Vehicle Performance and Conversions

Land Rover Engine Conversions

How about changing the game altogether and opting for a completely different engine?

The Land Rover Defender is blessed with being a sizeable unit with a great engine bay into which we can drop a whole host of engine options. These have all been carefully chosen and researched and, in some cases, have undergone extended R&D periods lasting many years. We are now confidently able to offer you a range of options that will deliver between 300bhp and 600bhp.

For the Puma-era Defender the best starting point is the 5-cylinder 3.2 TDCI. It is from the same stable as the standard 2.2 TDCI that Land Rover fits at the factory but with an extra cylinder, more than twice the power and offering V8-beating performance while keeping the legendary low-down diesel torque.

If you would like to switch to petrol and demand the ultimate performance then we have a range of options available from the 5.0 litre V8 from a Ford Mustang right up to 6.2 litres that will turn your Defender into a real ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ with similar performance to a Range Rover Sport.

Obviously it is not as simple as transplanting one lump for another we need to look at the gearbox, exhaust, suspension and brakes to complete the package. But we have all that covered too!

Gearbox conversions

Changing the gearing on a vehicle is often an overlooked modification when it comes to improving the performance and driveability of a Land Rover Defender. Years ago you were limited to fitting an overdrive – which we can still do, even to the latest Defenders! – but now there is much more choice.

Some people may just need to overcome the hard work that that a heavy clutch pedal requires. We can fit systems with better servo-assistance to make the clutch much easier to operate or we could fit an automatic gearbox.

Not all autos are the same, there’s no point trying to mate a 30-year-old gearbox design to a modern engine. We only use gearboxes that are up to the job. And we don’t just replace the ‘box, how it looks inside the vehicle is just as important. The gear-shifter needs to be easy to operate, conveniently located and aesthetically fits with the rest of the interior and trim. We look after all of this and the end result gives as factory-fresh a look as possible.

Brakes

If you’re going to be propelling a two-ton vehicle along the road you’re going to want to be confident that it can stop too. Bigger discs, heavier duty calipers and better quality pads all help, as do the brake lines themselves. Like everything else we do it is the mix of components that give the best result. We can install a system that not only works on the track but also won’t be bothered by you driving off-road or through the mucky stuff, not all ‘performance’ brake packages will react kindly to being driven through a river! Ask us for advice.

Suspension

Improving a vehicle’s performance isn’t just a matter of getting more power from the engine, how it handles on the road and how it reacts in a tight bend when you try to use that power is just as important. We have spent many years researching and building the ultimate handling systems for Land Rover Defenders. You can be confident that you won’t go into a bend testing the legendary 45° tip-over angle, our suspension packages will keep you on the level and smooth out even the harshest of rough road surfaces. Ask us for advice.