Re: SER1 Engine Mounts

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Steve

The 2 1/4 litre (2286cc) engine is taller than either a 1595cc or 1997cc
engine so the clearance under the bonnet is a problem.  This is why the
Series II has a higher body profile than the series I.  If you imagine the
height difference of your series I body to the series II then this space is
what you need above your engine bay to allow the appropriate clearance of a
2286cc.  Everything else will be a compromise with 2286cc engine bits
hitting series I bits when you go over bumps etc..

My 80" had a 2286cc fitted when I purchased her ( it has subsequently been
removed as part of a complete restoration to original specs).  I must
apologise for not taking more notice of the fine details and have removed
the modifications to the engine mounts.  There were no modifications to the
chassis.

The front of the 2286cc engine was lowered about 2" from the original
position and the engine rear/bell housing was almost touching the 2nd
chassis cross member.  To fit under the bonnet a low profile carburettor and
a paper element air cleaner off a Ford Falcon was used.  The top of the oil
filler pipe was also missing I believe also to allow clearance under the
bonnet.

The engine mounts were modified from the mounts off the 1595cc engine.  They
were welded onto a piece of 1/4" plate leaving about 3" protruding from the
bottom.  On the engine fixing portion of one side a hole was drilled mid-way
between the two original holes through the mount and attached plate, the
second hole drilled into the bottom extension matching that on the engine.
On the other side mount, one of the original holes is used and a new hole
drilled matching the engine in the extension part.  I no longer know which
side was which.  To fit a 2286cc in this alignment on 1954 -1958 vehicles
you would have to fabricate new mounts because one of the bolts is directly
in line with the bottom of the "V" part of the mount.

The bell housing on the gearbox has to be replaced with one matching a
2286cc (in my vehicles case they actually swapped to a series IIa complete
gearbox/transfer)  If you are going to change the engine specs of the
vehicle you may consider a series III syncromesh gearbox without problem.

The bottom inlet to the radiator has to be moved to the opposite side or use
a radiator from a series IIa.

On my vehicle the accelerator cross shaft was still standard so the 2286cc
engine linkages fit directly.  This would be the same on LHD vehicles.

There is a photo of the 2286cc engine in position without air filter and a
few hoses disconnected at
http://groups.msn.com/TheSeriesOneGarage/1951restoration.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=2975

Other people have done 2286cc modifications where the engine crankshaft
alignment were not changed using the original engine mounts.   The  profile
of the bonnet is changed by lifting it up several inches and infill spacers
placed along the side.

I guess the comment has to be made, if you want 2286cc engine performance
from your Land Rover then you should consider buying a Land Rover fitted
with one at the Solihull factory.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Diana



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