Updates from the week ending 6/2/18.
Since the vehicle we used had sat in a warehouse for 8 years in Switzerland, the rear drum brake wheel cylinders started leaking, so this week put on rear disk brakes.
The disk brake conversion I used requires the early rear stub axles with the notch (FRC3132).
Couldn't locate them used and feared they had been discontinued.
John B posted up the 1983 to 1986 Parts Book which showed all the parts we needed (thanks Johnny B).
Ordered the stub axles new from Bearmach on Monday and they were here on Thursday.
By noon on Saturday, the rear disk brakes were finished and we also did a trial fit of the AC compressor.
The AC compressor fits and can be adjusted without any frame or fender well interference with room to route the lower radiator hose, so the multiple measurements taken during the prototype design phase have paid off!
For production, we will mount the AC compressor up high and away from the distributor because the alternator will need the prototype AC loaction for the LHD vehicles.
So now to start answering all the questions that have been coming in via email and PMs.
There will be 2 basic bolt in bolt out conversions: 1.) for defender style vehicles that originally had a pre-300TDI 4 cylinder engine and 2.) for defender style vehicles that originally had a 3.5 liter V8 engine.
We do not have any pricing yet and won't have any pricing until the first batch of 25 adapters are cast and machined, the pilot bushing adapters, and the first batch of mounts are manufactured.
The mounts for the V8 frame will be available by special order only and will take from 1 to 2 weeks to deliver (not including shipping).
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 2019 and will ONLY FIT the 292.
We plan to offer kits for the 230 and 250, but not until later.
The basic kit will contain the motor mounts, alternator mount, PS pump mount, AC Compressor mount, engine, adapter, pilot bushing, thermo switch for electric fan, and thermostat coolant outlet.
None of the ancillary mounts will require a puma hood, they all fit under an early pre-puma hood.
Last comment is that I cannot stress enough that this is a bolt in bolt out kit that does not require any changes to the vehicle or frame.
Cutting and welding is not required.
As an example, you could unbolt a 12J, 19J, or 200TDI, and bolt in the 292.
Then you decide to sell your Defender-Style vehicle to a "diesel guy" who doesn't mind driving slow.
To satisfy the "diesel guy", you simply unbolt the 292 and bolt in the 12J, 19J, or 200TDI.
