AdamSanta85
Well-known member
I am planning for my swap. Going to start acquiring parts soon, shopping for a good engine candidate. Due to somewhat limited budget I have decided it is probably best I "settle" for one of the lower horsepower engines. Something along the lines of the LC9 315hp/330tq.
I really want to keep my truck manual transmission. I see people suggesting the NV transmissions but not many people actually doing it, or even better have one actually on the road that actually gets driven.
What about just keeping it simple and just using a L Suffix R380?
I know the LS engine makes more torque then what it is officially rated at, but in my experience with other cars (Honda's, Evo's, Subaru's, Nissan's etc) the transmissions in many cases could actually handle a lot more power then what they are officially rated at. And these are cars that were getting drag raced and abused. One of my 5 speed WRX's was making 320whp+ and I would drag race it and launch it often... I don't drive my Defender nearly as hard as those cars. If I don't launch it and don't slam gears maybe it will work....
What do you think? LC9 + L Suffix R380 + 1.2 Transfercase
All you would need to do is adapt engine to transmission, weld in mounts, handle the accessories, maybe a stiffer clutch pressure plate, and bob is your uncle.
No messing with transmission tunnels, no shifter mods, no adapters from tranny to t-case
Thoughts?
I really want to keep my truck manual transmission. I see people suggesting the NV transmissions but not many people actually doing it, or even better have one actually on the road that actually gets driven.
What about just keeping it simple and just using a L Suffix R380?
I know the LS engine makes more torque then what it is officially rated at, but in my experience with other cars (Honda's, Evo's, Subaru's, Nissan's etc) the transmissions in many cases could actually handle a lot more power then what they are officially rated at. And these are cars that were getting drag raced and abused. One of my 5 speed WRX's was making 320whp+ and I would drag race it and launch it often... I don't drive my Defender nearly as hard as those cars. If I don't launch it and don't slam gears maybe it will work....
What do you think? LC9 + L Suffix R380 + 1.2 Transfercase
All you would need to do is adapt engine to transmission, weld in mounts, handle the accessories, maybe a stiffer clutch pressure plate, and bob is your uncle.
No messing with transmission tunnels, no shifter mods, no adapters from tranny to t-case
Thoughts?