Unleash the Beast: Turbocharged Diesel Defender 90 Land Rover Transformation

The Unconventional Land Rover Defender: A JCB Diesel Engine Swap

In a bold move, a UK-based performance shop, Diesel Pump UK, has installed an industrial diesel engine into a Land Rover Defender. This unconventional swap is a far cry from the typical LS engine swaps popular in the US, and instead, showcases the reliability and ruggedness of a JCB diesel engine.

Meet the JCB Engine

JCB is a well-known manufacturer of heavy-duty construction equipment, and their diesel engines are renowned for their durability and power. The engine used in this build is a 2013 JCB TCAE-108, which produces 145 horsepower at 2,200 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. This is significantly more powerful than the standard 200 TDi engine found in the Defender, which produces around 108 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque.

The Build Process

The build process was a meticulous five-year endeavor, led by Luke Dale, the owner of Diesel Pump UK. The base vehicle is a 1988 Defender 110, which was originally equipped with a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine. The engine was replaced with the JCB diesel, which required significant modifications to fit into the Land Rover’s engine bay.

Modifications and Upgrades

To accommodate the larger JCB engine, the engine bay was modified to accommodate its width, and a custom billet oil sump was installed to lower the engine. A new hood was also fabricated to provide extra overhead space. The powertrain was completed with a heavy-duty clutch and an upgraded "Stumpy" R380 five-speed manual transmission.

Additional Upgrades

Beyond the engine fitment, Dale installed specially made pieces, including a charge-air cooler and a stainless steel exhaust. The axles were rebuilt, and a two-inch suspension lift was installed to improve the vehicle’s ground clearance. A new galvanized bulkhead, chassis, and fuel tank were also installed to replace the originals, which had rotted out.

The Final Result

The final weight of the vehicle is approximately 4,850 pounds (2,200 kg), which is surprisingly light considering the size and power of the JCB engine. During a test drive, Dale was thrilled with the vehicle’s performance, handling, and reliability, stating that it may be "the perfect Land Rover."

Conclusion

This unconventional Land Rover Defender is a testament to the reliability and ruggedness of JCB diesel engines. With its impressive power output and custom modifications, this vehicle is sure to turn heads on the road.