Anyone have a review for the Atlantic British long or short block engines?

uglysteve

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2006
94
8
Arizona
Anyone have a review for the Atlantic British long or short block engines? I'm evaluating my options after my oil pump explosion, and possible slipped liner.
Thanks,
Steve
 

uglysteve

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2006
94
8
Arizona
I have thought of that. I need to be sure it would pass emissions, and it's a lot more work. Even with the kits available. I have not ruled it out yet. I still need to pull apart the motor and make sure I have a slipped liner. I know the number 7 cylinder looks steel cleaned. I also need to look at the bearings, may be new bearings and front cover will do? The way I can justify spending the money, is comparing the cost to that of a new truck, and looking at what I can get for $9k. I can get another old truck with a lot of miles on it. At least if I put a new engine in, I have a new (rebuilt) engine.
 

4Runner

Well-known member
May 24, 2007
660
110
Boise Idaho
It just sucks to spend that much money for that kind of performance. I am just working the kinks out of my higher performance 4.6 and I have got be be very close to an LS conversion. But oddly for the first time in my life, I live somewhere where I have emissions testing. I am also pretty sure that The Wedge Shop is selling short and long block. Rover motors. I would shop around.
 

Cap065

Member
Aug 14, 2021
8
6
NC
An engine conversion will definitely not be cheaper in any way.
I have the 5.3 LS in my Disco, it can be done cheaper than a new Rover V8 long block - about $5k with a used LS if you install yourself.

Depends on what you want out of the Disco. I looked at a Turner long block but the LS was a better option. More power for one.
 

uglysteve

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2006
94
8
Arizona
You can also go the other direction (lower performance) and do a TDI conversion. At least then you get 26mpg.
I don't know if the TDI was ever approved in a Disco in the USA. I don't think I can get that to pass emissions. I contacted Turner engineering, and they don't have any 4.6 blocks for export sale, only exchange. Atlantic British doesn't want my block as a core because of the oil pump misalignment. So a $500 extra charge.

I like the idea of a LS swap, but I suspect that will be a lot more work, and I need to get this in a reasonable time, or go buy another truck to use while I fix it. Also, I need to research on what engine swaps will pass emissions. I figure it would just be a lot simpler to just install a rebuilt original engine. But first I need to open it up and inspect the bearings when I have the time.
 

uglysteve

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2006
94
8
Arizona
It just sucks to spend that much money for that kind of performance. I am just working the kinks out of my higher performance 4.6 and I have got be be very close to an LS conversion. But oddly for the first time in my life, I live somewhere where I have emissions testing. I am also pretty sure that The Wedge Shop is selling short and long block. Rover motors. I would shop around.
I am looking in to the Wedge shop. The more engine builder options the better. Thanks for the tip.
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
561
Seattle
I don't know if the TDI was ever approved in a Disco in the USA. I don't think I can get that to pass emissions.

Fair point. When you live in a state where emissions testing is not required for vehicles over 25 years old you forget about these things.
 
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discomeans

Well-known member
Apr 13, 2021
154
58
Florida, USA
You can also go the other direction (lower performance) and do a TDI conversion. At least then you get 26mpg.
I've easily hit 40mpg on coastal road drives in mine. It's insane. But I also won't take it on the interstates due to lack of relative power and no airbags, so there's a bit of a tradeoff there...
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
561
Seattle
I've easily hit 40mpg on coastal road drives in mine. It's insane. But I also won't take it on the interstates due to lack of relative power and no airbags, so there's a bit of a tradeoff there...
That is the best real world fuel economy I've ever heard of for a Disco. Well done. I'm not sure avoiding interstates is a tradeoff. Journeys on secondary roads are usually more engaging. If you need to get somewhere fast, there's no substitute for the interstate (depending on which one and when), but since you own a TDI Disco you're either not concerned with speed or you have a more appropriate car for that purpose.
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
That is the best real world fuel economy I've ever heard of for a Disco. Well done. I'm not sure avoiding interstates is a tradeoff. Journeys on secondary roads are usually more engaging. If you need to get somewhere fast, there's no substitute for the interstate (depending on which one and when), but since you own a TDI Disco you're either not concerned with speed or you have a more appropriate car for that purpose.
In Brasil we could easily cruise at 140 kmh / 85 mph in our 2004 110 with a TDI. No problem. Usually though not necessary.

IMHO, keep the Rover a Rover. Have been dealing with AB for decades and a great group of people. Have a RPI 4.6 in the Rangie and it is much more powerful than the 4.0 in the D1. Both though suit my needs. If I want to go fast there are other vehicles in the garage. Depending on your engine condition a short block could be a good option.

Really can’t understand the need for speed in a Rover.
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
561
Seattle
In Brasil we easily cruised at 140 kmh / 85 mph in our 2004 110 with a TDI. No problem

Really can’t understand the need for speed in a Rover.

2004 - that would have been a TD5, wouldn't it? I've driven several thousand km in a TD5 110 and also found it well suited to highway driving. Once that turbo starts singing you can actually pass other vehicles and sustain pace on hills.

Totally with you on the speed thing. A Disco is a 2+ ton brick with inefficient aerodynamics and rudimentary suspension. Trying to turn one into a performance vehicle seems like a waste of resources and defeats the design. If you want to go fast, buy a ___(S4/M3/AMG/almost any other car than a Land Rover)____.
 
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Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
Also the main reason I replaced the engine in the Rangie is the body/frame etc are in great shape. Same for the D1. Make sure the body etc. is worth saving or just start over with a rust free Rover.