classic range rover diesel conversion

REDROVER

Explorer
My 6.2 was a J code with 160hp and 300lbs ft, it was in a 3/4 ton 2wd suburban and I never had heating issues unless I was really pushing it with a load up the mountains and then all I had to do was gear down and back off a bit on the speed. My current GM diesel is a 6.5TD heavy duty (I forget the code letter) and it seems ok to as long as I keep things within reason. I suspect you have an air flow issue, I have a friend that has a 6.5NA in a 110 with a custom rad and he doesn't have any heat problems. He is using a mechanical fan with ducting to make sure that it is drawing through the rad.

6.5 turbo in a hummer.u can push that truck to any hill and water never passes center line. but that radiator is huge.

the bottom line is we need air flow air flow and air flow,
 

REDROVER

Explorer
i was thinking it will be really cool to install 2 small window washer nipples on the bumper, and when the temperature does pass the center line u can just push the switch and it will spray water on the radiator. and spraying makes it cool much faster than just dumping water on it. :)

hey we have to be creative sometimes lol

ERIC
 

REDROVER

Explorer
the grill on us models are good because it makes the air flow all the way to the top of the radiator, u dont see its covered by the metal were the hood closes.


6 core radiator made using the original land rover radiator ends, the cooler lines are removed,
Volvo fun in front with a good shroud.
and very strong large fun in front. and you are done.

if u make it aluminum then much better cooling. make sure u use thermostat. its controls the temp in radiator, not having one will keep the temp higher because the hot water constantly flows true.

( 2 defernt type of thermostats. get the one made in USA with the larger waterflow opening )

i will give u the part # of the Volvo fun and Mercedes Benz E class 87 to 93 model fun in front. they came from >>pick your part << 20 bucks each

ERIC
 

LtFuzz

Explorer
Great, would love to try the Volvo fan.

I took the thermostat out completely. I tried three different 6.2 thermostats and none of them were opening fully. What's the part # on the thermostat you used?

My first radiator was a 4-core alumnium radiator and it worked fine on flat, like you said -- but it wouldn't handle the mountain passes in CO (7000ft +). I'd hit 230F.

I'm looking now to build a 6 core aluminum with the Volvo fan, or maybe a fan off a Lincoln Mark VIII. Plenty of space to stack cores once you take off the direct drive fan. I'm also thinking a good shroud will help.

Have you thought about hood louvers or a ram air for the hood? Any ideas?

Any ideas?
 

KungFooMASTA

New member
They say anything over 215deg is hard on 6.2/6.5s for any amount of time. Saying they can hit 220ish but try not to let it stay there for a long time. I read how LtFuzz got his to 300deg and had no problems but I can only say you are the luckiest person in the world.

The reason for the holes in the front bumpers of 6.5 Turbo trucks is not for footholes to work on your 6.5, like some think, it is actually for more airflow to the rad.

I love 6.2/6.5s I have a 94 6.5 Turbo Diesel 2door Fullsize Blazer and I love it. It has plenty of power and gets awsome fuel mileage, I have gotten 27mpg highway with it, thats damn good for a 6000lb 4x4 if you ask me.

I have been planning on putting a 6.2/6.5 Turbo in my Disco since before I got it. But im doing a 4spd np or a nv4500, Tons and 42s. I am part way there, I have The truck the Turbo system and the rear axle. LOL. Only the expensive stuff left now. Not sure on what tcase/s I want to use yet.

I am happy people are doing this swap so I can see how easy it is.
 

dubl_t

New member
Lt,
I know you need a new radiator anyways, as per your CO "adventure". But I really think louvers would help you both alot. Overheating was common with several guys in a Jeep club I belonged to, and most solved their problems by just putting a couple holes on the backside of the hood. An added benefit was that it kept the windshield ice free in the winter ;)
Check with a local street rodder, they know who punches louvers.
Red,
given any thought to producing some engine/tranny adapters?
Thanks, Tom.
 

LtFuzz

Explorer
They say anything over 215deg is hard on 6.2/6.5s for any amount of time. Saying they can hit 220ish but try not to let it stay there for a long time. I read how LtFuzz got his to 300deg and had no problems but I can only say you are the luckiest person in the world.

The reason for the holes in the front bumpers of 6.5 Turbo trucks is not for footholes to work on your 6.5, like some think, it is actually for more airflow to the rad.

