Even before diesel fuel prices went thru the roof, it was a no-pay-back proposition. The only justifiable reason, and it's a good one to some, to do the conversion, is that you extend your per-tank range by virtually double.
Basically, all that's required is a bunch of cash. Unless you have a reliable contact in the UK that can source you the correct 300TDI, you'll have to pay thru the nose over here to those who have access to them. You need the 300 TDI/gearbox combination that was used in the defender, not the Disco version, as the bellhousing is very much different, the engine sits way back and you need a huge radiator shroud. Speak to Mark Letorney, at Rovers North. If he doesn't have the goodies in stock, he usually has some on the way. In the UK, you can speak to Foleys or Equicar.
Your existing R380 isn't compatible with the Tdi, as the input shaft is different, as is the Bellhousing. You need to remove your motor mounts and weld in correct mounts. Fuel pump changes, add filters, and some minor electricals. The payback might fall within your lifetime, but thinking that way doesn't matter, since simply owning a Defender isn't a particularly rational act to begin with.
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