1979 Land Rover Series III

1979 Land Rover 88 Project
Predecessor to Defender 90
Land Rover 88 Santana with Left Hand Drive. Clear Texas title. Over $25K invested. This vehicle is in outstanding physical shape with a recent mini-restoration. The frame is straight with no rust and it has been cleaned and painted. The aluminum exterior is in great shape. Both driver’s and passenger’s doors have been replaced with new and as such have zero rust on the frames. The doors are upgraded to the newer Defender style and include roll-up windows instead of sliders, modern door internal hardware, and late model interior door panels. The front wing sides have been replaced with new ABS panels. The rear door has been upgraded with internal and external supports for a rear mounted spare tire. The factory wheels have been replaced by later Land Rover Defender wheels to provide a wider track which gives a better stance. The original wheels and tires will be included in the sales price should the new owner want them.
All lights and gauges work as do the ventilation fan, heater, and windscreen wipers. There is no AC .
The original 2.25L NA Diesel engine( Model 10J) has been replaced by a completely rebuilt 2.5L TurboDiesel (Model 19J) rated for more power. The block was cleaned , inspected for cracks, bored .020 and honed . New pistons and piston rings installed. New crank bearings, water pump, and all seals and gaskets replaced. Head rebuilt with 2 angle valve job, flat decked, with new valve seals. Springs tested. Head assembled by professional engine shop. Head magnafluxed and leak tested. New injection pump and injectors installed.
Gas pedal and throttle cable upgraded to 19J style. The original 88 4 speed manual transmission is installed but I will include the 19J's 5 speed if the new owner desires. A different transfer case such as an LT230 or adapter may be needed to make this swap. The clutch and brakes have been serviced. The following are just some of the new parts installed:
New Master Brake Cylinder
New Power Brake Booster
New brake hoses
New shock absorbers ( 4)
New Tires 265/75/R16
New Injection Pump
New Injectors
Fuel pump serviced
Fuel Sedimenter cleaned and rebuilt
New Fuel Filter
New Fuel Lines
Recent Battery ( 2016)
Radiator flushed and leak checked
New LED reverse light and license plate frame
New rear door spare tire mount
New weather stripping
New late model door hinges
New headlights
Interior
New front seats
New rear bench seats
New carpet set
New visors
New rearview mirror
Re-upholstered upper side cards
New cubby box
New door cards
Dash pad refurbished
New rear sill plate
All electronics verified functional
Now for the disclaimer and the reason I am selling this vehicle as a project at a significant loss.
The engine smoked before the rebuild and continues to smoke after the rebuild. I’ve spent quite a bit of time trying to solve the issue and no longer have time to work on it due to other commitments. Assuming there is nothing wrong with the engine internals (and each engine aspect has been checked by the engine machine shop) then the issue may be timing , valve set-up, or something else. Perhaps a Land Rover engine expert can solve the problem easily and will be getting a great deal on this vehicle! Worse case if the buyer replaces the entire engine ( which would be a shame after all the work) , it will still be a good deal.
Please ask any questions you may have.

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