I love 6.2/6.5s I have a 94 6.5 Turbo Diesel 2door Fullsize Blazer and I love it. It has plenty of power and gets awsome fuel mileage, I have gotten 27mpg highway with it, thats damn good for a 6000lb 4x4 if you ask me.

I have been planning on putting a 6.2/6.5 Turbo in my Disco since before I got it. But im doing a 4spd np or a nv4500, Tons and 42s. I am part way there, I have The truck the Turbo system and the rear axle. LOL. Only the expensive stuff left now. Not sure on what tcase/s I want to use yet.

I am happy people are doing this swap so I can see how easy it is.

Before you go the NV4500 route, make sure the R380 wont hold up. With 24 splines and a GM clutch - like I have - you might be surprised.

Now 42"s ... Different story...
 

KungFooMASTA

New member
I want the super low 1st of the nv4500 and that I know it can handle the power of a Turbo Diesel because they come behind 215hp 450tq 5.9 Cummins. It is also simple as bolt it on no adapters. Because 6.5 Turbo diesels come with nv4500s.

But nv4500s are like $1200 and the np 4spds have lower first, but no od. But they are almost free.
 

REDROVER

Explorer
Great, would love to try the Volvo fan.

I took the thermostat out completely. I tried three different 6.2 thermostats and none of them were opening fully. What's the part # on the thermostat you used?

My first radiator was a 4-core alumnium radiator and it worked fine on flat, like you said -- but it wouldn't handle the mountain passes in CO (7000ft +). I'd hit 230F.

I'm looking now to build a 6 core aluminum with the Volvo fan, or maybe a fan off a Lincoln Mark VIII. Plenty of space to stack cores once you take off the direct drive fan. I'm also thinking a good shroud will help.

Have you thought about hood louvers or a ram air for the hood? Any ideas?

Any ideas?

once you put the six core i dont think there will be much place for lincoln fun. however i have to tell u they are one of the best electric funs if u can make it fit. my frind has it on his classic rover, it came off or the crown viky. works amazingly well.

hood scoop or ram air is a wonderful idea and i am gonna do that also to get rid of the hot air.

shroud will make 25% change

i have to call my part guy to ask him about the thermostat he sold me.
 

REDROVER

Explorer
100km 2250rpm

THANK YOU SIR.

i think it was u asking me about how i fixeed the heating problem on diesel place right? :)

volvo fun good shroud inside and MBZ fun in front 6 core radiator.with a same core used on 18 wheeler trucks and putting back my thermostat .

i called my part guy to ask him about the thermostat he sold me, and he cant remeber witch one it was. diesel place guys should be able to tell me again .

ERIC
 

94Discovery

Adventurer
THANK YOU SIR.

i think it was u asking me about how i fixeed the heating problem on diesel place right? :)

volvo fun good shroud inside and MBZ fun in front 6 core radiator.with a same core used on 18 wheeler trucks and putting back my thermostat .

i called my part guy to ask him about the thermostat he sold me, and he cant remeber witch one it was. diesel place guys should be able to tell me again .

ERIC

:26_7_2: yep it was me i am gathering all possible info on 6.2 before i take the plunge still i do not understand how normal chevy truck they get with normal size radiator and on this convesion you need 6 core is it becose it is a military engine and it get hotter ??????
 

REDROVER

Explorer
:26_7_2: yep it was me i am gathering all possible info on 6.2 before i take the plunge still i do not understand how normal chevy truck they get with normal size radiator and on this convesion you need 6 core is it becose it is a military engine and it get hotter ??????

its becuse they have larger wind caching area. on our trucks we cant use that large radiator. our only option is to make it thicker. radiators work better when they have larger wind catching face. on chevy tyucks its 3 core but 40+ inches long and 30+ inches high. on our trucks its about 18 inches high and 24 inch long.

in general disel motor does not get hot all the way during idle or normal street driving, but when it comes to goin hard up hill then it gets really hot. much more than gas engine . thats the problem we are dealing with.

remember our engine bay is not made to handle 6.2 diesel large motor. thats why we have to make it work using funs.and larger radiators

but if they can cool off >>nucliar power plant << then for sure we can make 6.2 diesel motor run cooler :)

ERIC
 

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