Sri Lanka's Emerging Automobile Community for

Land Rover Defender

Hey, I'm thinking of switching from petrol to diesel – it gets good torque on hills, right? How much will it cost here? Who is a good mechanic to do a proper job? I Need a good local advice.

Hey Brother ! Switching from petrol to diesel is a solid move, especially for off-roading and tackling hills in Sri Lanka. Diesel engines definitely provide more torque, which makes climbing hills and driving through rough terrain a lot smoother. You'll also get better fuel efficiency, which is a big plus for long drives.

As for the cost, it really depends on the model of your Defender and the extent of the conversion. I'd say you're looking at somewhere between 150k to 250k LKR for a proper conversion, depending on whether you're just swapping the engine or doing some additional upgrades (like the fuel system and exhaust). You might want to check with a few local mechanics for quotes, though.

For a good local mechanic, I'd recommend Defender Garage in Kelaniya. They've done engine swaps and modifications on several Defenders, and they know their stuff when it comes to Land Rovers. Another good place is 4x4 Experts in Mount Lavinia — they specialize in diesel conversions and are pretty reliable.

Just make sure you check the quality of the engine and ask about warranty terms to avoid any future issues. Hope that helps