Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion is now available as a factory-sanctioned powertrain upgrade for owners of older Classic Defender 90 and 110 models. As part of its “Defender Works V8 Conversion” program, Land Rover will swap out your existing factory-installed diesel motor with a 5.0 liter, naturally aspirated V8. The new V8 produces 405 horsepower and offers a much greater amount of power than what was available in the original vehicle.
In addition to installing a new V8 engine in your classic Defender, the Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion also includes a full mechanical upgrade package. Included in this package are a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, upgraded braking systems and a redesigned suspension system.
Although the mechanical upgrades are substantial, the appearance and structural design of your classic Defender will not be changed.
In addition to upgrading the powertrain, the conversion process will involve upgrading the suspension and braking systems on your vehicle. This upgrade is part of Land Rover Classic’s overall plan to improve the performance of older Defenders. Suspension, brake, and other upgrades can be installed on eligible 2007-2016 model year Defenders.
However, the complete V8 conversion is limited to 2012-2016 model year Defender 90 and 110 vehicles.
The main difference with the Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion is the engine. A new, naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8 will be installed into each Works V8. This engine produces 405 bhp and 515 Nm of torque. The engine will work in conjunction with an 8 speed ZF automatic transmission. It should also be noted that the engine used in the Works V8 Conversion is different than the current engines offered in the Land Rover Defender line-up. Because the Works V8 Conversion utilizes a naturally aspirated engine, there are no turbochargers or superchargers on this engine.
As a result, the Works V8 Conversion will still have the mechanical feel of the earlier V8 powered Land Rovers.
The Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion also includes changes to the vehicle’s chassis in order to handle the increase in power from the V8 engine. Land Rover added an eibach coil spring system with bilstein shocks.
Also Read: Land Rover Defender Truck Reportedly Coming to US as First JLR-Stellantis Product
Additionally, Land Rover replaced the anti-roll bars, link arms and bushing. Land Rover had to install larger braking systems because of the added power produced by the v8 engine. The Defender works v8 conversion comes standard with Alcon 4 piston brake calipers for both front and rear. Front disk brakes measure 335mm and rear disk brakes measure 300mm.
As part of the modernization process, Land Rover will replace the entire chassis and all of the suspension components.
In addition to replacing the chassis and suspension, the entire braking system will be included in the total package of modifications — rather than simply being an aesthetic addition. Land Rover states that the Classic Defender V8 has been built from scratch, with a completely redesigned handling, braking, and suspension system to handle the modified vehicle. This upgrade is available for a select number of vehicles. Land Rover states that only Defender 90 and 110 models manufactured during the 2012-2016 model years are eligible for the Defender Works V8 Conversion.
Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion Is Limited to 2012-2016 Models
Although owners of early 2007-2011 Model Year Defenders can upgrade some features on their vehicle (e.g. improved appearance, brakes, ride and handling) these vehicles were built outside of the time frame where a full V8 conversion was possible.
The last few years of the classic Defender’s existence was from 2012 through 2016. After producing the original Defender for over 60 years, Land Rover ended its production of the original Defender in 2016 and then introduced a brand-new redesigned Defender.
Therefore, the selection of an appropriate donor vehicle is crucial in determining whether or not your classic Defender can undergo the Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion. Land Rover Classic utilizes specific donor vehicles and conducts the conversion through its specialist division rather than considering the installation of a V8 engine as merely a simple engine replacement.
Classic Defender Owners Can Choose Wheels and Other Details
Owners have the ability to select various aspects of their Defender’s specifications as part of the Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion process. Owners may choose between 16″ steel wheels or 18″ alloy wheels. The package can also include Works V8 badges and other external/internal modifications.
The interior gear tunnel is modified to accommodate the automatic transmission.
As a result, the interior retains much of the basic design of a classic Defender while including necessary equipment for the converted drivetrain.
Furthermore, Land Rover’s Works Bespoke program offers extensive customization options including different body types, paint colors/finishes, interior configurations and optional features.
Land Rover Classic Handles the V8 Conversion
All aspects of the Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion are completed by Land Rover’s specialist Classic division. Land Rover Classic Works is located in the U.K. and provides Land Rover owners with restoration services for classic vehicles, replacement parts for classic vehicles and customer service for owners of classic vehicles. The facility spans over 14,000 square meters and contains separate workshops for its Classic operations.
Additionally, Land Rover states that availability/specifications/other details may differ based upon geographic location/market. The eligibility criteria for individual Defenders vary based upon their model year/age/condition etc.
As a result, owners cannot simply purchase any 2007-2016 Defender and assume that it will qualify for this conversion. The vehicle must satisfy all of the program’s requirements before the work can commence.
The 405 HP V8 Engine Was Used in the Defender Works V8 Trophy
The 405 hp V8 engine utilized in the Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion is not unfamiliar to Land Rover Classic.
In fact, Land Rover utilized the exact same 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 405 ps (405 hp) and 515 Nm (380 lb-ft) of torque in their Defender Works V8 Trophy program.
Similar to this current conversion program, the Defender Works V8 Trophy program also included an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission as well as enhanced suspension/brake components.
The Defender Works V8 Trophy vehicles were made from 2012-2016 models of Defenders, either as a 90 or 110 Station Wagon.
While they used the same V8 engine as other Defender models, they also had features that were added to help with off-road driving.
The Conversion Keeps the Classic Defender Body
This conversion program is aimed at existing owners of eligible Defenders who desire Land Rover Classic to perform mechanical upgrades to their vehicles rather than purchasing a factory-built modern Defender.
This conversion program will not replace classic Defenders with modern Defenders via this program. The donor remains a classic Defender 90/110, retaining its original body/basic structural elements while receiving mechanical upgrades.
Ultimately, this results in a classic Defender combining its older body/chassis with a V8 powertrain/automatic transmission/updated suspension/larger brakes.
It is important to distinguish between classic Defender conversions (such as this one) and new-generation Defenders since new-generation Defenders utilize a completely different platform/design. This Works V8 Conversion is intended to lengthen the lifespan of older Defenders rather than convert them into new-generation Defenders.
Defender V8 Conversion Availability Depends on the Vehicle
Not every classic Defender receives identical conversion specifications from Land Rover. Land Rover states that availability/specifications vary based upon geographical location/market and that each individual Defender must meet specific eligibility criteria for participation in this program.
Owners can consult with Land Rover Classic specialists regarding whether or not their Defender qualifies for the Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion.
For eligible 2012-2016 model year Defender 90/110 owners, this program represents an official avenue for replacement of their original engine with a 405 hp V8 engine while concurrently upgrading their suspension/braking systems.
The Land Rover Defender V8 Conversion provides owners of late-generation classic Defenders with a factory-supported option for replacing their original engine with a 405 hp V8 while upgrading the suspension and braking systems.
