The 368DT (also known as the 3.6 TDV8) is Land Rover's first-generation 3.6-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine. This guide covers every Land Rover model it was fitted to, how to confirm whether your car has one, what to check when buying a replacement, and why many specialists advise caution with this particular engine.
The Land Rover 368DT / 3.6 TDV8 is a 3.6-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine fitted to top-tier Land Rover models from 2006 to 2013. It powers the L322 Range Rover and L320 Range Rover Sport, offering strong performance and refinement. However, this engine has known crankshaft fracture and timing chain tensioner risks that make it a high-stakes choice for buyers. To confirm if your Land Rover has this engine, check the engine code on the timing cover or use the Land Rover VIN decoder.
If you're unsure which engine is in your Land Rover, this guide will walk you through the identification process step-by-step — and explain why the 4.4 SDV8 is often a better choice.
The table below lists every Land Rover model, generation, and variant that uses the 368DT engine. This 3.6-litre V8 diesel was Land Rover's first V8 turbodiesel and offered a significant step up from the earlier 2.7 TDV6. However, it has a mixed reputation among specialists due to known failure patterns.
| Land Rover Model | Chassis Code | Variant | Power Output | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range Rover (L322) | L322 | TDV8 | 268–272 PS | 2006–2010 |
| Range Rover Sport (L320) | L320 | TDV8 | 268–272 PS | 2006–2013 |
Important: The 368DT is the internal engine code for the 3.6-litre TDV8, a Ford-sourced "Lion" V8 engine. It is not the same as the later 4.4-litre SDV8 (448DT) or the 4.4-litre SDV8 (508PS). This engine has known timing chain tensioner failures (especially in pre-2010 L322 units) and a documented crankshaft fracture risk that can lead to catastrophic failure. Many specialists advise avoiding early examples without a full documented history. See the 368DT Knowledge Centre for full technical details and risk assessment.
There are three reliable ways to confirm whether your Land Rover is fitted with the 368DT / 3.6 TDV8 engine. Use the method that best suits your situation.
Open the bonnet and locate the engine code label on the timing cover or cylinder head. The code will be clearly stamped as 368DT or 3.6 TDV8. This is the most direct method. On L322 models, the label is often on the front of the engine, near the oil filler cap.
Your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can be decoded to reveal the engine type. The 8th character of the VIN indicates the engine. For the 368DT, this will be a specific letter (often 'G' for TDV8). You can verify this using a free online Land Rover VIN decoder.
The V5C logbook includes the engine number, which can be cross-referenced with Land Rover's engine list. While this is less direct than the other methods, it is a useful secondary check if the engine label is not accessible.
If you're still unsure, the Engine Compatibility Checker can help you match your vehicle details to the correct engine.
Getting the engine code right is critical — especially if you are considering a replacement. Installing the wrong engine variant can lead to:
Always check the Engine Code Guide and consult a specialist before purchasing a used or reconditioned engine. The 368DT has specific risks, and cross-referencing the exact engine code with your vehicle's chassis ensures a smooth replacement — and helps you avoid buying an engine with a known problem.
For real-world cost guidance, see our replacement cost by engine code page. And if your 368DT has failed, the timing chain diagnosis guide provides insight into common issues.
The 368DT / 3.6 TDV8 is frequently confused with other Land Rover diesel engines. Here's what to look out for to avoid a costly mistake — particularly important given this engine's reputation.
The later 4.4-litre V8 diesel (448DT) is a completely different engine — and a much more reliable one. It does not have the crankshaft fracture risk of the 368DT. If you're buying a replacement, the 448DT is the preferred option, but they are not interchangeable. Check the engine code carefully.
Read about the 448DT 4.4 SDV8The 2.7-litre V6 diesel (276DT) is a smaller engine with a different block configuration and oil pump design. It was used in Discovery 3 and earlier L320 models. The 368DT is a V8 and physically larger. Do not confuse them.
Read about the 276DT TDV6The 508PS is also a 4.4-litre V8 diesel but with a different engine management system and higher power output (508 PS). It appears in some later L405 and L494 models. While related to the 448DT, it is a different engine from the 368DT. Always confirm the exact engine code.
Read about the 508PS SDV8If you are still unsure, use the full Land Rover fitment matrix or contact a vetted Land Rover specialist to confirm the right engine for your car.
368DT is the internal engine code used by Land Rover and Ford (the engine family is Ford's Lion V8). 3.6 TDV8 is the marketing name. They refer to the same engine. The 368DT code is found on the engine block itself.
The easiest way is to check your VIN. The 8th character of the VIN indicates the engine type. For the 368DT, it will be a specific letter (often 'G' for TDV8). You can also use the Land Rover VIN decoder on this site.
Mixed. The 368DT has known timing chain tensioner failures (especially on early L322 units, 2006–2009) and a documented crankshaft fracture risk. While some examples have covered high mileages without issue, many specialists advise avoiding this engine unless you have a full documented service history and have had the timing chain tensioners inspected. The later 4.4 SDV8 (448DT) is significantly more reliable. For a detailed verdict, see the 368DT Knowledge Centre.
Not directly. While both are V8 diesels, they have different engine mounts, ECU systems, turbocharger configurations, and exhaust layouts. A conversion is technically possible but prohibitively expensive and rarely worthwhile. If your 368DT has failed, the most cost-effective solution is usually a replacement 368DT with a verified service history.
Based on our internal quote data [EM-QUOTE], a reconditioned 368DT engine supply-only ranges from £5,500 to £8,000. Fitting costs (R&R labour) at an independent specialist are typically £910–£1,170 due to the V8 complexity. A used engine may be cheaper, but condition and provenance are critical — especially given the known crankshaft risk. See the replacement cost guide for more detail.
The engine code is 368DT. You can find it on a label on the timing cover, or by decoding the VIN. The power output variant (TDV8) does not change the base engine code.
The 368DT / 3.6 TDV8 is a high-risk engine with known catastrophic failure modes. While it offers strong performance and refinement, the timing chain tensioner and crankshaft fracture issues make it a gamble — especially on early (pre-2010) examples without a full documented service history. The biggest risks are buying the wrong engine for your chassis (an expensive mistake) or buying a 368DT with underlying problems that will fail shortly after installation.
If your 368DT has failed and the cost of replacement exceeds approximately 60% of your Land Rover's current market value, you may need to consider whether replacement is financially viable. However, given the declining values of L322 and L320 examples, a reconditioned engine may be a borderline investment. If you're in the market for a vehicle with this engine, consider the later 4.4 SDV8 instead.
Always use a vetted Land Rover specialist for the work, and ensure the replacement engine is correctly coded to your vehicle's ECU. A specialist can also help assess the donor engine's condition and verify its service history.
Use the Repair vs. Replace CalculatorReady to check your engine or get a quote? Compare prices from vetted specialists.