Chaps,

A friend has a 1998 Discovery Tdi (auto) and was looking to replace with a TD5 and manual box, till he found out he'd be screwed on RFL (main reason for change is really crap fuel consumption, but he likes his Discovery and does a lot of shooting so needs the 4x4).

I suggested he look into keeping his Discovery but (and it depends on cost) replacing the engine and box with something a bit more frugal like the TD5 lump (keeping it in the family like).

My Q is, how feasible is it, is it a reasonably straightforward job or are there major differences.

Cheers

ATB

Simon

Having run a Tdi Disco and looking after a TD5 Defender, there isn't any difference the the MPG. In fact, the TD5 uses more fuel if anything! So any benefit from swapping to a manual would be lost.
I'm sure the TD5 uses electronicness to make things work and as such, would be more hassle than buying a TD5 and selling the Tdi Disco.

TD5 is a smart engine with a big ECU controling everything, Best bet for a disco is put in either a 200 or 300 TDI and big intercooler with either Auto or Manual. That what I run in my challenge truck (went away from v8 )

Plenty of power to break rear shafts even with 35" tyres.

I know a lot of people who run Diesel Auto;s of road I am in the minority running a manual.
Tell you mate to have a look here HttP://www.difflock.com

Picure of my 200tdi Truck
Rescued attachment DSCN1627.jpg

My daily driver is a Disco V8 Auto, running on LPG not the most economicel thing in the world. However I have seen that some owners are turning to Diesel/LPG which seems to give a boost in performance and does more MPG.
Couple of links which mave prove useful
http://www.lro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10110
http://www.diesellpg.co.uk/
http://www.chilterngascars.co.uk/cars/lpgdiesel.htm

^^^^ ooooh, series 3 lightweight.... is that the radiator in the back?

are you running in standard series 3 axles and half shafts?

my local guys here are worth having a word with
http://www.steveparkers.com/

here's a thought, could he 'rebuild said Disco' using a different chassis and a few other bits and get a Q plate, only taxed on under / over 1549cc. Is this a loophole I've spotted or are there measures around to stop this?

I remember a few years ago - the 300 series eng was the one to have..

I was told that the 200 was a weak engine - don't know how true it was - but when I wanted to swap the v8 out of my rangy I got told by everyone I spoke to - not to touch the 200's

Id be more inclined to stick with 200 or 300 TDi rather than swap them out for the TD5. im sure there are thousands of TD5's with no issues whatsoever but there does seem to be a larger % than the older lumps with problems.

Another option.

Assuming a swap to TD5 car would cost a bit. Why not keep the '98 Disco for leisure use mainly and buy something for round the town that will be good on fuel.

Failing that - assuming a good mpg car is eg £2000 - that will buy a lot of diesel.
Adding a few more £000's for a TD5 would buy even more fuel.


Id be tempted to stick with what he has now. If he does go off road etc im sure it sees some mud - id rather mess up an old one and have some fun that go newer.