When ECD initially started restoring the classic Defender in 2013, our engine lineup consisted of a refurbished Rover V8 engine and a refurbished Turbo diesel engine, both of which were factory standard for the original Defender. However, a passion for creating a more modernized version of the vehicle led to ECD creating some of the most impressive engine upgrades and restored Defenders in the history of Defenders within the U.S.

It all started with our founders’ need for speed. With three different sports cars sitting in front of the ECD facility, the need to bring a more modern, easily serviceable, and powerful drivetrain onboard first floated through discussion in 2014. By 2015, ECD had secured a source for supplying the Chevrolet LS3 small-block 6.2L V8 engine along with a client who wanted more out of their custom Defender.

LS3 Defender

Enter Project Beast, ECD’s first LS3-powered Defender, clocking in at 60 mph in under 7 seconds with 430 hp and a 6-speed transmission. The matte black D110 made headlines as one of the first restored Defenders to house such a powerful engine upgrade. With such power, Beast also needed upgraded brakes, axles, steering, and suspension just to handle the force of the newer engine in the 25-year-old classic. With Beast, ECD realized the engine options could be limitless, but a blueprint was needed to make new engine installation seamless and uniform as ECD pushed forward for more powerful and diverse engine options.

LT4 Defender

Fast forward to a few years later when ECD has added the LC9 and LS3+ to its lineup of drivetrains, but the need for even more power arose because, why not? In 2020, ECD then commissioned its first LT4 Supercharged 650 HP V8 engine for a Defender 110 named Project Langeti. The build rolled off the line in December 2020 and became ECD’s most fastest and most powerful build at the time; upgraded with ECD Air ride suspension and Brembo brakes; this conversion was a force to be reckoned with. With 650lb of torque behind the LT4, Langetti clocked in at 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is a feat for a 4,400 lb vehicle. Langeti set the standard for all of our LT4 builds going forward. The LT4 became a performance upgrade option in ECD’s lineup and is still our custom Defenders’ most powerful drivetrain option today.

Electric Defender with Tesla Power

While working on our first LT4 Defender conversion, ECD had been plotting to offer an electric Defender since 2016; however, logistics made it difficult to retrofit such a modern drivetrain into a classic vehicle. After striking an exclusive partnership, ECD announced its first bid for bringing Electric Defenders to the U.S. in 2020. While our first electric vehicle was actually an EV Range Rover Classic, our first Electric Defender powered by the Tesla Direct motor came off the line much later in 2022. Project Britton, a Cool Grey Khaki D110, is chargeable at any of the 25,000 local Tesla charging stations across the country with 450 hp and a 200-mile driving range. The conversion was a first on many for ECD, as months later, ECD had four more Tesla-powered Defenders come off the line. Beautifully designed to look like a classic Defender, Project Britton has the ultimate modern upgrade in its electric power, and creating the conversion took years of planning and expertise. Things like placing the batteries sideways and in the rear, adjusting wiring harnesses, and simply getting the engine to the ECD facility took planning and skill that is known to come with our restored Defenders. With lower maintenance, California compliance, and modernization being the biggest benefits of going electric, the electric Defender is a best of both worlds vehicle. Even the typical growl of the V8-powered Defender is exchanged for a low and quiet hum, once again a huge feat for such a hulking beast.

Defender Engine Options

ECD now offers eight drivetrain options for our custom Defender, and you can check out your Defender conversion options here. To see the builds mentioned, head over to our showcase page for more. Email [email protected] to get started.