As you guys know we have been working with Chris and Kevin @ Axis to help in anyway we can in developing the 2.8 to R380 stumpy adapters. This is a blast email they sent out today to anyone looking to do that conversion. After digging deeper I think we may have found a way to do the custom cast bellhousings economically right here in Va of all places.
Cummins R2.8 Defender
People
Axis Industries - Kevin <ksilovich@axisindustriesusa.com> Today at 4:16 PM
Cummins R2.8 Defender Update
All of you have express interest in the Cummins R2.8 to Defender Kits or Conversions. And we wanted to share an update with you all.
What we have found out the last couple of months, is that the steering box and oil cooler on the R2.8 occupy the same space. The solution to this issue is to get the R2.8 behind the box. That way no one is having to relocate the steering box and mess with the suspension geometry. Going this route we narrowed down the best possible transmission solutions for a manual and automatic trans.
Non Puma's
Manual - We are electing to use the upgraded Stumpy R380 as this will pull the R2.8 behind the steering box and the Transfer case (T/C) will land in the factory position. This solution will work for the D90,110 and 130.
Automatic - We are using the 8HP70 (8 Speed) from the Dodge Ram Trucks. With this transmission we have to slide the T/C back about 5.5" which may be an issue for the D90 guys, But we know it will work with the D110 and 130's.
Puma
For guys wanting to run the Puma Bulkhead, Floor, and Dash, the drive train is slightly different.
Manual - We have found that the Rover V8 R380 is a better solution for the Puma Layout, We can pull the Drive train back (4ish inches) till the shifter lines up with the Floor cutout and that lands the engine right where need it. Then we are going to build a custom T/C shifter mount that will relocate the T/C shifter next to the transmission shifter, just like in the puma.
Automatic - Will be the same solution as the Non Puma.
RHD vs LHD
We have seen some slight differences in the LHD and RHD configurations. The main difference is AC clearance. For a RHD defender you will be required to run our High Clearance Mega bracket if you are wanting to retain AC. For a LHD defender we can get away with using a Cummins Mega Bracket.
Hoods or Bonnets
We also paid close attention to the hood when we landed our engine placement. We wanted to make sure no matter what hood (Puma or not) that the engine would fit in there. As I know some guys love the look of the tire on the hood. We didn't want to force anyone into swap them out.
Also there should be some flexibility with the grille. As our cooling package sites back a little ways. So you should be able to fit a non bump out style if you like that look.
Below are some photos of what we have going on right now. By the end of this week we will have the engine landed in its final location in the D110/8HP70. As the builds progress I will keep you guys all updated.
Thanks
Kevin Silovich
ksilovich@axisindustriesusa.com