The Chevrolet Performance LS3 crate engine is the heart of this conversion. A factory-fresh 6.2-litre aluminium V8 producing 430 bhp and 576 Nm, it offers a balance of power, refinement, and parts availability that suits both daily-driven and specialist Defenders. Its compact dimensions fit the Defender bay cleanly, and its lightweight aluminium block reduces front axle load compared with many traditional cast-iron V8s.

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

Upgrades available: 495 bhp and 525 bhp LS3 variants are available for higher-output builds while retaining identical fitment.

The GM 6L80 is an electronically controlled six-speed automatic used in performance cars and high-torque trucks. Its adaptive shifting, wide ratio spread, and twin overdrive gears deliver refined on-road behaviour and improved efficiency compared with older automatic conversions.

• Brand-new SuperMatic 6L80E
• Approx. 2400 rpm stall torque converter for smooth take off without excess slip
• Robust internals suited for 430+ bhp applications
• Wide-ratio gearing for both low-speed work and relaxed motorway cruising
• Includes LS3-to-6L80 installation kit and full installation hardware.

Supplied with a service dipstick and tube so fluid levels can be checked and maintained like a conventional gearbox.

The UK Specific adaptor system aligns the GM powertrain with the Defender drivetrain so that the LT230 remains in the correct location and driveline angles stay within specification. The result is a mechanically neat installation that respects the Defender chassis. The majority of readily available kits are designed for Left Hand Drive Defenders. When used on a UK car, these cause issues with steering column interference with headers, ours is designed to fit.

• Precision 6L80–LT230 adaptor housing with seals, bearings and alignment dowels
• 32-spline interface shaft for secure torque transfer to the LT230
• Defender-specific weld-in engine mounts for the LS3
• Transmission and transfer case mounting hardware included
• Supports the factory crossmember layout and driveline geometry

A genuine GM LS3 controller kit manages fuel, spark and shift logic for both the engine and the 6L80. This is paired with a Dakota Digital VHX cluster and CAN interface so that the Defender receives accurate, modern instrumentation without extensive sensor duplication.

• Pre-programmed GM ECU for LS3 with integrated 6L80 control
• Labelled retrofit wiring harness for retrofit applications
• OBD-II diagnostics port for fault reading and future calibration work
• Dakota Digital VHX cluster with analogue-style needles and configurable backlighting
• OBD/CAN bridge module to bring ECU data directly into the cluster

A high-capacity Defender V8 radiator forms the backbone of the cooling package, paired with flex and moulded hoses and correct heater integration. The layout is intended for slow off-road work, towing, and long-distance road use.

• Four-row Defender V8 radiator without internal oil cooler
• Polished 24 inch flex upper hose with silicone ends for routing flexibility
• 90 degree elbow adapter to avoid hose kinking in tight spaces
• Moulded lower hose based on Defender V8 pattern
• Heater hose adapters (three-quarter to three-quarter and five-eighths to three-quarter)

Electric fan and shroud solutions can be specified separately and controlled by the LS3 ECU fan output.

The Puma diesel system is replaced with a high-pressure in-tank petrol pump and appropriate wiring and hoses, delivering a stable feed to the LS3’s returnless rail at approximately 58 psi.

• High-pressure in-tank EFI pump suitable for modern unleaded and E10
• Fuel pump strainer and Defender-specific wiring pigtail
• Submersible corrugated 8 mm hoses from pump to top plate
• Returnless regulation compatible with Corvette-style filter/regulator assemblies
• Engine bay 3/8 inch quick-connect adaptation to LS3 fuel rail

Compact cast-iron block huggers provide reliable clearance of the chassis rails, footwells, and right-hand drive steering shaft while giving a solid foundation for a custom stainless system.

• Cast iron manifolds with 2.5 inch outlets
• Designed for tight Defender engine bay packaging
• Support for oxygen sensor mounting close to the outlets
• Suitable for fabrication into bespoke twin or single systems

The 6L80 is operated using a floor-mounted shifter designed to appear correct within a Defender cabin. The gated layout provides precise mechanical engagement, while the 72 inch cable offers a smooth, durable linkage suitable for Defender routing.

• 6L80 shifter with 8 inch single-bend lever and brushed mushroom knob
• Positive PRNDL gating with reverse and park lockout
• Heavy-duty 72 inch shifter cable with correct end fittings
• Supported reverse light and neutral safety integration
• Suitable for Defender tunnel and centre-console locations

The Holley accessory system establishes reliable alternator and power steering operation, packaged to avoid interference with the Defender bonnet and inner wings. Additional components support retention or addition of full cabin air conditioning.

• Holley low-mount alternator and power steering system (HLY-20-156)
• 150 Amp alternator suited to auxiliary electrical loads
• GM Type-II power steering pump calibrated for Defender steering characteristics
• Holley A/C compressor bracket and installation kit
• LS-series starter motor and correct mounting bolts
• LS3 straight intake tube and filter assembly
• Red Corvette LS3 fuel rail covers with mounting studs for a clean engine bay