GM 292 Straight 6 - Yet another conversion

NMEXPAT

Well-known member
Updates from the week ending 6/2/18...
In all cases the short belhousing Land Rover transmission is required (short LT77 or R380 stumpy).
If you are using this conversion in a V8 vehicle, you have to swap to the seat base and the tunnel and floors that were used in an early 4 cylinder vehicle.
The only transfer case recommended is the 1.22.

There are 3 different inline 6 cylinder GM/Chevrolet engines that can be used: 1.) 230 cuin 3.8 liter, 250 cuin 4.1 liter, 292 4.8 liter.

The first batch of kits are scheduled to be available June/July/August 2018 and will ONLY FIT the 292.
We plan to offer kits for the 230 and 250, but not until later this year.
The basic kit will contain the motor mounts, engine, adapter, pilot bushing, thermo switch for electric fan, and thermostat coolant outlet.

The following ancillary mounts we be available:
You'll need my kit with the adapter, mounts, and ancillaries, but the mounts for the PS pump, alternator and AC compressor won't be ready until later this summer. There will be several combinations:
RHD with manual steering - none needed
RHD - PS & alternator needed
RHD - PS, alternator, AC compressor needed
LHD - with manual steering - Alternator needed
LHD - PS & alternator needed
LHD - PS, alternator, AC compressor needed...

RDavisinVA, apologies in advance for some dumb questions. I'm still very new to my defender 110. I've read most of this thread with great interest and excitment.

I have 1987 defender 110 RHD from Australia with a 3.5L v8 with an LT85 transmission and 1.22 transfer case (LT230T ?) with factory A/C.

To perform a 292 cu in conversion I must change the transmission?

Do I have to change the transmission for the smaller displacement GM inline sixes? I ask because the 292 is taller than the other inline sixes. I'm not sure why an LT85 and 292 wouldn't work. In other words, there's a conflict but is it between LT85 and GM inline 6 or is it something else?

Finally, do you provide these conversions?

I'm just looking for something more reliable, easier to work on and more common / cheaper parts than the original rover v8.
 

Red90

Well-known member
To perform a 292 cu in conversion I must change the transmission?

Do I have to change the transmission for the smaller displacement GM inline sixes? I ask because the 292 is taller than the other inline sixes. I'm not sure why an LT85 and 292 wouldn't work. In other words, there's a conflict but is it between LT85 and GM inline 6 or is it something else?

Yes. The LT85 is too long and the engine won't fit in the engine bay.

The easier option is to get a 3.9 or 4.0 from a Discovery and put it in. That is a fairly simple swap from the 3.5. They are plentiful in wrecking yards.

This conversion is best for people that have the pre-300TDI 4 cylinder engines. With those trucks, it is a quick and easy conversion.
 

NMEXPAT

Well-known member
Yes. The LT85 is too long and the engine won't fit in the engine bay.

The easier option is to get a 3.9 or 4.0 from a Discovery and put it in. That is a fairly simple swap from the 3.5. They are plentiful in wrecking yards.

This conversion is best for people that have the pre-300TDI 4 cylinder engines. With those trucks, it is a quick and easy conversion.

Thanks for the reply.

Since my truck is factory A/C, I know the front grill sticks out further than standard NON A/C defenders. I know this because most aftermarket bumpers will not work because of this difference. Unsure if the extra room, maybe an inch or so would allow it to fit?
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
NMEXPAT, If you want to drop in a 292, it's no problem, it will bolt right in, but you will have to change the transmission to one with the short belhousing 4 cylinder bolt pattern.
The rest of this post will explain why.

Johnny B (Red90) is correct in that all the Rover V8 engines (which I am no fan of) will bolt right up to your LT85. The reason the LT85 won't work with a 292 is (as John mentioned) the belhousing is too long and the engine bolt pattern is very different.

Pre-1993 Land Rovers had 2 belhousing patterns V8 and 4 cylinder.
The V8 belhousing was longer than the 4 cylinder.
During this period, the shorter 4 cylinder belhousing had the same basic size and pattern as the 1958 - 1984 Series II & III 88 & 109, the Defender 2.25 and 2.5 diesel and petrol 4 cylinder engines, and the 200 TDI.

I fitted the 292 into a 1987 110 that originally had a 3.5 V8 and LT85 (same as you) as a drop in conversion.
In order to accomplish this drop in conversion, I removed the 3.5 V8 and T85.
Then installed an R380 stumpy in place of the LT85 which has a much shorter 4 cylinder belhousing.
Then the 292 bolted right up to the stumpy transmission and fitted right to the original frame via the motor mounts we made.
The good news is you have the correct radiator and fan shroud for the 292 and we have the conversion parts required for the drop in.
The V8 transmission tunnel and floors need to be swapped for the 4 cylinder ones that are generally easy to locate.

