Can you fit a perkins prima in a rover sd1?

Answer 1

Good question- I'm thinking of the same thing myself... The Perkins prima is based on the o-series, so theoretically it wouldn't be the most difficult swap. Both were used in the montego and sherpa vans. A sherpa van would be the easiest to raid- as its RWD. I'm also considering a 2.0 diesel from the Rover 400/45- 113bhp. It was based on the perkins, and fitted to the 400/600 series- as was the T series, which was a derivative of the o-series. You'd need a 2000 SD1 to start with, as the gear/axle ratios were different than the 6 and 8 cylinder models.

Good luck! -Brian

I agree with the above- at least one person has already done it, in the SD1 owners club. It would be easier to start with an sd1 2000, which used the O series engine on which the prima is based. The block is the same, so it will be a bolt in swap regarding engine mounts etc. You'd need to play about with the wiring and run a live to the fuel pump shut off plunger, also fabricate an exhaust downpipe. don't even consider using a non-turbo prima, it doesnt have the guts for such a heavy car.

I think the gearbox ratios in the petrol car may be unsuitable for the diesel engine although it will physically fit the engine. diesels do not like revving but produce lots of low down torque so tall ratios are needed.The 'box from an ldv 200 may be the way to go. additionally the rear axle ratio may not be suitable either, remember the diesel engine will be red lining at about 4000 rpm but at least one from a bigger engined sd1 will fit straight in. the ratio is the same on the 2.3, 2.6 and v8 models, only the 2000 had a lower ratio

Basically, all good info above, but... The Prima will rev a lot higher than 4000rpm how high varies with the source, some say 4500 others 5000. I have driven a Citroen XUD limited to 4250 and Maestro TD with no rev counter one after the other. The Prima revved much longer so I'm inclined to believe 5000+. The Prima can be easily tuned to 100BHP+ with an intercooler and fuel adjustment of the Bosch VE pump. The Prima is more about mid-range torque and has a wider power band than most engines of its era. Cold start is rough and noisy but a fuel heater helps, also a properly working crankcase breather helps refinement. It sounds like a different engine on Veggie with two tank conversion or Veggie mix. 50ish MPG.

On the weight issue remember the first Freelander with the Rover L-series engine? It was sluggish to drive and lacking in low end torque, even though it had been very competitive in lighter car applications, so it is important to compare the power and torque outputs with the original engine, especially how low the torque curve comes in on TDs, to get an idea of driveability. Modern variable nozzle turbos have almost got rid of turbo delay/lag. But they are more expensive.

Alternative engines:

LDV Pilot vans used NA XUDs and LT77 based R380 boxes. Could work with TD XUD tunable to 130BHP. Van box ratios might not work well in a SD1. Info is online. 40ish MPG.

VFM Rover L-series in RWD application has a problem of the IP being driven off the camshaft at the flywheel end of the engine. Google 'Pimp my Sherpa'.

Rover 'SD' 90's version is Bosch IP non-intercooled non-electronic. SDi has both - option of a RoverRon tuning box for £50ish. Tuning info online. Noughties 25/45 version is more complicated and data bus based. Possible 130 BHP 45+ MPG.

Alternatively, you could try BMW 325/525TDS - 143BHP, Vauxhall Omega - 129 BHP engine and or box - ECU coded to IP so you need both from the donor. 30s MPG.

Mercedes C250TD (cheap because of rust) the same engine as 190D 2.5 but with turbo. 150BHP. 30s MPG.