My initial thoughts on the R2 8 Cummins transplant - bit of a ramble - but plan ahead! 

The R2.8 is made in Indiana USA, the older ISF 2.8 is asian made. big difference

This was a great video for me Mike. You've managed to convince me to keep my 300tdi. I live in the UK Midlands so bits are not a problem. Thanks again Mike.

Hi pal, I have done an engine conversion in a rover metro using the vvc k series engine, and yeah I do agree with everything you said in this video. Practically my conversion was plug in play, Only difference was the engine loom had to be altered to run with the metro car loom. But the thing with that conversion, was the information, there was a hell of a lot of it conflicting. " you need to this, you need to do that, you need X,Y,Z, it wont line up correctly etc" Which starts getting silly if you start buying bits that you don't even need! This happened to me, and in the end me and my dad decided to it our own way. We found out that everything just bolted in, and lined up just like the replacement unit. People kept tight lipped on the wiring side of things, a couple of people did the wiring for you, again you had to pay. I found out later from a racing driver that had built a vvc metro, that there was only 6 earths to swop over on the donor loom to work with the main car loom. Which would have been a five min job to do! But the spending doesn't stop there though, you have to price up items that may go wrong too, I must have spent well over 20k on a conversion that people said all in for 5k! Buying twice, engine wise ( one was dud a long with a badly converted loom) then the cost of buying replacement parts and getting hold of replacement parts. The head gasket cost me over 1k to do, and that was me doing it. So when you decide to do a conversion, make sure there is proper support, parts are ready and easy to get hold of, and you are willing to stick with it, no matter what happens. Sometimes the price out weighs the enjoyment of the car, which happened to me, It came a money pit in the end, but I did have some enjoyment out of it, but not as much as I should have, but that boils done to buying twice and bad information. Would I go through it all again with a make of car? I am not sure if i could sadly. My last piece of advice is to try and see a converted car in person ( good one) and ask questions.

I have 2015 2.8 isf. 120,000k Never uses coolant or overheats. Zero oil burn between services. No modifications from factory.

I,m glad that I put an 200Tdi in my 110 15 years ago, never had any big problems, but there again I don't make any big demands so a 200 suits me down to the ground. If people thought things through like you are doing regarding fitting an optional engine, there wouldn't be so many abandoned projects knocking about. You must think of your own words and advice that you gave last year,--- KEEP TO BOG STANDARD ---- Keep the videos coming Mike, they are so valuable as they can stop people making mistakes that could cost them a lot of money. Best wishes from Yorkshire Rob.

Thank you for the video, I have been considering doing this exact thing but am doing the research. I live in the States and a company in New Mexico who does Rover restorations are charging about $25,000 USD for the conversion on Discoverys and Range Rovers. Cummins used them as a Beta tester on installations. I have located a Defender 90 in pretty good condition, with a rebuilt 300 TDI ) miles on it for the same price here. I'm not sure this information is of use to anyone but thought I would share. Rover parts are not that difficult to find, of course, I live just south of the Canadian border.

300tdi on a LT77 in a LHD works fine. I used Steve Parkers set and though meant for RHD it fitted with some small adjustments. So I'm happy with my 300tdi Ninety.

Cummins...yr grandkids will be driving this after you have gone ❤️

You are right about K an N air filters they work with oil on them and bugger up air flow meters

Mike, this video is spot on. I am considering alternative engines to replace my 2.5td. Your points are well thought out and realistic. This is helping me out greatly. I am eagerly awaiting the upcoming videos on this topic.

Those horses can be locked in by having a bloody gate! 😄 Good review, good knowledge, good discussion.