We have only fabricated the AC compressor mounts for the 292 in a LHD 110, so think in a RHD (assuming this is your spec) the mounts will clear the steering box, but we have yet to verify this.

I think you'll find that your transfer case is a 1.4 LT230, not a 1.22, but could be wrong as you should verify.
 

NMEXPAT

Well-known member
NMEXPAT, If you want to drop in a 292, it's no problem, it will bolt right in, but you will have to change the transmission to one with the short belhousing 4 cylinder bolt pattern.
The rest of this post will explain why.

Johnny B (Red90) is correct in that all the Rover V8 engines (which I am no fan of) will bolt right up to your LT85. The reason the LT85 won't work with a 292 is (as John mentioned) the belhousing is too long and the engine bolt pattern is very different.

Pre-1993 Land Rovers had 2 belhousing patterns V8 and 4 cylinder.
The V8 belhousing was longer than the 4 cylinder.
During this period, the shorter 4 cylinder belhousing had the same basic size and pattern as the 1958 - 1984 Series II & III 88 & 109, the Defender 2.25 and 2.5 diesel and petrol 4 cylinder engines, and the 200 TDI.

I fitted the 292 into a 1987 110 that originally had a 3.5 V8 and LT85 (same as you) as a drop in conversion.
In order to accomplish this drop in conversion, I removed the 3.5 V8 and T85.
Then installed an R380 stumpy in place of the LT85 which has a much shorter 4 cylinder belhousing.
Then the 292 bolted right up to the stumpy transmission and fitted right to the original frame via the motor mounts we made.
The good news is you have the correct radiator and fan shroud for the 292 and we have the conversion parts required for the drop in.
The V8 transmission tunnel and floors need to be swapped for the 4 cylinder ones that are generally easy to locate.

We have only fabricated the AC compressor mounts for the 292 in a LHD 110, so think in a RHD (assuming this is your spec) the mounts will clear the steering box, but we have yet to verify this.

I think you'll find that your transfer case is a 1.4 LT230, not a 1.22, but could be wrong as you should verify.

RDavisinVA,

Thanks for the clear explanation for a defender newb! Good to know it is both a length clearance and bolt pattern issue for the LT85 transmission.

My Aussie defender is RHD. I rechecked the manual that came with the truck. I misread the specification sheet. It is supposed to have a LT230T, but the gear ratio is different between 90 and 110 series. 1.22 for 90 and 1.4 for 110. Again thanks for pointing that out!

I totally get why the inline 6 is a great option. I don't want / need LS power. I also don't want to drop that much money for a conversion.

I just want something more reliable than a rover v8, some more reasonable torque & power and easier to work on.

I'll be sending you a PM.
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
And why the 292 over the other engines?

Forgot to mention this earlier...
Am building a Dormobile to travel in when I retire and plan to see every area of the continent.
I want to be able to make quick repairs myself and be back on the road ASAP. The simplicity and ease of access to all the components and complete engine swapability in less than a day is huge. Over the counter parts support is just as big. As mentioned earlier, the starter went out. Finally replaced it today. It took 8 minutes and that included rounding up the tools I needed. Bought the starter locally for $49 with a 1 year guarantee. It was in stock.

RDavisinVA,

Thanks for the clear explanation for a defender newb! Good to know it is both a length clearance and bolt pattern issue for the LT85 transmission.

My Aussie defender is RHD. I rechecked the manual that came with the truck. I misread the specification sheet. It is supposed to have a LT230T, but the gear ratio is different between 90 and 110 series. 1.22 for 90 and 1.4 for 110. Again thanks for pointing that out!

I totally get why the inline 6 is a great option. I don't want / need LS power. I also don't want to drop that much money for a conversion.

I just want something more reliable than a rover v8, some more reasonable torque & power and easier to work on.

I'll be sending you a PM.

I currently have the 1.4 transfer case and first gear ends up being more like a granny gear. Find myself starting off in 2nd, hell with all the torque, if you want to be a lazy shifter, you can take a corner in 5th.

Originally though it was a 1.22 we installed, but was mistaken.
Am going to eventually switch to a 1.22 TC when I have some extra time.
Suggest you use the 1.22 unless you live in the mountains.
 
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Robert

Well-known member
Over the counter parts support is just as big. As mentioned earlier, the starter went out. Finally replaced it today. It took 8 minutes and that included rounding up the tools I needed. Bought the starter locally for $69 with a 1 year guarantee. It was in stock.


Do you live in small town?


In Houston you're way more likely to find a rover starter on the shelf in the closest autoparts store than a 292.


Here I've had to drive across town to get an HEI cap. Just in time supply chain has taken the old iron components off the shelf.
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
Do you live in small town?

In Houston you're way more likely to find a rover starter on the shelf in the closest autoparts store than a 292.


Here I've had to drive across town to get an HEI cap. Just in time supply chain has taken the old iron components off the shelf.

