Turning the Freelander into an off-road dream

[OneRace]

More questions!

Dimensionally the FL is similar to the 90 not that far off the Disco in terms of 'chassis' size although body size is different.

We would like to attempt the fitting of a TDI 300 engine to a Freelander and coupling it to a gearbox from a Discovery to give not only normal gears but high/low transfer as well!!

Does anyone know (and I expect the answer maybe along the lines of no!) if this arrangement will actually fit? Think of it as in physical size of the FL engine vs the TDI300 engine.

It is the gearbox that is the key to our madness as we want high/low transfer capability. We are not bothered about butchering the interior of the vehicle.

===== OR =====

Could the disco transfer box be fitted to the existing engine?

===== OR =====

Can more reliable ETC be fitted so that it doesn't fail in sand? What is likely to cause it to fail? Overheating or general 'not designed for sand?

This should keep you all busy! All those that contribute and thus the result being successful shall be rewarded with a free tyre cover!! :p :p (Subject to T & C to be posted when I make them :p

[Lighting90]

Would the Freelander be able to take the extra weight of a Larger gearbox and transfer box from a disco?

The Freelander's construction is so different to other Landies, it is more akin to a car, so the mods would be fairly drastic and would be structural. Nothing is impossible, but is the cost worth it?

Have you looked at how the Bowlers are constructed, it may give you some ideas on how to modify the Freelander....

[Spacemutt]

The Freelander doesn't have a chassis like the Disco and RR which the 300 Tdi mounts to. I would say that this would make it too hard to fit that engine and gearbox to the existing mounts. I would say the easiest way to do it would be to mount a Freelander shell onto a Disco/Range Rover chassis. It can be done. There is such a vehicle called the Freeranger. I've seen it at Billing, and it's been in the comics. I can't find it on the net though.

[OneRace]

I did a bit of searching around the Net and found a reference to the Freeranger in an LRM archive page but no actual article. An article about the Freeranger was published in the June 1999 version of LRM, anyone with access to a scanner and a copy of this LRM edition?

[OneRace]

Found a picture!

http://www.hbro.co.uk/Events/Weston/freeranger.JPG

Have got my engineer looking into it now. We have contacted Dukes 4x4 about engines (apparently the TDI300 is beginning to show problems and they have recommended the TDI200) and also contacted Famous Four for parts.

A project is beginning to form - need a garage now...

[Spacemutt]

I would buy the back issue of LRM. I remember reading it and it gave a lot of info on the vehicle.

Plus you can help keep Bob supplied with Irn Bru.

[Spacemutt]

p.s. Stick a V8 in it! :thedevil:

[Lighting90]

I was wondering how long Stephen could go before suggesting putting a V8 in.

In someways it is not such a silly idea idea, as fuel is still cheap out in the desert, and you would have all that extra performance. Maybe worth investigating, though don't use Stephen as your researcher... he is totally a V8 person...

[Spacemutt]

Did you know the V8 engine was invented by a Scot called Willain McAlbright?

[darrenptalbot]

If it was invented by a Scot, fuel was a damn sight cheaper back then! :p

[Lighting90]

Nay, just made it themselves... :p

[Janine]

You gonna go for the 200tdi then,One race?

[OneRace]

Looking like it J9, reliability is one of my biggest concerns as is endurance. Diesel engines seem the way to go when looking a the technical stuff (power vs weight). Petrol V8's are just too thirsty.

I must admit I don't know that much about the difference between a 200tdi and a 300tdi - perhaps you can enlighten me? :p

[Alan H]

Originally posted by OneRace
Diesel engines seem the way to go when looking a the technical stuff (power vs weight). Petrol V8's are just too thirsty.




How many non petrols do you see in speed records? Regarding power v weight, the 4.6 in my hybrid weighs less than 200k, a 2/300 tdi will be twice that - and sound 'orrible. (ptooee) V8s aren't bad to run when you have lpg. Cheaper than a non petrol mate!

[Spacemutt]

Is LPG readily available in the Sahara?:goofylook

But I agree.....go V8!

[Lighting90]

but I believe camel methane is :buck:

[Alan H]

Winge, winge, winge. Always finding fault, you, Stephen. He will just have to FIND some then won't he! Can't be too difficult for a desperate man, surely?
On the camel methane front though - howwould you be able to get a camel to fart into a gas tank at 12 bar pressure? Can a single camel eat that many beans?
If the word "fart" used in this context offends anyone, please don't read it by the way. Or substitute another word - "trump" maybe or "poop" - although I feel that they don't have the same "ring" if you know what I mean.

[Desert Warrior]

Is LPG readily available in the Sahara

I have a better idea. Don't drive across it, run across it - I did!

www.tent61.com

[Madsteve]

did anyone see the freelander rally in the sun today!!!?

that seemed very special indeed!!!!

:buck:

[OneRace]

Originally posted by Alan H



V8s aren't bad to run when you have lpg. Cheaper than a non petrol mate!

I would have to agree with Stephen there!!

But will a V8 fit in a Freelander engine bay? :dunno:

[Spacemutt]

The FreeRanger has a V8 under the bonnet.

[OneRace]

So that'll be a yes then! :p