Hi Mike, When I bought my first RRC some thirty years ago It was a 1970 fitted with a York six diesel ( very bad starting in winter /not too good in summer ) I changed it for a Perkins 3ltr Good stating loads of power ( very noisy ) the main problem with both of these set ups was getting every day spares, I would go fords for the engine, The question would always be the same what van is it in ? Oh they don't list a RRC in my book !!! the same with Perkins, Back in those days I ran my own lorry so had a few contacts in the diesel world but still a nightmare, Then I fitted a VM 2.5 ex factory all the parts were there to be had and they fit, It's now in it's 2nd RRC and 300,000 miles it's due to be replaced with a ( yes you already know ) 300 TDI, One final point is what happens when you sell it on , Do you write a small book on what came from where. Looking forward to the RRC 300tdi you are going to do, You lead I'll follow I know I'll be in safe foot steps.

I think it's time you made a trip home to visit the Queen, and cram an ocean-going container with every 300tdi you can lay your hands on. It will always be THE engine for old Landys, and rebuilding them for customers will keep you busy and profitable well into your old age. Keep out of Ireland though; those are for me!

Where I'm at State side the cheapest I have seen being able to source a TDi motor is around 3k for a non reman and 8k for a reman. So as a third option I'm planning out a kit to install a 4.3L Vortec V6. The Costs of rebuilding a rover V8 from top liners to new bearings and redo the transmission (it needs a rebuild as well). The Vortec weighs close to the TDI, makes more power then a 4.6L and used cheaper fuel 87 vs Diesel or 93, and spares everywhere. The R2.8 is a novelty motor for hobbyists.

I was excited to hear of the Cummins project, but then I did the same research you did. Hmmm. An old Land Rover mechanic with decades of experience once said "keep 'em stock" and avoid glitzy mods that make for trouble. *That guy was YOU, Mike!* That being said, if you were to make patterns of all the pieces you have to fabricate, perhaps you could recoup the cost by selling a complete "swap in a box" for people with more money than skill. Otherwise, I just don't see it worth your time and investment -- though we'd all enjoy watch you sort through the challenges...

Speaking from experience, having done around 8 engine swaps on American, Asian stuff. If you don't get most of it for free it's not worth it. As a hobby guy, with all the tools, the know how, and some financial resources I can tell you you either get so sick of it by the time you are done or you run into a road block that's really tough to get around. The resale value is usually about zero as well. With that said, I have a D1 with a 300TDI that I love. If I was going to do another one I would use a late model Toyota 4 cyl gas motor, trans and Tcase and factory Toyota electrics.

Why not just a5.9 6BT? A quick reckons these put out 161hp so no huge gain compared to a 6bt??

I've got the 300tdi but if your doing a project video please fit either a 2.8 tgv or Mercedes oM606 from the e300. The bodies fall to pieces on the Mercedes and fail the MOT, the engine can be converted to mechanical injection pump to keep the electrickery to a minimum and the power that is attainable from a reasonably stock engine is really good. Take a look at dpuk or diesel pump UK, there are a few suppliers of mounts and adaptors Inc gazfab.

Interesting Mike, I think keeping things standard is always good all round, BUT, how many folks have tired 200/300's lurking under the bonnet and would welcome a more modern unit (and ponies back in the stable ;-) If this R2.8 engine turns out to be a good'un and you put a pukka kit together you may well flog quite a few, not to mention fitting, lots of if's though. Cheers Wayne

Im thinking about putting the cummins 300hp 4.5 and 6l80e in my rrc . $16,000 aus for the engine alone . They do adaptors to put a 4l80e behind so a bit of fudging the 6l80e can go in . They make adaptors from online gearboxes to mate a 6l80e to lt230 .

Yeah my mate bought a brand new foton tunland in australia had the cummins engine in it believe its the same engine.. yeah piece of grap bottom end went under 20000 klms..

Ayup there mike greetings from sunny blighty, stick with the 300TDI.I have one fitted in my series 2 onto a LT76 gearbox with overdrive, it all fitted in just,,,,even managed to keep the proper front panel with headlights in.It has the defender rad and intercooler fitted.The gearbox and engine bolt straight together with no adapter plates just with a couple of studs removed.looks bog standard from outside and goes like a train... ATB Andy.

