90 Hard top 90 Pick up - Same engines??

[landybear]

Hi all,

I have been looking around for a defender for a while now doing lots of research over the last few years and have now got some cash in place. Want it as a play thing really as i am still at uni so i have a car aswell. Someone told me hard tops and pick ups have different engines. This is incorrect ... yes?? How other than the obvious are they different (chassis??,Suspension??)

Looking at around £3000 what do you reckon is best buy??

Thanks for your help

[Litch]

No engine was specified for any paticular bodystyle and anyway, for £3K it is quite possible that some kind of engine transplant may have been carried out (not uncommon on older vehicles).
The main thing to check (apart from all the usuals) is that the engine fitted to the vehicle is good and if not a LR fitment, has been done properly and you are happy with it being non-standard. If it was a LR engine they generally go in ok (it is still possible to bodge them though) and signs of a poor fit would make me worried about the condition of the rest of the vehicle.

[landybear]

Thanks for the advice. I know roughly what to look for exterior and chassis wise but what are the checks i should do under the bonnet other than the bodged engine you just spoke about??? Oil contamination??

[Rich_P]

Most engines used in Land Rovers are very robust, and even when abused will take quite some hammering before problems will occur.. although abuse does lead to problems in later life.

Be careful about the Turbo Diesel engines.  They can be very good, but too many were ill-maintained and being the most sensitive engine used in Land Rovers they have a tendency to blow up if they had been abused.

Don't confuse the Turbo Diesel with the TDi engines either.  The TDi engines are extremely robust as long as they don't overheat, and if they do overheat they can crack heads.

The 2.25 Litre Petrol and Diesel, and the 2.5 Litre Petrol and Diesel (Normally Aspirated) engines are almost indestructible.  They have to be either very worn or ran without any lubrication to blow up.

Meanwhile the Rover V8 is a good engine, if it's been maintained.  They must benefit from regular oil changes.  Check inside the filler cap for sludge build up in the rocker cover.  The best engines will typically have visible alloy inside the rocker cover.

[extreme90]

look for a 200tdi, best of the lot, only way ive found i can kill one is going from extremely hot to extrememly cold all to soon  :lol:  and cracked the block  :roll:
it still ran tho  
o and that engine overheated aswel and ran better for it  :shock:
altho the 300's are good engines, the 200 is the better IMO
dan

[SteveG]

Thanks for the advice. I know roughly what to look for exterior and chassis wise but what are the checks i should do under the bonnet other than the bodged engine you just spoke about??? Oil contamination??

Best advice I can give is meet up with some people locally with LR knowledge and ask a few favours to check out some vehicles you have in mind. You'll people are friendly and helpful as nobody wants to see somebody new to LR's blow 3K on a motor that is duff or not what they wanted.

Challenge South West hold regular challenge events where you can spectate and meet some some LR experts, also check out local LR clubs. You might also find a direct source of a plaything in your budget too.

Cheers

Steve

[landybear]

cheers for that Steve, am in contact with guys from the Devon region mud club so will pop along with them. Its just a bit of nightmare being at uni i cant make mid week meets but i guess thats what i will do.

[lenrover]

Nice to see a student loan being used so wisely 8)  :lol:

[landybear]

oh indeed, overdraft always maxed as well as loan, straight into an ISA and hey ho few bucks interest. Boy i love spending money i dont have!!!

Still looking for a landy keeps me occupied, nearly took the plunge last year but thought hard about the lack of income! Still am sorted now so next time i see one- i will get it!