Philippe has started putting in the new engine. No idea how long that might take but it’s great to see some progress. Any progress. This project has been plagued with problems — large and small — so I won’t celebrate until my ass in the seat.
If there’s going to be another “issue,” it’s likely to be the transmission. Will it work with the new engine? But as they say at the poker table, I’m all in.
It was one year ago today I decided to find and purchase a Land Rover. I knew absolutely nothing about them, just thought they looked cool and I wanted one. It has taken twice as long as I expected and cost — just guessing here — about 30% more.
I’ve made some new long-distance friends on this journey and watched hundreds of hours of YouTube videos of people restoring and repairing Land Rovers. Some spend years working on these old trucks.
The guys down at the coffee shop have stopped asking when the truck arrives and I try not to bring it up. But one day soon I’ll come thundering down the street and park out front and maybe take the boys for a ride in a real vintage Land Rover. That will be fun.
There are probably smarter ways to get your hands on one of these but none to which I had access. And I really haven’t been all that frustrated by the delays and unanticipated costs.
I’ve sold the MINI, sort of. I’ve turned it over to a friend who will sell it. It started having electrical problems that were only going to get worse and I don’t have the skills or the patience to deal with. Which means I’m without wheels until the Land Rover arrives so I’m renting.
As this project dragged on, I created a little map to keep things straight.
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve said we’re nearing the end but I think we’re nearing the end. The new engine will be in San Francisco by the end of the week and — again, I’m just guessing here — maybe a week or two for Philippe to pull the current engine and drop the new one in. Still planning to fly out and meet the mysterious Mr. Wolf and break a bottle of bubbly on the Land Rover’s bumper. Or something. Watch this space.
Looks like the new engine will be crated and shipped by the end of the day. Here’s a gallery of all the photos from Zombie Motors.
“Just about there. I still need to adjust valves (tool was at shop to do so this PM) and get exhaust manifold back from exhaust man. Should be able to get it all tomorrow (Thursday).”
The biggest difference between the original 2.25 liter diesel and this rebuilt 300Tdi 2.5 liter is — according to Zak at Zombie Motors — direct injection diesel (vs. indirect injection). This will make cold starts easy. Won’t have to use glow plugs until it is well below freezing. More like a modern truck: jump in, turn the key, and drive away.
We opted not to get this engine with the turbocharger because — as I understand it — that would have required a different transmission. But even “naturally aspirated,” this engine will provide a lot more torque than the old one and won’t be as smokey/noisy. 
“I’ll have this finished as much as I do with them on the stand later today. Tomorrow I can have it off the stand and wrapped up to ship, I just need to get my forklift brought over here to the house to be able to shrink wrap. Will have it brought over today or tomorrow. Thank you again and I hope the photos look good. The piece de resistance is the custom right hand side motor mount that allows this to be bolted in instead of having to do any cutting/ welding.” — Zak, Zombie Motors
