Land Rover Defender LS3 & 6L80 Conversion Kit

Why the LS3 & 6L80 is a benchmark Defender conversion

Defender owners across the UK are increasingly replacing the ageing Puma diesel with modern V8 power. The LS3 and 6L80 pairing has become the go-to package because it delivers drivability, refinement, and long-distance comfort, while remaining mechanically straightforward, globally supported, and highly reliable. This conversion is engineered for everyday use: towing, touring, overtaking, and daily driving, without compromising the Defender's core character.

The LS3 transforms the vehicle with strong, predictable torque and OEM-grade road manners. The 6L80 contributes adaptive shift control, twin overdrive ratios for motorway cruising, and robust internal architecture designed for torque-heavy platforms. Because this system retains the LT230 transfer case, your Defender keeps its off-road capability, centre diff lock, and familiar control layout.

How this LS3 Defender conversion compares to other kits

There are several LS-based Defender conversions available globally, including offerings from overseas suppliers and specialist builders. Many of these are well executed, but most are designed around left-hand drive vehicles, partial component supply, or workshop-only installation models.

This LS3 and 6L80 kit is engineered specifically as a UK right-hand drive, complete installation system. Rather than supplying a subset of parts and leaving the rest to be sourced or fabricated during the build, this package defines and supplies every major system required for a professional conversion.

• Designed for UK right-hand drive steering and pedal layouts
• Retains the LT230 transfer case and full Defender driveline geometry
• Supplied as a complete system rather than a partial conversion
• Uses brand new, globally supported components
• Suitable for owner builds or repeatable workshop installations

If you are comparing different LS Defender conversion options, this kit is intended for buyers who value defined scope, predictable installation, and long-term serviceability over one-off fabrication.

Is the LS3 the right engine conversion for your Defender?

The LS3 and 6L80 conversion is particularly well suited to Defender 90 and 110 Puma models where owners want modern performance, automatic drivability, and long-term reliability without sacrificing the vehicle's original usability.

This conversion is commonly chosen where the factory diesel no longer meets expectations for towing, refinement, or reliability, or where a full powertrain replacement is more viable than incremental upgrades.

• Owners looking to replace ageing or unreliable Puma diesel engines
• Defenders used for towing, touring, or daily driving
• Customers wanting an automatic transmission with modern shift behaviour
• Builds where serviceability and parts availability matter long term

If your priority is originality at all costs, a different approach may suit you better. If your priority is a Defender that is easier to live with, more capable, and mechanically coherent, the LS3 is a proven solution.

Build your kit: choose the packages you need

This conversion is supplied as a defined, complete LS3 Defender installation kit. Every major system is matched and supplied to work together in a UK Defender chassis. Use the packages below to add individual blocks to your basket, or purchase the complete bundle. Where Defender specification changes the exact requirement, we identify and supply the correct variant at order stage.

LS3 Crate Engine

Chevrolet Performance LS3 6.2L V8 + free break-in essentials bundle

430bhp £10,434 495bhp £10,799 525bhp £11,795

£10,434 inc VAT

• Factory-fresh Chevrolet Performance LS3 6.2L crate engine
• Free break-in essentials bundle: 12L ZDDP oil + 2× OEM filter (worth £120)
• Three power levels with identical fitment — choose above

Engine detail Add to basket

The heart of the conversion. Pair with the Drivetrain Integration package below for the complete powertrain.

Drivetrain Integration Package

6L80E transmission + converter + UK RHD adaptor system + mounts

£7,173 inc VAT

• Brand new GM 6L80E six-speed automatic with 2400–2800 rpm stall converter
• UK right-hand drive adaptor system: 6L80 to LT230 transfer case
• 4WD extension housing, output shaft seal, and interface components
• Defender-specific engine mounts, transmission mount, and transfer case mount

Adaptor detail Transmission detail Add to basket

Best for: builders who already have an LS drivetrain but need a UK-correct LT230 solution.

Electronics and Wiring Package

GM controller kit + labelled conversion harness + OBD-II

£2,274 inc VAT

• Chevrolet Performance Connect and Cruise LS controller kit
• Integrated engine and 6L80 transmission management in one unit
• Conversion-ready harness with OBD-II diagnostics port

Electronics detail Add to basket

Factory-grade engine and transmission management. Plug it in, it starts, it shifts.

