Update #2.
These things are worse than 911's in terms of upgrade this, fit a new that, etc.
Now looks like this;
I had a 3.9 Efi V8 installed from a '96 Discovery, along with the ZF automatic trans. Better, much better. 180bhp vs. 110. But sadly not better enough, plus it runs on premium. Next project will be to install this, which will run on regular petrol;
There's a forum similar to this for Defenders and those guys figured out how to install the GM generation 4 V8's, so I'm going that route. 315bhp and a 6-speed auto. This particular setup is the LC9 engine & 6L80e transmission.
I'm going to need bigger brakes. Much bigger brakes.
Gave up on the Mini- it now lives in Boise, ID. Might try to source an '07 Mini Cooper S cab (reported to be the best year) from the UK & and import it via the BVI.
Cheers,
Paul.