The problem I have with all this is sticking a higher HP (and torque) engine into a drive train designed for less HP. If you were doing a frame- up restoration where you built a compelete drive train (engine/transmission/differentials/drive shafts/axels) matched to the engine, I might consider this Cummins. I suspect if there were enough intrest in the UK for this engine it might be sold directly through an importer and therefore reduc/eliminate shipping costs??

I run a 2.25 diesel, slow and horrible to some, ideal for me. I do not measure it in horses, i measure it in my little ponies. It still does 1000kg loads and 2000kg trailer loads hauling scrap, no turbo needed to get extra horses.

i have got both a D1 300tdi and a chinese Foton , that little Cummins is the same engine Foton motors use in their utes and a range of trucks sold here in australia, you can see the factory video here on youtube, look for foton cummins engine plant, mines been reliable and cheap, think the engines are sent to usa in parts and reasembled by Cummins,something to do with the usa/china dispute

How about finding a salvage late td5 disco And take the engine box ECUs etc and fitting that And it can be chipped

I reason that if my 300 ever gives up the ghost I'd replace it with a td5 or a bmw m52, both easily sourced (the td5 moreso) and not massively difficult for a specialist

great topic Mike. Ive had the international 2.8 and would never do that again. I am dead set on a 2.8 Cummins for my next conversion and interested to hear what you learn. several US shops working out full kits for Defender installs

Toyota 1HD-T or 1HD-FT. super smooth six cylinder. Lot's of guys have done it before in the Defender. Part widely available. Reliable and buckets of torque.

300 Tdi is a good motor, keep up maintenance and you will get a good lifetime out of them. Good power to economy and well suited to R380/Lt230. Timing belt is the Achilles heal and really not that hard….

Have a look at Cummins 6BT conversions. im looking at dropping one into a Disco 2. there are a handful already done amd atleast 1 disco 2 on youtube with a 4BT and loads of defenders with 6BT's

hey mike, just stumbled on your channel.what a great video.i was looking at the 2.8 and after looking at this video, im not buying one. i have managed to pick up a 1990 RRC its rust free and i live in costa rica.love the RRC dont like the Gas milage...lol.sorry petrol. ive been in north america for too long. now im back to sqr one. what engine can i put in this RRC...then i read your posts and found out that you are doing one with a 300 tdi. do you have any info on this yet? im super interested.

Question? Does the chevy small block, bolt into a land-rover gearbox, like them overfinch range rovers?

Hey mike there was a chap in riverport rovers club. Towards the end of the channel he had a few episodes dropped in chev v6 with basic throttle injection. Perhaps that would be the go. Try searching in youtube search bar 4.3 chev into series rover part 1. I think the guy will be selling the rover anyway and it had air suspension on it. The chap has a new channel now called Geordie travels

I've got a SL35 Mazda/Perkins in mine. 3.5L. really solid engine. But spares are expensive and rare in the UK.

Sir, I have a question. What kind of engine do you recommend for a Defender 110 in North America? I was considering the R2.8, but im pondering different ideas. I even considered an LS3. Just a thought though.

I can hear the Yorkshire man in your voice when you are talking about spending money ,almost,nearly,not quite,I’ll look into it a bit more .😜

Hi I’ve been watching very much all your films as I’m in the prices of sourcing a defender to play out in lol now I’ve been to my local main dealer and they have a 2.2 very clean car but I’m not sure on the ford engine as when I had that engine in my TX2 taxi well it was a big fail your thoughts please Just as a foot note the Nisan engine that was in my TX1 taxi was ace in fact my mate has one still passing emissions at 700 k miles

200tdi is pretty great, sounds like a tractor but oh well :), Sadly mine has to come out from my series 3 conversion, seems she has thrown a bearing :( so out and apart to see what happened then back together again :(

Just go with the Isuzu 4BD1T. Job done. Super reliable and the right size for the Defender.