Dash and Instruments Package

Dakota Digital HDX gauges + OBD/CAN bridge module

£1,998 inc VAT

• Dakota Digital HDX-2018-K rounded rectangle gauge cluster
• Six analog gauges with TFT message centre and RGB backlighting
• BIM-01-2 OBD-II/CAN bus module for live LS3 data feed

Instruments detail Add to basket

Real LS3 data on proper analog gauges. No signal converters, no sender calibration.

Cooling Package

Radiator, hose routing, heater integration, conversion fittings

£610 inc VAT

• ESR3685 Defender V8 radiator with integrated oil cooler
• Polished stainless 24-inch upper hose
• 90° radiator hose adapter for clean routing

Cooling detail Add to basket

Best for: heavy UK use — towing, slow off-road work, and touring.

Fuel and Air Intake System Package

Complete fuel conversion from diesel to EFI petrol — every component, fitting, and hose included

£1,377 inc VAT

• LS3 air intake system for unrestricted airflow
• High-flow 340 LPH in-tank EFI pump with Defender-specific sender module
• 58 psi filter/regulator, complete AN plumbing, and every hose end and adapter needed to connect tank to fuel rail
• This is not a partial kit — it is the entire fuel and air system, ready to install with nothing left to source

Fuel detail Add to basket

Best for: avoiding pressure instability from improvised fuel plumbing.

Exhaust Interface Package

RHD-compatible manifolds for custom stainless fabrication

£590 inc VAT

• Hooker BlackHeart LS swap manifolds in natural cast finish
• Compact block hugger profile for Defender engine bay clearance
• Oxygen sensor provisions and 2.5-inch outlets for custom fabrication

Exhaust detail Add to basket

Best for: keeping clearance predictable on RHD builds.

Shifter and Controls Package

PRNDL gating, correct cable length, integration capability

£1,104 inc VAT

• Lokar electronic sport shifter with brushed mushroom knob for 6L80
• Lokar heavy-duty 72-inch shifter cable with correct end fittings
• Positive PRNDL gating with reverse light and neutral safety integration

Controls detail Add to basket

Best for: a cabin setup that feels deliberate rather than improvised.

Ancillaries and Accessory Drive Package

Alternator, power steering, A/C provision, finishing hardware

£2,755 inc VAT

• Holley complete accessory drive kit with A/C compressor provision
• GM Performance starter motor and accessory drive bracket install kit
• 6L80E transmission dipstick tube, indicator, and bung seal

Ancillaries detail Add to basket

Best for: clean bay layout, serviceability, and avoiding bonnet interference.

LS3 6.2-litre V8 engine for Defender conversion

The Chevrolet Performance LS3 is a factory-fresh 6.2-litre aluminium V8 producing 430 bhp and 576 Nm. Compact dimensions fit the Defender bay cleanly, and the lightweight block reduces front axle load compared with cast-iron alternatives.

• 430 bhp @ 5,900 rpm, 576 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
• High-flow L92 cylinder heads and hydraulic roller camshaft
• Supplied with intake, throttle body, injectors, rails and coils
• Drive-by-wire for crisp response and straightforward integration
• Factory reliability with global GM parts support

Upgrade options: 495 bhp and 525 bhp LS3 variants available with identical fitment.

6L80 six-speed automatic gearbox

The GM 6L80 is an electronically controlled six-speed automatic with adaptive shift strategy, wide ratio spread, and twin overdrive gears. It delivers refined on-road behaviour and improved efficiency compared with older automatic conversions. Included in the Drivetrain Integration Package along with the converter and UK adaptor system.

• Brand new SuperMatic 6L80E with 2400–2800 rpm stall converter
• Robust internals suited to 430+ bhp applications
• Wide-ratio gearing for low-speed control and motorway cruising
• Managed by the Connect and Cruise controller alongside the engine

With correct calibration, the shift feel is controlled and predictable — town, lanes, and long motorway runs.

