Does anyone have any first hand experience putting a chevy 350 into a 95 D1? Does anyone have any information about pros, cons, problems trying this? 
Chevy Conversion
- Thread starter Tree Trimmer
- Start date
yeah, there was once a fellow on this board named Jay Espelien, IIRC he said he ran SBC350, 700R4, [NP208?] and two D60s in his disco. He got bored of this board and disappeared.
Basically, you can buy an '87-89 K5, beef up the axles, and put a Disco body on its framerails. As long as you carry paperwork with you, you can even claim you're driving a land rover.
Basically, you can buy an '87-89 K5, beef up the axles, and put a Disco body on its framerails. As long as you carry paperwork with you, you can even claim you're driving a land rover.
C
CTLR
Guest
p m ... do you have any pics or links to the Chevy conv.
I didn't a chevy conversion in my wrangler and I would love to do it in my Disco, I hate the 4.0
I am going to go measure up some K-5 frames!!!
I didn't a chevy conversion in my wrangler and I would love to do it in my Disco, I hate the 4.0
I am going to go measure up some K-5 frames!!!
Well Dave, it looks like you will have some pics of a conversion as I have decided to go ahead with my conversion. I have a brand new digital camera, I'll just have to figure out how to use it to post pics to the site. I will need lots of help, so anybody out there who will, start thinking about how to make sure I get the right sensors transfered to make the transmission (why can't I type ******?) shift properly, and try to figure out any problems with the wiring and computer on the Disco. Will there be any problem going from fuel injection to a carb (other than a fuel pressure reducer)? Also, should I use a GM power steering pump or my disco one. If I can use a strong enough pump I might could use a hydraulic winch like the thread I saw on this site. I am using a 290 hp 350 so I will be using headers to help it do what it is supposed to but I may have clearance problems with the steering shaft, any thoughts? Will my Disco radiator be sufficient for towing, how about the stock transmission cooler? I will probably go with an electric fan. I am using an RPI chip and am not sure if I should keep it for the conversion. And I will have a complete engine I'll need to sell, maybe the chip, too! Of course I'll post this on the for sale page and give the appropriate donation. Please feel free to offer any helpful advice. I just have to try this again, t r a n n y , Hey it worked!
K
kevinhaeb
Guest
This should be interesting. Please post pics.
Assuming you are keeping the Disco frame (I doubt a Blazer frame is anywhere near as strong):
Try www.marks4wd.com for adapter and engine mount info.
The SBC is close to the dimensions of the Rover V-8. The stuff that I have dug up:
- The rear mounted distributor on the SBC can cause clearance issues, so a shorty version might be necessary.
- Emissions testing in your area? Careful with that one. If so any same year spec SBC will probably make it pass. EFI better offroad anyway.
- Its easiest to keep the ZF and put a mild SBC on it via an adapter. The 700-R4 can work, but the LT230 will need to be rotated for the front driveshaft to clear the pan. Marks says to use the TH400 or 4L80.
- The speedometer pickup is on the LT230.
- The xfer case shifter mounts on top of the back of the ZF, so either the adapter or the trans rear output will need a boss machined.
- The ZF4hp22 is good to 240 lb/ft only. It can be built to the hp24 spec (280 or 300 lb/ft I think).
- Keep steering gear, a/c, etc. possible. Look for a GM pump with same output specs or custom bracket.
- Exhaust - keep your old stuff and modify Y-Pipe.
If I do this, I am getting a complete 5.3/4l80 out of a recent GM 4x4 pickup which many wrecking yards specialize in. See www.birfield.com. Those guys have done a lot of these conversions on LandCruisers, but many of the same stuff applies.
Assuming you are keeping the Disco frame (I doubt a Blazer frame is anywhere near as strong):
Try www.marks4wd.com for adapter and engine mount info.
The SBC is close to the dimensions of the Rover V-8. The stuff that I have dug up:
- The rear mounted distributor on the SBC can cause clearance issues, so a shorty version might be necessary.
- Emissions testing in your area? Careful with that one. If so any same year spec SBC will probably make it pass. EFI better offroad anyway.
- Its easiest to keep the ZF and put a mild SBC on it via an adapter. The 700-R4 can work, but the LT230 will need to be rotated for the front driveshaft to clear the pan. Marks says to use the TH400 or 4L80.
- The speedometer pickup is on the LT230.
- The xfer case shifter mounts on top of the back of the ZF, so either the adapter or the trans rear output will need a boss machined.
- The ZF4hp22 is good to 240 lb/ft only. It can be built to the hp24 spec (280 or 300 lb/ft I think).
- Keep steering gear, a/c, etc. possible. Look for a GM pump with same output specs or custom bracket.
- Exhaust - keep your old stuff and modify Y-Pipe.
If I do this, I am getting a complete 5.3/4l80 out of a recent GM 4x4 pickup which many wrecking yards specialize in. See www.birfield.com. Those guys have done a lot of these conversions on LandCruisers, but many of the same stuff applies.
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If I don't get too lazy, I'll put the 1968 Buick 350 engine block next to the ZF bellhousing, and see if they mate. If yes, that's the best ever engine swap - but the rest of the drivetrain will get pretty stressed by the 350's low end torque.
Wonder - has anyone ever seen the SBC to last for 500kmi? even to 200?
Wonder - has anyone ever seen the SBC to last for 500kmi? even to 200?
I had a fullsize Chevrolet PU with ~230xxx with no problems, I sold it although I still see it from time to time around town.
S
Snwbord24
Guest
I hate to say it, but the pirate4x4 site probably has the best info on this conversion. I'm sure lots of those guys have done it already.