200TDi into P38

[clbarclay]

I've got a sound 200TDi with manual box currently installed in a RRC (where C stands for colander). I'm just toying with the idea of aquiring a P38 and doing an engine swap. There's one locally with a seized engine. Does anyone know if the swap is feasible/possible/worth doing? P38 is a 4.6 auto.

[bogie]

to start with the diffs are on the opposite side of the axle so thats the gear box out of the window!

[J.D.]

I would imagine it is possible, with the right tools, experience and a good welder, anything is possible.

IIRC, the P38 is also available in a 2.5TDi anyway, which was gutless, therefore I wouldn't imagine a 200TDi engined P38 would be much better. However, the fact that there is a lot less electrics on a 200TDi would work in your favour, but it would certainly be a hard job.

The gearbox out of a 2.5 diesel P38 could be adapted to fit a 200TDi I would imagine.

[thermidorthelobster]

to start with the diffs are on the opposite side of the axle so thats the gear box out of the window!

No, that's easy, just turn the starter motor round the other way and the engine will run in reverse :D

[Range Rover Blues]

The 4.6 auto box is no use to you, but you can find R380s for the TDi now at sensible moiney, or go manual.

There were 2 auto boxes used in the P38, you have the bigger one and selling it might help fund the project.

I don't know for sure but if the manual P38 used the R380 then keep your existing transfer box (it's electronic and you'll need to keep some electronics for the speedo too) fit a compatible gearbox of your choice and put the TDi in there.

Tweak it to cope with the extra weight though ;)

I think you'll have a very nice, economical P38 that will be quite driveable, if a little more thirsty than the BMW engined P38.


Or buy a BMW 525D which has the same engine as a factory P38 and fit that.

No such word as "can't" though (unless is proceeeds "afford").