I’m new to this and am absolutely intrigued by the concept. But I wonder if someone could clear up one thing for me... the 300tdi being discussed, is this a Mercedes 300 TDI or something else? I’m guessing he’s talking about the old Benz inline six tdi, or he’s talking about a Land Rover 300tdi (which I know nothing about sadly. We don’t have them in America so I’ve never seen one). I really enjoy diesels though and am sad we have few choices for them over here.

Either TD5 it or stick with a tuned 300tdi. Anything else will end up costing twice what you initially budget.

I suspect shipping costs and parts availability are very different, powerful variables dependant upon where you are in the world. It would have to be a very easy conversion, reliable and very cheap new engine to beat the cost/hassle/reliability factors that are available if you are here in the UK surrounded by cheap running donor 300tdi vehicles. And if you want more power then MD Engineering sell upgrade kits to HS2.8 std. And if you want something special then Ashcroft are nothing but a mile away for a "moowing cow" auto conversion! I will stick to doing Landy based conversions for a while yet. I would argue that Real K and N air filters are still king of air filters for both performance and efficiency but I do concede they do nothing for reducing noise. Does the "Guesstimate" costs put this into a non starter situation for you?

If it were me I would look for the ISB 170 4 cylinder 3.9. Cummins Common Rail engine is common rail engine quieter quieter more powerful 170HP/420 torque much quieter then the previous version but electronically controlled

Try paying for Landrover spares from paddocks and getting them sent to Australia. After living in Leicester the price difference is astronomical.

Hi there I live in South Africa and drive a 300tdi. The problem we have with the tdi, is fuel. Here the tdi only runs on high sulphur, 500 ppm (particles per million), diesel. I tried running it on low sulphur diesel, the same the common rail engines run on, and seized my diesel pump and injectors after 2 years, as the sulphur in the fuel lubricates the (Bosch) diesel pump. The problem now is that 500ppm diesel is being phased out. What other tdi owners have been doing is to add 2 stroke oil with the diesel (at a ratio of 200:1). This is an inconvenience however. So what do I do? Change to a Td5 or Puma? Both will also be relative easy to fit. Regards

Hi mike do you know anything about putting the 3.2 Ford ranger engine in the later puma defender , thinking of having mine done

The 2.8s haven't been particularly good in NZ, would stick with the tried and true 300TDI for now.

I would keep it simple, get a 300 Tdi lump for your customer job and rebuild it if needed. That way you don't end up with your own pick-up being off the road for weeks, or months trying to fit a engine that has no common parts to match the Landy. I was thinking, does the Cummins need an ECU plus wiring etc, could be a real can of worms to interface that with the Land Rover wiring.

The 2.8 IFS engine is a good engine has been in the UK for a while From compressors to agricultural sprayers which use a landrover auto box from Ashcroft which doesn't withstand the torque They are dry liners and no problems with water seepage The oil coolers are on the right hand of the engine looking at the front and come in various sizes The cat that comes with the engine would not have to be used as a nox sensor isn't fitted But you can spec it up that the after treatment is tier 4 ad blue

Mike, How much does that Cummins engine weigh...The 4Bt and 6 Bt are much heavier than comparable engines...and have you seen English chap who has the Cummins conversion into a 110(I think) on youtube..?? If you go ahead with this I will be very interested...lots to consider...

I believe there is a 2.8 tdgv engine almost the same as 300 tdi but bigger. Maybe you can confirm this

Get the lion kit for the 300TDI. Here in Brazil, because Ford bought Land Rover, they used the 300TDI 2.5 diesel to design their own engine. They came up with the 2.8 Powerstroke. Só, bore out the cylinders a bit, buy the 2.8 Powerstroke crank, rods, and pistons, and then when you put it back in your Defender it’s plug and play. No adaptors, nada!!!!!! When my engine blows, I’m putting in the 2.8 kit.

didnt cummins start using common rail back with the 24v 5.9?

just a thought .. are these engines brand new or have they already been fitted into any American pick-up's ??

Great job, Mike, keep it Land Rover,

Source an. Engine in uk. Take a 2 week holiday rebuild whilst on holiday and ship a good engine over.

