More power under the bonnet for the Range Rover range
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• Motor and Diesel Engineering of Bourn, Cambridge, the largest diesel conversion company in the UK, introduced the most powerful four-cylinder diesel conversion yet available for Range Rover models, at Bridgestone's Tyres of Road England held at Donnington Park on 18 to 20 March.
Over the past eight years the company has identified and catered for a demand from farmers and small businesses for a powerful diesel alternative to the original petrol equipment so saving up to 40% on fuel. The 3.5-litre, turbocharged and charge-cooled direct injection SL35T engine, manufactured by Mazda of Japan to drive its light 4x2 truck models is developed from the HA30 (Perkins 4.182) unit.
Fitted with air-to-air charge cooling the engine incorporates a new fuel injection system and waste gate turbocharger, providing a high level of torque at low engine speeds. It is the most competitive engine in its class with regard to power and torque, rated at 101kW (135hp) at 3,450rpm and 353Nm (2601bft) at 2,000rpm.
Dished piston crowns are said to contribute to fuel efficiency while such items as a double-skinned foam filled rocker cover, sandwich sump gasket and backlash timing gear clutch are included to make the engine quiet.
Unlike the six-cylinder turbocharged VM Italian diesel unit currently used by Land Rover as an alternative to its 3.5-litre petrol engine, the shorter Mazda engine can be installed without modification to the vehicle chassic using new mounting brackets. Although the lightest of the diesel options, the front suspension needs to be strengthened with heavy-duty coil springs and new bump stop spacers. The flywheel is replaced and an anti-rattle driven clutch plate is fitted.
A new radiator incorporates the air-to-air charge cooler while the 420mm fan is shrouded to maximise air flow through the radiator. An additional header tank ensures maximum cooling protection and high capacity air cleaner, sighted in a clean area on the front hand side, maximises element service life.
A water trap is specified to prevent fuel contamination while the battery is replaced with a heavy duty 12-volt model and compatable leads. A large 64mm diameter bore exhaust ensures good breathing.
Production conversions will become available from June at less than 24,000.