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lb73

Member Since: 27 May 2016
Location: North Wales
Posts: 296

300tdi to BMW M57

I think the injection system on my tdi will be in need of a overhaul before to long, anyway this has gone me thinking about a possible engine conversion. The M57 seems a popular choice , and one I’m seriously considering. Ideally i’d like to do it myself via purchasing all the bits from one supplier if possible and hence it might be more straightforward.
On the other hand I could pick up an engine but don’t know too much about them and what to look for/ avoid. I see Syncro gearboxes do an adapter kit for the R380 gearbox which I would like to retain . Also I would need the standalone loom/ ecu, unsure about engine mounts, fuel pump and radiator. Anyway i’d be interested to hear anybody’s thoughts or experiences if you’ve done a conversion. I’ve done a search and that’s thrown up some interesting info but more is always better.
Cheers. 1999 300TDI 110 CSW BMW 3.0
1972 VW Beetle 1200
2002 Dax Rush 3.9 V8
2012 Audi A3 tdi
2020 Renault Kangoo electric

19th Sep 2020 1:44pm

BuckBlu110

Member Since: 19 Apr 2014
Location: in the pub
Posts: 727

1994 Defender 110 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel CSW Buckingham Blue

I’m seriously thinking about this too, I believe 4x4 fabrication in Whitchurch do a few conversions and may be worth a shout for some advice.

19th Sep 2020 8:34pm

kenzle8a

Member Since: 12 Feb 2020
Location: None
Posts: 1074

I’ve looked into it too for when the time comes, Marcus who runs MW 4x4 (there on Facebook) has done a lot and also sells them as kits.

19th Sep 2020 11:28pm

Procta

Member Since: 04 Dec 2016
Location: Sunderland
Posts: 5262

All i can say with conversions, is make sure there is very strong info/ support. Also you got to be 110% dedicated to the project.
I have done a 1.8 vvc conversion in a rover metro years ago with my dad. The info was so hit and miss it was unreal!

Defender TD5 90 ---/--- Peugeot 306 HDI hatch back

In the words of my Good Friend, Gary Forrest 1980 -2025
" we will work something out"

20th Sep 2020 1:22am

sako243

Member Since: 08 Jul 2014
Location: Wales
Posts: 1237

1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Alpine White

There's quite a few people over on LR4x4 who've done this conversion and documented it so well worth having a look through their threads. If I remember correctly one's done an R380 and at least one is auto.

I'm going the opposite direction and fitting a 1UZ-FE 4.0 V8 but plan is to do the conversion plates myself to an LT95 (because no one has done them before as far as I know) and due to the drivetrain setup (6x6) it's simpler to keep the LT95 for the moment. Ed
82 Hotspur Sandringham 6x6
95 Defender 110 300Tdi

20th Sep 2020 9:01am

lb73

Member Since: 27 May 2016
Location: North Wales
Posts: 296

Thanks all for the comments

I’ve had a good look through both 4x4 fabrication and MW 4x4 on Facebook who seem to do some spot on conversions and would be worth me getting in touch with.
Procta- definitely you’re right having support is really important which is why I would prefer to buy a conversion kit. Thanks Sako will take a look over at LR4x4 - good luck with the v8 conversion

1999 300TDI 110 CSW BMW 3.0
1972 VW Beetle 1200
2002 Dax Rush 3.9 V8
2012 Audi A3 tdi
2020 Renault Kangoo electric

20th Sep 2020 7:31pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8205

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey

Did you take the plunge with this? Cheers

James
110 2010 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop

31st Jul 2022 9:53pm

lb73

Member Since: 27 May 2016
Location: North Wales
Posts: 296

Yes, covered it here https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic50187.html on the last few pages.

Opted for a wiseman conversion- which overall has been very good. Happy to answer any questions 1999 300TDI 110 CSW BMW 3.0
1972 VW Beetle 1200
2002 Dax Rush 3.9 V8
2012 Audi A3 tdi
2020 Renault Kangoo electric

31st Jul 2022 11:00pm

LJMARSDEN

Member Since: 08 Jun 2021
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 343

[EDIT] Should have read the thread, sorry lol

M57 is certainly the go-to for the defender as it just makes sense with low down torque being in abundance with these engines. But, I went for a 1UZ V8 in my ex-TD5. Reason being I want a more exciting drive with a V8 soundtrack to match. The conversion in the TDi will be fairly straight forward to do, possibly easier than the M57. However, you won't be getting as much low-down grunt & economy without any power adders.

The R380 is known for some wear and snappage at high outputs on the diesel conversions, especially once they've been turned up. Not a problem really since R380's are not expensive.

There should be a full kit available By MWmachines I believe. 4.0 V8 Defender 90

My Instagram

31st Jul 2022 11:22pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8205

lb73 wrote:
Yes, covered it here https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic50187.html on the last few pages.

Opted for a wiseman conversion- which overall has been very good. Happy to answer any questions

cheers Cheers

James
110 2010 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop

1st Aug 2022 7:20pm

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