Benefits of Choosing a Diesel Drivetrain as Your Engine of Choice

For anyone who’s considering upgrading or restoring a Land Rover Defender, one of the options to consider is the engine. Gasoline and electricity are both possible, but choosing a diesel powerplant makes sense. The benefits of a diesel engine far outweigh other options for powering a Defender. Considering a Defender diesel should be high on the list of options, upgrades, and restoration ideas.

 What Are the Main Diesel Engine Benefits?

 Deciding on a Defender diesel should be done carefully. But for most people, the value of it far outweighs any concerns they might have. Past reasons people may have had for avoiding diesel engines are no longer issues, especially with newer engines. Here are a few great reasons to choose a diesel engine instead of gasoline or electric-powered options.

Get a Better Deal in the Long Term

Mileage and fuel economy are two of the biggest reasons to choose diesel. People argue that fueling up with diesel is more expensive, but that’s not usually true. While a gallon of diesel fuel may cost more than a gallon of gasoline, a diesel engine will typically get better fuel economy.

That means the higher cost really isn’t higher at all, and could potentially even equal cost savings for people who choose diesel for their Defender’s engine. This is because gasoline and diesel prices are more comparable than they used to be, and newer diesel engines are also more fuel-efficient. That combination helps showcase why a restored Defender diesel is the right choice for Land Rover lovers everywhere.

No Spark Plugs or Distributor to Fail

Another big reason to choose a Defender diesel is the lack of spark plugs and distributor. Since diesel engines don’t have (or require) ignition systems, there’s no need for either one of these items. Instead, a diesel powerplant uses glow plugs in place of spark plugs, and compression ignites the mixture of air and fuel to start the engine. That’s a convenient way of getting things running that’s also easier to maintain.

There’s no need to worry about changing out spark plugs or having the engine not start due to a bad spark plug. That has the potential to strand a Defender owner somewhere on one of their adventures, and it’s not a good feeling when that happens. Choosing a diesel engine avoids those kinds of problems, so Land Rover owners can get out into the wild and enjoy everything their vehicles can do. 

High Compression Means a Longer Life

The ability to withstand high compression is one of the most valuable things about a diesel engine. Since it uses compression to start the engine and when the engine is operating, the strength and durability have to be there. This means the engine lasts longer than a gasoline-powered equivalent.

Having a reliable engine is a vital part of getting full enjoyment from a Land Rover Defender. Whether it’s a purchase or a restoration, it needs to last. Since many people drive their vehicles off-road, into the wilderness, and through rough terrain, making sure they can rely on their engine matters.

What Kind of Diesel Defender is Offered?

The Cummins Classic Turbo Diesel is what’s offered by ECD. This is a 2.8L, 4-cylinder, 160hp engine with 267 lb-ft of torque @1600-3200. An engine like this provides plenty of power for adventures while still offering good fuel economy and mileage numbers. In addition, it’s a workhorse of an engine that can be relied on, providing more fun and peace of mind.

Restoring or modifying a Defender takes time, effort, and dedication. But, for anyone who has one and wants to upgrade to diesel, doing that can be the best choice they’ll make in a long time.