Disco 300tdi into 90

[Highland_Defender]

Hi all,

I've got an 1984 ninety with a 3.5v8 and r380 box, I'd like to transplant the engine from a 300tdi disco into my 90 to make it more economical, along with maybe the rear axle.

With this in mind i have a few questions,
1. Will the tdi fit/bolt straight on to my r380?
2. What other mountings would i need to change other than the engine mounts?
3. Would the disco power steering bolt on easy? i have no PAS so would i be easyer just putting the disco front axle on etc
4. Are the axle mountings the same? i.e radius and trailing arms
5. I understand the exhaust would need to be modded,is there going to be clearance with everything though or will i need to move/cut anything?

Am i missing anything else? Has anyone done anything extrawhen the engine is out? Any tips or advice greatly received.

Thanks in advance,
Cal

[Rich_P]

I think you're mad.

[Saffy]

No idea about the 300tdi <> v8 transplant... but other general things to consider if you get get beyond idea stage...

do the timing belt (full kit) always worth doing if you do not know when it was last done, especially for a 300tdi.
Clutch kit and rear oil seal, only regret it (like me) if you find seal weaps or clutch slips in only a few thousand miles.
Check the clutch fork for stress, replace if needed.

Disco 300tdi have a different air cleaner arrangement than a 300tdi defender. No idea what you got on V8 and sure as eggs it probably wont fit. If you get a defender air box there is no bracket on the disco engine. The defender bracket mounts under a head bolt too! So you may need to think about what you need to do there.

[Highland_Defender]

I think you're mad.

How come? would you not swap a v8 for diesel or will it just not work?

No idea about the 300tdi <> v8 transplant... but other general things to consider if you get get beyond idea stage...

do the timing belt (full kit) always worth doing if you do not know when it was last done, especially for a 300tdi.
Clutch kit and rear oil seal, only regret it (like me) if you find seal weaps or clutch slips in only a few thousand miles.
Check the clutch fork for stress, replace if needed.

Disco 300tdi have a different air cleaner arrangement than a 300tdi defender. No idea what you got on V8 and sure as eggs it probably wont fit. If you get a defender air box there is no bracket on the disco engine. The defender bracket mounts under a head bolt too! So you may need to think about what you need to do there.

thanks saffy
I'm keen on the job so much so that I'm looking at a disco at the weekend, id have done the clutch but prob overlooked the fork,I'm sure i can get a H/D fork?

Any one else help? it might be worth noting my 90 was originally a 2.5n/a.

[J.D.]

Weld a plate over the clutch fork where it pivots, this will increase its life expectancy!

The exhaust will need modifying (try Steve Parker for a downpipe). The front Disco axle will bolt straight on, as will the PAS box as far as I know. The engine should also bolt onto the R380 gearbox with no problems as this is what a 300tdi uses anyway.

As for the engine mounts, done a few 2.5 N/A to 300tdi but no V* to 300tdi so I am not sure.