300tdi in a Defender

[Low-Range]

Will a 300tdi fit in a Defender to the Lt77 transmission using a standard bell housing.

[red90]

Technically, yes. A 300TDI will bolt up to a diesel LT77. It is the same bellhousing pattern, input shaft and clutch. There are some other problems. The engine sits further back than it does in a stock 300TDI Defender and there are items that clash. It is workable with some custom work on a RHD, but I don't think it is possible on a LHD. The second problem is gearbox strength. If it is an earlier LT77, F suffix or earlier, you can expect a limited life on the gearbox.

My suggestion to people is always get the matching gearbox to an engine. It avoids a lot of custom work and problems and gives the correct gearing for the engine.

[swamijake]

I'm doing it now.

Couple of things, needs new engine mounts welded in, you can swap the back plate from the 2.5NAD to the 300tdi to make it bolt in, or you can change a couple studs on the 300tdi. Also because the engine will sit quite further back than a stock 300tdi the rad fan will be too far from the cowl. I'm going electric fan.

If you get the transmission with the 300tdi (R380) you need some floor pieces as they are a bit different.

[Low-Range]

Thanks. It helps to know what your up against before you start.