What’s Under the Hood? Exploring Engine Options for Your Custom Defender

Every Defender restoration tells a story, but that story begins with the engine. At Shoreline Vehicles, we believe the powertrain isn’t just a technical choice — it’s a statement about how you want to experience the road, the trail, and everything in between.

From thunderous V8s to whisper-quiet EV systems, each engine transforms the character of the Defender. Here’s a look at the options that shape the way you’ll connect with yours.

LS3 6.2L V8 – Power and Performance

The LS3 6.2L V8 reshapes the Defender’s identity. With 430 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, it delivers acceleration that feels almost improbable for a vehicle of this size. The throttle is immediate, the response sharp, the surge of speed effortless.

Paired with a modern automatic transmission, the LS3 brings refinement at highway speeds and composure on rugged tracks. For those who want their Defender to carry the spirit of a grand tourer while retaining its off-road heritage, the LS3 is the definitive choice.

GM 5.7L V8 – Classic American Muscle

There’s romance in the GM 5.7L V8. It doesn’t overwhelm with numbers — instead, it charms with tone and character. Producing up to 300 horsepower, its deep rumble and linear power delivery bring a timeless feel to the Defender.

Simple in design yet rich in experience, this engine makes the Defender feel analog in the best way: mechanical, raw, and authentic. It’s for those who prefer a Defender that’s more companion than machine.

Ford 2.3L EcoBoost – Modern Efficiency

Compact, efficient, and surprisingly potent, the 2.3L EcoBoost offers around 300 horsepower with turbocharged delivery that feels alive in the mid-range.

Its lighter weight transforms the Defender’s balance, giving sharper turn-in and a sense of agility unusual for this icon. The EcoBoost is for drivers who want the classic form but with the efficiency and refinement of modern engineering.

300 TDi – Reliable Workhorse

The 300 TDi is less about speed and more about certainty. With 122 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, it has powered Defenders across continents, deserts, and mountain ranges.

This engine is the definition of endurance. Easy to service and hard to break, it’s the right choice for those planning to take their Defender far beyond paved roads — and keep it there.

200 TDi – Classic Durability

The 200 TDi connects the Defender to its earliest generations. With 111 horsepower, it’s unhurried but unyielding. Its character lies not in performance figures, but in its mechanical honesty.

Perfect for period-correct restorations, the 200 TDi suits owners who see the Defender as a piece of history as much as a mode of transport.

TD5 – Tunable and Versatile

The TD5 sits between eras. At 122 horsepower in standard form, it’s modest, but careful tuning can easily unlock over 200. Its electronically controlled fuel system allows throttle mapping and drivability refinements that give it surprising versatility.

For those who want diesel dependability but with modern adjustability, the TD5 delivers.

EV Options – Sustainable Innovation

Electric conversions are reshaping what a Defender can be. With instant torque, near-silent running, and zero local emissions, an EV-powered Defender feels both futuristic and familiar.

Options range from Hyper9-based systems — light and straightforward — to Tesla Model 3 drive units, delivering 300 horsepower and long-range usability. For those who see the Defender’s future as much as its past, EV power represents the next evolution.

Choosing the Engine That Defines Your Defender

The Defender is more than bodywork and stance — it’s the engine note, the throttle response, the way it moves. Whether you choose the brute force of the LS3, the mechanical honesty of the 200 TDi, or the clean innovation of an EV system, the choice sets the tone for your entire build.

At Shoreline Vehicles, we guide you through that choice. Because when the Defender is built around your engine, it becomes unmistakably yours.

Explore our Defender builds or contact us to start designing yours.  Website link: https://www.shorelinevehicles.com/