What’s Under the Hood? Exploring Engine Options for Your Custom Defender When people come to us asking for a Defender, one of the first questions we ask is: how do you want it to drive? Choosing the right engine is about more than horsepower or fuel type. It shapes the entire personality of your build. Whether you're after the quiet punch of electric power or the unmistakable growl of a V8, your engine choice defines how your Defender feels to drive, how it sounds, and how it performs day to day. At Shoreline, we offer a range of powertrains tailored to different driving styles and philosophies. Each one has its place — and over the years, we’ve worked with just about every option out there. Here's what we've learned. TD5 – Tunable and Versatile The TD5 engine produces around 122 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque in standard form, but can be tuned to deliver up to 180+ horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. With the right turbo upgrade, intercooler, remap, and exhaust enhancements, some builds can exceed 200 horsepower while retaining diesel reliability. Modern ECU management allows fine-tuned power delivery, throttle mapping, and drivability adjustments, giving the TD5 an edge in both versatility and responsiveness. It’s one of the most upgrade-friendly engines available for a Defender. 0–60 mph times can improve to under 10 seconds with performance mapping. This makes the TD5 ideal for those seeking a blend of everyday usability, tuning potential, and diesel reliability. EV Options – Sustainable Innovation Electric conversions deliver instant torque and whisper-quiet operation. Hyper9-based systems typically produce around 120 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque with 0–60 mph in the 12-second range and an average range of 100–120 miles. Tesla Model 3 drive unit conversions offer up to 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in as little as 5 seconds. These builds often deliver 250–300 miles of real-world range and support fast charging times as quick as 40 minutes. The motor is mounted mid-vehicle, with battery packs positioned in the engine bay and under the floor, maximizing space and balance. These systems bring modern-day responsiveness and simplicity to classic Defenders, redefining what daily usability looks like while reducing maintenance and emissions. Choosing an engine isn’t just about performance figures. It’s about feel, history, and lifestyle. Whether you’re after a rumbling V8, a diesel icon, or a future-proof EV, we’ll help you find the powertrain that fits your Defender — and your story. Ready to talk builds? Reach out to us here and let’s bring your vision to life. Shoreline Vehicles. https://www.shorelinevehicles.com/