UK right-hand drive 6L80 to LT230 adaptor and mounts

The adaptor system aligns the GM powertrain with the Defender drivetrain so the LT230 remains in the correct location and driveline angles stay within spec. Most readily available kits are designed for LHD vehicles and cause steering column and header clearance issues on UK builds. This solution is engineered specifically for right-hand drive packaging.

• Precision adaptor housing with seals, bearings and alignment dowels
• Secure spline interface for torque transfer to the LT230
• Defender-specific engine mounting solution for the LS3
• Transmission and transfer case mounting hardware included
• Supports factory crossmember layout and driveline geometry

Engine management and CAN-integrated instrumentation

A genuine Chevrolet Performance Connect and Cruise controller kit manages fuel, spark, and drivetrain control for both the engine and 6L80. Paired with a Dakota Digital HDX cluster and CAN interface, the Defender receives accurate modern instrumentation without extensive sensor duplication.

• GM ECU with integrated 6L80 control capability
• Labelled retrofit harness designed for conversion installs
• OBD-II diagnostics port for fault reading and calibration
• Dakota Digital HDX cluster with analogue-style needles and TFT message centre
• OBD/CAN bridge module for direct ECU-to-cluster data

Supporting systems included in the kit

Each of these packages is engineered to integrate cleanly with the LS3 and 6L80 powertrain in a UK Defender chassis. Click the relevant builder card above to add individual packages to your basket.

Cooling system

High-capacity Defender V8 radiator with conversion hose routing and heater integration. Built for slow off-road work, towing, and long-distance road use.

• ESR3685 Defender V8 radiator with integrated oil cooler
• Polished stainless 24-inch upper hose
• 90° radiator hose adapter for clean lower routing

Electric fan and shroud solutions specified separately, controlled by LS3 ECU fan output.

Complete fuel and air intake conversion

This is one of the most comprehensive packages in the kit. It replaces the entire Puma diesel fuel and air system with a purpose-built EFI petrol setup — from the air filter to the fuel rail, with every hose, fitting, filter, and adapter included. Nothing left to source.

• LS3 air intake system for unrestricted airflow
• High-flow 340 LPH in-tank EFI pump with Defender-specific sender module
• 58 psi filter/regulator and complete AN plumbing from tank to rail
• Every hose end, adapter, and quick-connect fitting included

Exhaust manifolds

Hooker BlackHeart LS swap manifolds in natural cast finish. Compact block hugger profile provides clearance of chassis rails, footwells, and RHD steering shaft. Foundation for custom stainless fabrication.

• Hooker BlackHeart cast-iron manifolds with 2.5-inch outlets
• Block hugger profile for Defender engine bay clearance
• Oxygen sensor provisions close to outlets
• Suitable for bespoke twin or single exhaust systems

Shifter and cabin controls

Lokar electronic sport shifter designed to look correct within a Defender cabin. Gated layout with precise mechanical engagement and heavy-duty cable linkage.

• Lokar ES6L80HM electronic sport shifter with brushed mushroom knob
• Positive PRNDL gating with park lockout
• Lokar heavy-duty 72-inch shifter cable with correct end fittings
• Reverse light and neutral safety integration

Accessory drive and ancillaries

Holley complete accessory drive system with A/C compressor provision, establishing reliable alternator and power steering operation packaged to avoid bonnet and inner wing interference.

• Holley LS accessory drive kit with A/C compressor bracket
• Accessory drive bracket installation kit for standard alignment
• GM Chevrolet Performance starter motor
• 6L80E transmission dipstick tube, indicator, and bung seal

Who this conversion kit is designed for

This complete LS3 and 6L80 package is engineered for a wide range of Defender owners and specialists across the UK. Whether the project is a daily-driven 90, a long-wheelbase 110 tourer, or a high-value bespoke commission, the system is designed for predictable, professional integration.

• Defender owners: A coherent system that removes uncertainty and component mismatch when upgrading from the Puma diesel engine.
• UK garages and workshops: A repeatable kit of proven parts designed for reliable installation processes.
• Performance and restoration specialists: OE-grade powertrain behaviour with modern instrumentation and refined road manners.
• Export builders: A globally recognised engine platform with straightforward ongoing maintenance.

Technical specification summary

Defender LS3 conversion FAQs