Is it possible to convert a regular SUV to have water tight engine so It can traverse flood terrain? If it is possible to do it, would it cost alot of money. Landrover SUV engine and passenger compartments are water tight.

You can make things water resistant but not completely water proof. You will most likely need a snorkel on the intake to start with. Then You want to extend the vent tubes for the differentials, transmission and transfer case.
Then start with the electrical system, you will want to apply dielectric grease to all the connectors to seal them up.
Another addition is an electric fan and then an off switch so you can prevent the fan from running temporarily while going through the water.
Even with all that you will still want to change fluids as soon as you can since water will make it past the axle seals.

While I'm no automotive expert, I do work for a large automotive electronics manufacturer. Most all of the electronics are sealed and designed to be spashed and sprayed by water as well as other nasties, BUT they are not designed for fluids under pressure due to depth.

The other problem is that you simply don't know what is underneath the water, so you can be trying to drive over hidden objects or encounter missing manhole covers. Of course running water is another story entirely and will take even the largest of vehicles for a ride.

You'd be much better off with a boat, though those hidden objects and debris could do a number on your prop.

I should have me mentioned that. My advice is for fording water where you can see the bottom or at least probe it with a stick to see that it is solid or not flowing. You don't wan to be trying to cross flood waters which could have fast moving under currents ot soft muddy bottoms and get stuck or washed away.

oh heck. it sounds like too much trouble. the Land rover suppose to have water tight compartment and it ford water 3-4 ft deep easily.

I will skip the home version of sealing the engine. I would have to aim at the land rover model LR2.

If you wanna drive your car underwater, get a diesel engine. The whole design is much better suited for waterproofing. Most modern gasoline powered cars have way too many electronics to be reliable under water, and it would cost a lot of $$$ to try and modify something that just wasn't designed to be operated underwater. There's a lot more to it than just slapping a snorkel on the intake.

I don't know where you got the idea that the Land rovers have a waterproof engine and passenger comparment, the ones I have known had trouble keeping out a heavy fog. I know they can be made fairly water resistant with the right modifications. Also, driving through deep water is more than just keeping the engine running. Just don't try and drive your new stock SUV through a river unless you have a very good insurance policy and a lifejacket.

Land rover claims the LR2 can ford 4 ft of water. UN personnel use Toyota land cruiser with modified air intake & exhausted and other things. Their land cruisers can ford 4ft deep streams easily.

I had seen land rover LR3 in brazilian jungle which it ford streams without difficulty at all. Those LR3 had high exhaust pipes and air intake pips of couse.

4 ft of water is not a trivial depth for any vehicle. I honestly don't know of any stock SUV that can even come close to that depth, even the military humvee's are only rated for 2.5 ft in stock form. I know it can be done with a lot of money and time, but it's not something you want to try out on your new LR2. I've seen cars go through that depth, but while you may only see an extended air intake, it's the "other things" that you don't see that make all the difference.

You seem to be really fixated on buying a Land Rover and driving it through deep water. All I can say is, don't believe everything you see in the advertising. If you really plan on driving through water that deep, you'd better have a really good insurance policy, because the LR will not survive. I don't know how to put it any simpler than that.

How about an Aquada?

Kidding. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Imagine the detailing bill to get the water stains out of the carpet and leather seats. Unfortunatly in the USA LandRover is a luxery suv, not something most people could afford to run through water. Get an old K5 Blazer or Bronco and put 44" tires on it if you want to off road.

What about a hummer? They are kinda designed for that.

Depends on if its the military or civilian version. Either will ford the water but the civilian version is going to cost a lot to get the water out of the carpet and leather.

I've heard that the H2 is built on a Tahoe chassis anyways. Cheaper just to buy the Tahoe.

Maybe Arnold the Governator can spare a few. Doesn't he have something like 40 Hummers? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Land rovers are not water-proof. The only engine you may rely on deep fording is the naturally aspirated diesel engine of Land Rover with a raised in take. No electronics involved and you may go as deep as you have a grip.

As for the rest of the Landie (the passenger cabin etc.) they are not even rain tight <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Stock Military Unimogs can ford up to 4 feet of water easily.