MK 1 diesel conversion help!

[DieselMarkI]

Hello there!

I'm new to the forums and a new MK 1 owner! ('73 bull nose) It's a shame it doesn't run now, the old Perkins diesel engine is only able to cough some clouds of black smoke. I've given up on the old diesel engine since it's way to expensive to drive and not reliable, at least that's what I have heard. Lately I've been scouting the forums for information on the 'famous' 2.5 di, 5 speed box conversion. I'm wondering whether this is the way to go for me, could anyone help me out?

I hope to achieve:
- Low mileage, I'm aiming at around 10L/100 km, I believe this is about 25 mpg.
- Cruising speed of 60 mph
- Easy conversion (I don't have a huge budget)

From what I have read, I believe it would be best to buy a whole mk3/4 donor.
What bits and parts am I going to need to achieve my goal and how tough is it going to be?

Also, I've read that the standard diff has a ratio of 5ish:1, is there a way of swapping the whole mk3/4 drive line, without propshaft?

Any other information that might be relevant for me is very welcome.
Thanks in advance!

[GavSuz]

i've done similar in our horsebox

it's a mk2 - was a 2.4 york

i have put the 2.5di engine in now - have had to keep the old gearbox tho - 4 speed with overdrive
this means no change to the propshaft

just need to move the rad over a little so it clears the viscous fan and it's good to go

[Neil]

the perkins uses a front mount crossmember the di wont just drop in

[DieselMarkI]

Thanks for the response guyus.

Yeah I figured I had to fabricate new motor mounts etc. anyway.

GavSuz, how does it drive now? What's the cruising speed and what does it drive per gallon? What diff ratio do you have?