Order a starter for a 12J, 19J, 200TDI, 300TDI. TD5, and see what response you get locally.

As regards the 292, I call bullshit on "In Houston you're way more likely to find a rover starter on the shelf in the closest autoparts store than a 292."

The starter on the 292 we use fits over 300 GM, Chevy, Olds, and Pontiac vehicles if you pile on the model years. There are only 2 starters a on the right side and a on the left side during the years we are concerned about. This starter fits the most common right side, the left side is generally, but not always is reserved for the FWD vehicles in the GM family. So we are talking the most common starter for the largest automobile manufacturer worldwide! It fits automotive, industrial, and marine applications.
 
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Robert

Well-known member
Again you have no idea what you chimed in on and obviously add no value and the place where I live has no bearing on the parts availability which is generally in stock world wide regarding this particular starter.
.


yes it does, larger cities will have a centralized warehouse and keep low volume sales items there rather than occupy smaller store shelves. Availability is not instantaneous. Maybe counterintuitive, but thats how it go.



Houston has what 3, 4 rover dealerships? Its full of v8 rover engine vehicles that see regular service. Its not full of 292s. I have a car with a 250, I'm well aware of its parts availability.
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
yes it does, larger cities will have a centralized warehouse and keep low volume sales items there rather than occupy smaller store shelves. Availability is not instantaneous. Maybe counterintuitive, but thats how it go.
Houston has what 3, 4 rover dealerships? Its full of v8 rover engine vehicles that see regular service. Its not full of 292s. I have a car with a 250, I'm well aware of its parts availability.

So as if you were well aware, you would not be aware of the parts unavailability you so boastfully claim.

PM me the parts suppliers (not Rover dealerships), your general local generic parts guys that are in your area and I'll call them and report the results here. Then we'll see how your boastful claims are a fact or a clouded view of boastful bullshit. You can also include a few additional industrial and or marine parts supply going concerns.

I'll report with the time, who I spoke to, in stock, or when it is available for pickup.

Here's a marine example online and not locally to you, but there are plenty that are:
https://www.dbelectrical.com/produc...3jZTVmyZUQYSuXz-G_wriA9OwVQVYKeRoCCxkQAvD_BwE

Here's one for an industrial forklift:
https://www.dbelectrical.com/produc...G2fSQ0lajqnPW99aAtGWJf170f8tyYxxoCyqkQAvD_BwE

Here's one for a chevy truck or van:
https://www.dbelectrical.com/products/starter-chevy-gmc-p-series-truck-van-5-7l-7-4l-73-81.html

Here's one on eBay, be aware these are the same as all the 1st through 5th generation Chevy, Pontiac, Olds, GM V8s, V6, straight 6, and 4 cylinders.:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/3HP-High...tuGspenfzaiQIVzNuVWnceBCTtjAky8BoCHhkQAvD_BwE

Included are all the after market high torque mini starters with adapter blocks.
These are on the shelves in big cities and smallsville USA, Canada, Mexico, and worldwide!
See here: https://www.connollymarine.com/DYNAFORCE_STARTER_CHEVY_GM_SMALL_AND_BIG_BLOCK_V8_p/msd-5095.htm

Go for it...
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
I dont want to distract you from your mile per gallon calculations

Very poor and weak comeback.
If you are not adding value get off this thread and stop trolling.
Your starter availability is weak boasting and less than pure bullshit and you can't substantiate any of your trolling boasts when you get called out for making them.

Move on, troll.
MOVE ON and rain on someone else's parade, Scheisskopf!
 

Robert

Well-known member
Dude I solved your efi folly. Ive been plenty supportive and held back my opinions on this swap but to think an engine that was all but dead before 110s were even made has worldwide immediate availability is crazy. You can look at store availability on just about any parts store website if you care to. Youre acting like a douche
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
Dude I solved your efi folly. Ive been plenty supportive and held back my opinions on this swap but to think an engine that was all but dead before 110s were even made has worldwide immediate availability is crazy. You can look at store availability on just about any parts store website if you care to. Youre acting like a douche


Don't hurt yourself patting your back with the huge contributions you think you have added to this thread.
 
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ezzzzzzz

Well-known member
Robert in Dallas. Stop acting like an ass. If you've got something worthy of posting do it in another thread. While your over there please tell us of all the out-of-the-box conversions you've accomplished and your long history/ownership of Land Rovers. Enquiring minds want to know.
 

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
Robert,
To know Robert Davis is to love Robert Davis.
To love Robert Davis is to understand Robert Davis.
To understand Robert Davis is know Robert Davis.
It is the Robert Davis triangle and yes I have been dipping into my bourbon collection tonight.
Lets all just take a deep breath and think about happy things like cold beer, puppies and clean driveways. You may not think a 292 is a good swap but others do. I'm a factory diesel guy but I admire people who blaze their own trail.
 
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