When it comes to building your dream Defender, what’s under the hood matters. At ECD, we offer gas, electric, and diesel powertrains. Each has its own personality, but all are high-performance beasts. So, which engine swap is right for your custom Defender in 2025? Let’s break it down.

Gas-Powered Options: From Classic Rumble to Supercharged Muscle

If you’re chasing that classic V8 rumble in your custom Defender, when you build with ECD, you get to choose between five different options when it comes to gas-powered performance. Of course, each one has its own strengths, quirks, and personality. So, whether you want easygoing drivability or full-throttle insanity, our team’s got you covered. Here’s a look at our full gas-powered lineup.

Meet the 5.3L Vortec LC9

The LC9 is the most approachable gas option on the list. Rated at 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque in stock form, ECD’s tuned version of the LC9 can push up to 340 horsepower, depending on the build. This means it’s plenty capable for daily driving, weekend trails, or a utility-focused build. 

Sure, it’s not the flashiest option, but it’s proven, reliable, and cost-effective. The pros? It’s simple, durable, and affordable. However, the tradeoff is that it’s the least powerful engine in the lineup. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in capability.

If you want a visual of how your custom Defender would run with the LC9, just take a look at Project Stumpy. This stunning black 1991 Defender sports the LC9 engine, a four-point roll cage, a tubular front bumper with a Warn winch, and two work lights at the rear. As far as clean classics go, Project Stumpy fits the bill.

Meet the 6.2L LS3 and 6.2L LS3+

The LS3 is the Defender’s sweet spot. It’s balanced, responsive, and plenty of fun without going overboard. It’s rated at 430 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, giving you a modern V8 punch with old-school simplicity. The LS3+ kicks things up a notch. It’s bold and fine-tuned to push north of 565 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms your Defender into a genuine performance machine. 

For drivers who want confident power without unnecessary drama, the LS3 is a rock-solid mid-tier choice. It’s reliable, proven, and widely supported. The tradeoff? It might feel a little mild if you’re chasing extreme output. That’s where the LS3+ comes into the picture. It offers the perfect upgraded drivetrain for gearheads looking for a little more oomph from their custom Defender. The LS3+ also offers big power without relying on forced induction. However, the downside is increased fuel demand and a bump in cost.

For real-world proof, Project Green Go serves as a bold example of an LS3 Defender. This custom D110 pushes 430 horsepower and was masterfully built to reflect our client’s individual vision. Project Green Go features a soft top, four inward-facing jump seats in the rear, and endless contemporary comfort wrapped in vintage appeal. Looking at a high-performance LS3+ application, we have Project Poppins. This bold two-tone custom Defender 110 crew cab pumps out a whopping 565 horsepower. It draws on all senses as its roaring engine beautifully combines with its gorgeous aesthetics, giving it the ability to turn heads wherever the road leads. 

Meet the 6.2L LT1 and 6.2L Supercharged LT4

The LT1 brings a newer-generation vibe to the Defender lineup. With around 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, it’s designed for smooth, consistent power delivery. Think highway cruiser with muscle car roots. However, if you’re looking to turn your Defender into a complete performance monster, the LT4 is calling your name. The LT4 is built for those who like to push the limits. With 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, it’s loud, brutal, and impossible to ignore.

So, what are the tradeoffs? Well, the LT1 is a solid choice if you want modern performance without the extra boost. It’s undeniably smooth, reliable, and still knows how to pack a punch. But if you’re chasing that raw, supercharged edge, the LT4 is in a different league. The LT4 simply delivers unmatched performance with a supercharged thrill. However, the drawback is that it’s expensive and, quite frankly, a little too much engine for some builds.

In the real world,  Project White Tiger is a daring D110, finished in full gloss white, that shows off the LT1 in action. This bold D110 packs a serious punch with 460 horsepower. For something even bolder, Project Apex, outfitted with the LT4, packs an even bigger punch with 640 roaring ponies. This gorgeous D110 is finished in full-gloss Arles Blue, complete with a six-point roll cage and black metal steering guard.

The Quiet Revolution: The All-Electric Defender

If you’re after a Defender that feels futuristic but still looks iconic, ECD’s all-electric drivetrain might be the way to go. This setup swaps gas for volts with an 84 kWh battery pack that delivers around 200 miles of range and supports fast charging when you’re on the move. It’s smooth, silent, and packed with instant torque, and it is the definition of high performance. 

The biggest advantage? Zero emissions and near-zero maintenance. There’s no oil to change, no belts to replace, and no gas station stops unless you’re picking up snacks. It’s a clean, modern driving experience with all the rugged charm of a classic Defender. Just take a look at Project Homecoming, a stunning 1998 D110 outfitted with ECD’s all-electric drivetrain. 

But electric power isn’t for everyone. If you live in a rural area or plan on off-grid adventures, charging access can be a limiting factor. And let’s be honest, some drivers will miss the rumble of a V8. Still, if daily driving, quiet comfort, and cutting-edge tech are high on your list, the EV Defender is hard to beat. It’s a bold way to reimagine a legend.

Built to Go the Distance: The Diesel Defender

If you’re the kind of driver who thinks long-haul, off-grid, and overland, then ECD’s diesel-powered Defender deserves a serious look. At the heart of a high-performance diesel Defender is the 2.8L Cummins turbo-diesel. It’s a compact but capable engine delivering 160 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The diesel Defender isn’t about speed. It’s about durability, torque, and fuel efficiency where it counts.

This engine shines on trails during towing and anywhere low-end grunt matters more than high-end horsepower. That said, the diesel Defender has its fair share of tradeoffs. Acceleration is slower, and emissions regulations vary by state, which might limit where you can register it. But if your Defender is built for adventure, not the track, diesel might be the most practical choice of all.

Want proof? Check out Project Guga Muga, a rugged D110 with a Cummins swap, a lighter bronze green eggshell exterior, and enough torque to pull just about anything in its path. When it comes to staying power, diesel still gets the job done.

Connect With the ECD Team Today

No matter which way you go, from gas-powered to electric to diesel, each build delivers serious performance in its own right. From raw V8 muscle to clean electric torque or torque-heavy diesel durability, there’s no wrong answer here. Which one’s the best? That depends on your vision. At ECD, we just make it happen.

Interested in adding a custom Defender to your garage? If so, connect with the ECD team to learn more. Be sure to check out our complete restomod offerings.