R N Robinson wrote:

Have you had any thoughts about the rear axle ratio?

That's one reason why I was after a 5-speed 'box rather than trying to
adapt the engine to the Rover's 4-speed.
And if all else fails, the V8 P6 had a taller diff ratio, so I could
easily fit one of those.

Pete M wrote:

Personally, I think it'd be a nice idea to put a petrol V8 in, something
around 3.5 litre would be ideal.

Hehe! I suspect that could actually involve even more work than fitting
a diesel. The 4-pot P6 has a different shaped front crossmember among
other things.

I think the one from a Range Rover might fit :-p

But a Triumph Stag engine would provide a nice touch of irony.

SteveH wrote:

Pre-PD VAG TDI?

Nice, simple engine, fitted longitudinally in Audis, so ideal for a RWD car.

Aha, I didn't know that. Thanks Steve, this is one that's definitely
worth investigating.

ISTR you can get bellhousing kits for the Sierra gearbox, too, as the block
has the same bolt pattern as the 1.8T which is gaining popularity with kit
car builders.

Best part of it is that you could have a P6 that'll do 50mpg and have more
power than the V8.

The stuff of dreams! My target is 35mpg to make it worth bothering.
Performance not really an issue for just plodding to work every day, but
obviously not something I'd turn down.

Simon H wrote:

AFAIK the Carlton 2.3 lump is exactly the same as the Fronty. At least a
Carlton lump would come complete with a suitable gearbox.

Quite. I remember the petrol Carlton's gearbox also had the advantage of
a very simple single rod linkage to the lever that could be altered in
length and position very easily. I'd assume the diesel one would be the
same.

Not sure if the
Fronty box has the transfer box bolted on the end. Hmmm, a 4X4 P6 perhaps?

Hehe!

There must be some RWD pick-ups that are being overlooked. Weren't there 2WD
versions of the Mitsi L200 and Toyota Hi-Lux? And something similar by
Nissan and Mazda (B2500 or summat?). If you're going to desecrate a P6 by
sticking a diesel lump in it you might as well really p*ss off the purists
and put a Jap motor in...

A major issue is the engine's weight, which is why I haven't been
considering the chunkier pickups. I assumed the L200, for example, would
have basically the same engine as the Shogun/Pajero, which is a pretty
hefty lump.
Otherwise, I've nothing at all against using a Jap motor.
Bottom line is, I'm saving this car from the scrapper, so the purists
can get stuffed. And as long as I don't chop the metalwork around, it
can always be converted back again.

In any case, you might like to consider how the P6 diff ratio will get on
with an engine that hits the red line at around 4000 rpm...

I seldom go over that with my 2000TC anyway. And I could always fit a V8
diff.

Willy Eckerslyke wrote:
Those of a sensitive nature may prefer to look away now.

I've just got myself a P6 spares car that, as is the nature of these
things, turns out to be too good to break for spares.
It's a 1972 2000TC in dog**** brown (Tobacco Leaf), with paint that's
thick and horrid. It's fitted with a single carb and the engine has
loads of bits missing (camshaft, side panel bolts, etc). But the base
unit's surprisingly sound, only needing identical repairs to the sill
ends that I carried out on my main P6 last year.

So it looks horrible and the engine's scrap - why don't I bung a turbo
diesel engine in it and create an economical runabout? Better than just
scrapping the thing, surely.

But what engine?

They're a bit new for me to know much about, but since the P6 was
available with the V8, as was the SD1, and the SD1 was also available
with the VM 2.4/2.5 diesel, is one of them a possibility?

Taking it on a stage, since 200 and 300tdi engines fit roughly the same
size hole in Solihull's other products, you really could have a cracker
of a car. And with a ZF auto box...

Kevin Poole wrote:

They're a bit new for me to know much about, but since the P6 was
available with the V8, as was the SD1, and the SD1 was also available
with the VM 2.4/2.5 diesel, is one of them a possibility?

I only know them from Land Rover circles where they're seen as a bit of
a low point. Do they have a better reputation when fitted in cars? They
were used in the 825 too weren't they?
Hmm, could be a distinct posibility. Thanks.

Taking it on a stage, since 200 and 300tdi engines fit roughly the same
size hole in Solihull's other products, you really could have a cracker
of a car.

