Legacy Overland Engine Options for Restorations, Restomods, and Custom Builds
At Legacy Overland, we don’t just restore classic Land Rovers, Toyota Land Cruisers, and vintage 4x4s — we bring them roaring back to life.
We know that no matter how beautiful the paint, no matter how perfect the leather, a classic truck without the right engine is just a pretty shell.
The engine is the heart of every restoration, every restomod, every custom build. It’s the pulse that makes the machine alive.
Here’s a closer look at the engine options and swaps we offer at Legacy Overland — packed with details, keywords, and power for the drivers who want something truly special.
Rover V8: The Heart of the Classic Range Rover and Defender
When you think of a Range Rover Classic restoration, the Rover V8 is the engine that made it famous.
Originally a 3.5L aluminum-block V8, it later grew to 3.9L, 4.2L, and 4.6L versions.
Smooth torque delivery, unmistakable V8 rumble, and iconic British 4x4 character.
In our builds, we rebuild or upgrade these engines with modern ignition systems, performance camshafts, high-flow exhausts, and fuel system improvements.
For purists who want to keep their Range Rover restoration or Land Rover Defender V8 build authentic, the Rover V8 is the soul of the machine.
Toyota 2F and 3F-E Inline-Six: Legendary Land Cruiser Power
1977 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 with EFI Upgrade:
For this FJ40 build, we retained the iconic Toyota 2F engine but added an EFI kit to enhance starting reliability and fuel efficiency. The result is a classic Toyota that maintains its original charm but is better suited for modern adventures.
The Toyota Land Cruiser restoration world lives and dies by its iconic straight-six engines.
2F 4.2L carbureted: the rugged workhorse found in FJ40, FJ45, FJ55 models.
3F-E 4.0L fuel-injected: the evolution found in later FJ62 models, smoother and more refined.
We specialize in engine rebuilds, performance upgrades, and sometimes mild tuning to get the best mix of classic reliability and modern usability.
If you want a Land Cruiser FJ40 or FJ60 restoration that stays true to its roots, these engines are what made Toyota famous.
Chevy LS V8 Swaps: Modern Power and Performance
Range Rover Classic LS3 Modernization:
In this unique build, we modernized a Range Rover Classic with a Chevrolet LS3 V8 upgrade. This powerful engine provided an impressive performance boost, offering both speed and torque without compromising the classic feel of the vehicle.
For clients who want their classic truck to drive like a modern performance machine, we offer Chevy LS engine swaps.
5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L aluminum V8 options.
Excellent horsepower-to-weight ratio.
Modern fuel injection, advanced electronics, and massive aftermarket support.
An LS swap in a Defender or Range Rover Classic delivers brutal acceleration, highway cruising ease, and rock-solid reliability.
It’s the go-to choice for those wanting a Land Rover restomod or Range Rover performance upgrade that leaves the old factory numbers in the dust.
Chevy Small-Block V8: Old-School Muscle and Sound
Before the LS, the Chevrolet small-block 350 and 383 stroker V8s ruled the world.
Iron-block, classic pushrod design.
Iconic American V8 rumble, massive torque, and easy tuning.
We’ve built several Defender V8 conversions and Land Cruiser restomods powered by small-blocks for clients who want old-school muscle car sound blended with classic 4x4 charm.
These builds are loud, proud, and mechanical — for those who love the smell of gas and the bark of a big V8.
Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel Swaps: Overlanding Power
For long-distance adventurers and overland explorers, we offer the Cummins R2.8 diesel swap.
Compact 2.8L turbo diesel crate engine.
High torque, long range, great fuel efficiency.
Fully emissions-compliant and backed by Cummins support.
We’ve installed Cummins engines in Land Rover Defender overlanding builds and Land Cruiser global expedition trucks, transforming them into rugged, go-anywhere rigs ready to cross continents.
Land Rover Tdi and TD5 Diesels: Global Adventure Proven
Want to keep your Defender or Range Rover authentic but rugged?
We rebuild and upgrade classic Land Rover 200Tdi, 300Tdi, and TD5 engines:
Simple, robust, and globally supported.
Perfect for long-range overland builds.
Great mix of fuel efficiency and mechanical simplicity.
A Defender 110 Tdi build with one of these motors is a time-tested setup for world travel.
Toyota Diesel Swaps: Indestructible Power
Toyota’s diesel engines — like the 1HZ and 1HD-T — are famous for their reliability.
In our Land Cruiser restomods, we sometimes swap these legendary powerplants in, giving clients the ultimate in off-road durability and low-end torque.
How We Help You Choose the Right Engine for Your Build
At Legacy Overland, we work closely with every client to design the right powertrain for their project.
We ask:
✅ Do you want authenticity or performance?
✅ Gasoline or diesel?
✅ Old-school or modern electronics?
✅ Overland range or highway speed?
Each Legacy Overland build is unique — we craft the engine, transmission, and drivetrain setup to match the owner’s dreams and the truck’s purpose.
Final Word: More Than Just an Engine — It’s the Soul of the Truck
We don’t just do Land Rover restorations or Toyota Land Cruiser restomods — we create machines that live again.
The engine choice is the heartbeat, the roar, the pull — and we take that choice seriously.
Whether it’s the authentic purr of a Rover V8, the unstoppable diesel grunt of a Cummins, the wild power of an LS V8, or the clean silence of an electric swap, we build trucks that make you feel something.
Ready to plan your ultimate build?
Talk to us at Legacy Overland and let’s craft the perfect engine, the perfect machine, and the perfect story — together.
