OM617 Land Rover Series IIA repower

[Neilert]

Hello! I'm new to the forum and new to 5 cylinder diesel's. I found a local 300 SD engine, and would like to drop it into a frame up Land Rover Series IIA project. Fortunately I was able to run it for about an hour before pulling it out of the car. Sounded great. Planning on valve adjustment, new front seal, water pump, egr delete, new timing chain and I'm sure there will be much more.

I'd like to use the original transmission for now.

If any others on the forum have completed a similar project photos would be great. Please PM me for my email address.

[Neilert]

The automatic transmission vacuum control valve doesn't have anything to do with the throttle/ speed of engine control does it? I am getting a plan together for the throttle linkage and want to delete everything that isn't necessary. Does the same white plastic valve shut off the engine?

[OM617YOTA]

I suggest spending a lot of time reading, and either buying or downloading a copy of the factory service manual.

I doubt you'll get anyone to send you photos of their swap directly when most of us who have done 617 swaps have posted running build threads with photos, available for everyone to view. If you search the forum you'll find them, and I think someone even consolidated links to the swaps in one place.

[mach4]

Fill out your profile, it will help a lot.

Before you run right out and do an EGR delete, make sure you won't have a smog issue in getting it licensed. For example, if you're in CA, unless the car is '75 or older you have to have all the smog stuff installed and operational to get titled as a diesel. After that, it's smog exempt and you can do some utility mods. Many areas have no restrictions, but do the research so you don't have a great swap you can't drive.

As already stated there are lots of examples to help you along and the forum can be very helpful solving problems - especially if you document the build and post lots of pictures.

Good luck

[Neilert]

Thank you both for the advice and welcome. I realize it must be irritating to have the new guy jump in with a bunch of ridiculous questions. I will do my research and come back on a later date a bit more educated. Have a great July 4th!

[Dan Stokes]

Originally Posted by Neilert

Thank you both for the advice and welcome. I realize it must be irritating to have the new guy jump in with a bunch of ridiculous questions. I will do my research and come back on a later date a bit more educated. Have a great July 4th!

No dumb questions! But you CAN gather a lot from other guy's threads on here. My swap thread is pretty complete but if you want all the gory details go to my build thread on BangShift.com, Forums, Project Cars, then look for "As Promised, Dan's (Sorta) New LSR Project" or something like that (I should have picked a shorter title). Anyhow, the BS thread has WAY too much detail and tons of pics. My build is for a race-only truck application so much of what I did may not apply for you but some of it might.

It's surprising that one of the hardest parts is getting the engine to shut off! If you retain the vacuum pump it'll be easier but there are pros and cons to that, too.

Best of luck!

Dan

[BillGrissom]

Engine shuts off via the vacuum shutdown actuator at rear of injection pump. True, don't need VCV to tranny.

[Neilert]

Dan and Bill- Thank you! I just needed some quick advice to keep the project moving during the holiday break, and I appreciate it. The motor is on the stand and I'm removing parts/ cleaning etc while I wait for the manual to arrive, and was a bit confused about that VCV, as it looks like it may also have the shutdown as part of its function. I will post photos as it progresses. Haven't decided if I will go with an electric vacuum pump, retain the original, or just make up a mechanical shut off.

[OM617YOTA]

What you need to run with the vacuum pump will dictate what kind of pump you can get away with.

1. Keeping MBZ auto trans means you pretty much need to keep the mechanical VP. There are electrical options which will work but they're not practical or cost effective vs. using the mechanical pump.

2. If you're using it for power brakes, hvac, and shut down, there are relatively inexpensive electric VW/Audi vacuum pumps that'll work fine. Make sure you rubber mount them, they're noisy.

3. If you're just doing hvac and shut down, there are smaller electric VP's that'll work as well.

I went with #2 on my swap. I used the stock Toyota transmission, my mechanical VP was making terrible noises, the mechanical VP is I think the only catastrophic failure mode this engine has, and a used electrical VP also cost less than a replacement mechanical VP. Bunch of wins, as far as I was concerned. Get an actual adjustable vacuum switch and make sure you use a stout relay, welded the contacts on several of the standard 30 amp ones before bumping up to something more serious.

Edit: Oh, and the questions weren't that ridiculous. My apologies for coming off a bit curt, I've pestered everyone here for a couple years now. So far no one's told me to take a hike, though I expect some wanted to.

[Neilert]

Yota, appreciate you checking back in. I will just need power brakes and shutdown so option 2 looks good to me. Both the Haynes and MB service manuals are on the way, and looking through Dan's build has answered questions so far. Thanks again- Neil