Yes, someone locally suggested the 200tdi - with LT77 gearbox. A couple
of years ago, their prices would have put them out of the running, but
they do seem to have dropped a lot recently as more and more rusty
Discos get scrapped.
But what's the weight like? Is a 200tdi less of a lump than older Land
Rover engines?

And with a ZF auto box...

Dunno about that though..

In article ,
Willy Eckerslyke wrote:
Kevin Poole wrote:

They're a bit new for me to know much about, but since the P6 was
available with the V8, as was the SD1, and the SD1 was also available
with the VM 2.4/2.5 diesel, is one of them a possibility?

I only know them from Land Rover circles where they're seen as a bit of
a low point. Do they have a better reputation when fitted in cars? They
were used in the 825 too weren't they?

Thought that was the Perkins lump. Could be wrong, though..

The VM is still fitted in Jeeps, so parts should be OK.

Actually, the Perkins DI unit - as used in Montegos, Maestros
etc - kight be a possibility, as (IIRC) it was also used in some
#of the later Sherpa vans & so should be find-able with a 5-speed
'box for RWD..
Not a bad engine at all, albeit a bit agricultural compared with
modern diesels.

--
Andy Breen ~ Not speaking on behalf of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Feng Shui: an ancient oriental art for extracting
money from the gullible (Martin Sinclair)

Andrew Robert Breen wrote:
In article ,
Willy Eckerslyke wrote:
Kevin Poole wrote:

They're a bit new for me to know much about, but since the P6 was
available with the V8, as was the SD1, and the SD1 was also available
with the VM 2.4/2.5 diesel, is one of them a possibility?
I only know them from Land Rover circles where they're seen as a bit of
a low point. Do they have a better reputation when fitted in cars? They
were used in the 825 too weren't they?

Thought that was the Perkins lump. Could be wrong, though..

A web search suggests you are.

The VM is still fitted in Jeeps, so parts should be OK.

So if the weight and dimensions are right, it could be a definite
possibility. Said web search brings up quite a few favourable comments too.

Actually, the Perkins DI unit - as used in Montegos, Maestros
etc - kight be a possibility, as (IIRC) it was also used in some
#of the later Sherpa vans & so should be find-able with a 5-speed
'box for RWD..

That's the Perkins Prima turbo. A friend fitted several to a Series 2
Landy, killing them off at an alarming rate.

Even non-running examples of the van versions used to be very sought
after because their sumps were needed when fitting car versions to Land
Rovers. Though I doubt if many people are doing that these days as
200tdi engines become more affordable.

Not a bad engine at all, albeit a bit agricultural compared with
modern diesels.

It's been in the back of my mind as a possibility, but I doubt if
they're as plentiful as they were. I can't even remember when I last saw
a Montego. Maestros mostly (all?) had non-turbo versions.

BTW, I won't be doing this for a few months, so I have plenty of time to
keep an eye out for parts.
Everyone's replies so far have been extremely helpful, so thanks all!

"Willy Eckerslyke" wrote in message
...
R N Robinson wrote:

Have you had any thoughts about the rear axle ratio?

That's one reason why I was after a 5-speed 'box rather than trying to
adapt the engine to the Rover's 4-speed.
And if all else fails, the V8 P6 had a taller diff ratio, so I could
easily fit one of those.

Sir would be well advised to do both. You really need to end up with a top
gear giving around 30mph/1000 rpm. I doubt if just a five speed box will do
that for you and if you don't change the diff. you will find you never use
first gear at all and second only for the occasional vertical cliff you may
encounter in your travels.

Probably also a good idea to disregard any diesel that doesn't have an alloy
block unless you are an rabid understeer aficionado

Ron Robinson

"Willy Eckerslyke" wrote in message
...
Pete M wrote:

Personally, I think it'd be a nice idea to put a petrol V8 in, something
around 3.5 litre would be ideal.

Hehe! I suspect that could actually involve even more work than fitting
a diesel. The 4-pot P6 has a different shaped front crossmember among
other things.

I think the one from a Range Rover might fit :-p

But a Triumph Stag engine would provide a nice touch of irony.

Now, I really like your thinking!