Cummins Repower ISF 2.8 for Defenders

[RDavisinVA]

Need to get the lump in situ in the chassis to figure a few things out so threw a used lt230q on.
Here's the Cummins 2.8 adapted to GM 6l80e 6 speed auto adapted to rover lt230. The lt230 will be mounted in the stock location.

Bolting it all together is the easy part.
We built an A-Frame that attaches on our 4 past ramp lift, so the engine can be hung in place while you work out all the mounts, exhaust, tunnel and bulkhead, and oil pan clearance without having to climb under and out and back again over and over while you cut and tack, reinstall and finally weld.

It's a good thing that UD has the skills to make this all work.
Building conversions is not trivial.

 

[chris snell]

So, how would the 6L80 shifter work? Would you use a Land Rover automatic center console like a 97 NAS truck?

 

[mgreenspan]

So, how would the 6L80 shifter work? Would you use a Land Rover automatic center console like a 97 NAS truck?

Weren't some folks on D90 previously using lokar shifters with GM conversions and 6L80Es? Basically looks like a manual but it moves like an automatic.

 

[Uncle Douglas]

The 6l80e adapter I used is Nicks one designed for the LS swaps. His kit also uses the lokar shifter. The e on the end of the transmission stands for electronic. The TCM (trans control module) gets its information via can bus. Cummins is re flashing the ECM to send the information in the format the TCM needs it to be in so the two will communicate properly.
I am fortunate that we are starting this with the lump as pictured and a bare galvanized chassis. I'll set the body over onto the chassis once the engine install is complete. Like the fellows doing LS swaps using this transmission I need to switch to the R380 tunnel and floors to clear the trans. Fortunately we had the seat box adapters made so just need to source the bulkhead adapter and plastic tunnel. The lt77 floors are larger so we just cut them down to the correct contour.

 

[Uncle Douglas]

So, how would the 6L80 shifter work? Would you use a Land Rover automatic center console like a 97 NAS truck?

You could. That shifter and console could be used. The expense is pretty high for the complete kit.
The fellow I'm building this for likes the lokar manual look a-like and the fact that the interior isnt taken up by a huge chunk of plastic. Once in drive, a paddle shift steering wheel is an option for this truck just like with the LS trucks.

 

[Uncle Douglas]

Bolting it all together is the easy part.
We built an A-Frame that attaches on our 4 past ramp lift, so the engine can be hung in place while you work out all the mounts, exhaust, tunnel and bulkhead, and oil pan clearance without having to climb under and out and back again over and over while you cut and tack, reinstall and finally weld.

It's a good thing that UD has the skills to make this all work.
Building conversions is not trivial.

Because this engine is intended for re-power swaps, Cummins designed the oil pan so that the sump can be in the front or the rear and the pickup pivots.

 

[Uncle Douglas]

well damn. This is like watching SpaceX progress. Doug is the Elon Musk of Defender conversions!

Mark,
Putting a cummins in a defender doesn't compare to colonizing Mars. Musk is a visionary, I'm a defender enthusiast working out of a cool old barn in Virginia.

 

[Jeff B]

Once in drive, a paddle shift steering wheel is an option for this truck just like with the LS trucks.

I can just imagine this guy with the flappy-paddles running up some trails at MAR!



.

 

[Uncle Douglas]

I can just imagine this guy with the flappy-paddles running up some trails at MAR!



.

He's up doing the Vermont Overland this week.

 

[Z.G]

He's up doing the Vermont Overland this week.

I'm supposed to go meet up with him Friday, he's excited about the 2.8!

 

[RDavisinVA]

Because this engine is intended for re-power swaps, Cummins designed the oil pan so that the sump can be in the front or the rear and the pickup pivots.

UD is in gear.
Looking forward to driving the finished product, less any death wobble...

 

[bkeef]

Anyone know which compressor sanden makes that will fit the Cummins bracket and be mounted clear in a 110? I'm going to be using vintage air System Evaps so can be anything that works

I'll try and grab some pics if I'm near the shop today

Thanks
Brian

 

[ersatzknarf]

Are the gearing and intercooler calculators restricted to secrecy by the NDA ?

 

[Uncle Douglas]

http://www.powerspec.cummins.com/site/help/help_gearing.htm

 

[bkeef]

I haven't seen an innercooler one

The gear calculator is on the Cummins site and is not locked down

 

[bkeef]

https://cumminsengines.com/repower.aspx#sectionCalculator

 

[rocky]

Not 100% relevant to the 2.8, but here is a shot of the 5.9 Cummins diesel installed in a Defender. They used a D2 radiator on this build. Modified mounts and position had to have been needed.

 

[chris snell]

Out of curiosity, will these motors come with a full workshop manual?

 

[donb]

Not 100% relevant to the 2.8, but here is a shot of the 5.9 Cummins diesel installed in a Defender. They used a D2 radiator on this build. Modified mounts and position had to have been needed.

Very clean install

The air piping is huge! I wonder what they did for the downpipe?

 

[DefendersNW]

Out of curiosity, will these motors come with a full workshop manual?

No - there is an installation manual (in beta) with relevant requirements. Assumption is that there will be service manuals available through authorized Cummins repair facilities, and direct from Cummins.