Looking to swap a chevy engine into my D2 (2004), and I'm looking for opinions and experiences on such endeavors. Honestly, I just want the simplest, hot-rod style setup. The bottom line is, the truck needs a new engine. Rover V8's suck (no offense), never mind the fact that I cannot buy a decent one in the states. I figure it's either stuff a Chevy in this truck, or scrap it and switch to a Jeep Cherokee. And I don't give a rat's ass about stock appearance or OBDII..... In any way shape or form. It will need to remain somewhat highway friendly and have A/C and window controls, but I've heard you can trick the body computer into thinking there's a running 4.6 in the truck?
The interior will be gutted and caged. The truck is registered and driven deep in the heart of Good Ole' Boy Country, where we don't have inspections and can drive whatever the fsck we damn well please... So don't get into an argument about why I should keep the Rover engine and electronics--it's a non-starter with me. And for what it's worth, I'll mention that I'm shooting for the 325hp range (flywheel).
My question is about Mark's 4wd adapters, and whether or not to go for a 350 or LS. Obviously, I am going to ask this same question to Mark's before I buy anything, but figured there may be some folks with experience around Rovers with Chevy engines.
So Mark4wd.com sells LS motor mounts and 4L80E adapter kits for D2's, and 350 motor mounts and 350/zf bellhousing adapters for--apparently--RRC's and D1's. Does anyone know why the 350 stuff is not offered for D2 and what it would take to make the kit work if one were so inclined? I know I will need a compushift for my ZF, but what else would stop me from using the 350 kit on a D2? Or for that matter, why not adapt GM T400 to the 230 transfer case.?
For those who have experience with the LS/4L80e route, what were some of the challenges?
Obviously, either way I am going to have a hell of a time with air conditioning. I have considered a vintage air universal kit, since this will probably have a sheet-metal dash anyway. But if the Rover AC can be fed by a foreign (chevy) compressor, then I would stick with stock.
I look forward to any shaming.. I mean insight the forum has to offer. I would also like to mention that I'm looking for a shop or individual to do the swap, so if any of you would like to simply take my money and solve my problem, please PM me.
The interior will be gutted and caged. The truck is registered and driven deep in the heart of Good Ole' Boy Country, where we don't have inspections and can drive whatever the fsck we damn well please... So don't get into an argument about why I should keep the Rover engine and electronics--it's a non-starter with me. And for what it's worth, I'll mention that I'm shooting for the 325hp range (flywheel).
My question is about Mark's 4wd adapters, and whether or not to go for a 350 or LS. Obviously, I am going to ask this same question to Mark's before I buy anything, but figured there may be some folks with experience around Rovers with Chevy engines.
So Mark4wd.com sells LS motor mounts and 4L80E adapter kits for D2's, and 350 motor mounts and 350/zf bellhousing adapters for--apparently--RRC's and D1's. Does anyone know why the 350 stuff is not offered for D2 and what it would take to make the kit work if one were so inclined? I know I will need a compushift for my ZF, but what else would stop me from using the 350 kit on a D2? Or for that matter, why not adapt GM T400 to the 230 transfer case.?
For those who have experience with the LS/4L80e route, what were some of the challenges?
Obviously, either way I am going to have a hell of a time with air conditioning. I have considered a vintage air universal kit, since this will probably have a sheet-metal dash anyway. But if the Rover AC can be fed by a foreign (chevy) compressor, then I would stick with stock.
I look forward to any shaming.. I mean insight the forum has to offer. I would also like to mention that I'm looking for a shop or individual to do the swap, so if any of you would like to simply take my money and solve my problem, please PM me.