conversion

http://www.rockymountainspares.co.uk/?page_id=41

a cheaper alternative is to fit a 109 1 tonne axle with 11" front brakes.

[bernhund]

Loving these ideas, got a horrible feeling I'm gonna start spending money I shouldn't be spending. A mate of mine has got a spere 5.0L Ford V8 knocking about in his garage. I wonder if it would go in?

[300bhp/ton]

bernhund said:

Loving these ideas, got a horrible feeling I'm gonna start spending money I shouldn't be spending. A mate of mine has got a spere 5.0L Ford V8 knocking about in his garage. I wonder if it would go in?

yes it will fit. But it'll be more work. The gearbox and axles won't be up to it. But lots of options still. The LT230 transfer case from a Disco/RR will be fine for around 450hp. The Rover 5 speed boxes ok to about 250-300hp. You'll just need to mate them. Axles will need beefing up and brakes improving. Disco axles will fit with some work.

Need to watch the Ford 5.0's though as some only make about 130hp. Which is less than a 3.5 Rover V8.