I've looked into this extensively out here in BC. Axis Industries have a kit for the install. Wait for it..... components only 40k USD!! Absolutely not for the faint hearted!

My 300tdi definitely feeling like it's only got about 80-90hp, I'm sure quite a few horses have left the stable.. 😁

Chinese!!! That killed it there and then.

Why not make a 2.8 300tdi with parts from Brazil from the international 2.8?

Advanced Adapters - www.advanceadapters.com/ works well with the R2.8

Yep, just like what 'Chazni Bond' said. lol.

As someone once said to me "when I was young, everything was black and white. Now I'm older, all I can see are shades of grey". Sounds like what we're all seeing here with this video!

motor and diesel or jake wright i'd look at the 2.8 international

I think some time ago there were Defenders with factory BMW M52 engines made for South African market with bell housing for R380 gearbox - (FTC4461). Maybe it would fit for some diesel BMW engine... ? Here I've found some more info about using it with bmw diesel engine. www.defendersource.com/forum/f9/nas-defender-r380-with-bmw-diesel-input-shaft-1-2-lt230-62421.html

LS swap ?

VM Motori made a engine for the Defender

With my experience with the 2.8 you couldn’t give me one even if you did I’d still look for something else to go in there

get a td5 to go in

Get a 300tdi dropped off I will strip it and chuck it in a crate for you as that is just mental money for an engine I would be happy to do that for you won't take long

Don’t they put Isuzu engines in at the Land Rover factory in Australia for the military? They have those Cummings in Fotun pick ups in NZ and have a good reputation, it is in a modern vehicle and not a conversion mind you but as you say it’s about the money! The time you have done the conversion you could have bought two Fotun utes NEW !,!

For people that are interested. Some basic info for R2.8s in Defenders nas-row.com/index.php?forums/cummins-isf2-8-engine-conversions.18/

great video. 300 tdi is a good engine. when you need more power go for the 2.8 international.

Blimey, spent the whole video talking yourself out of it. Depends on what you are planning to do with the knowledge you gain from the conversion? Are you looking at it as a hobby and this is all $$$ out of your bin for some wheeling or are you thinking about making it an R&D test bed for selling fitting kits? I can only guess that you're just researching from the next vid where you speak of a V6 petrol with box for $1700 in FL. I was looking at an M57 with ZF 6S37D manual box coupled to an LT230 divorced, insanely low first gear and nice gears that would be similar to an LT77 but would suit taller tyres more as the gears are all slightly lower.

If your set on a Cummins conversation, i would just go with a 5.9 6 cylinder. Its well proven and its already been done with great results. And by what I hear the MPG is still very respectable. Just an idea !!?

get a 5.9

You should buy the motor & do the install/conversion and enjoy all the coin you'll earn from the youtube vids once you monetise said howto vid. You'll be way in front!

Bull! Engine made in Indiana USA, that’s Cumins r28.

like yourself, not a fan of this engine's past, or of it's current Warranty scheme, as they do not provide warranty in WV (we are based out of) or Texas? Why? Secondly, you are right that there are chinese built units, albeit they want you to believe that it is built in Indiana (if i recall correctly). Cost also makes no sense whatsoever. As it is a 20K+ project before all is said and done, (no we are not installing it behind a 25+ year old gearbox) and with that kind of money you can have vastly superior quality engine's, known "million mile" engine's rather than a promise unit. How's the LS swap going?

Get a good TD5

tam cerbume edemedim konusmasını ama yorumlara bakılırsa ,2.8 sevmeyen cok ama biz kamyonettlet kulkanıyoruz ve iyi sayılır,

*"Defender Engine swap opinions are like a*$holes. Everyone has one."* - Harry Callahan sort of.

99% of crate motors don't come with a gearbox!

I believe the Cummins R2.8 is built in Columbus, Indiana, USA and not China

L

look at the Isuzu engine with Isuzu gearbox out Isuzu Dmax