Alternate engine option for Disco 2
- Thread starter Trailhead4x4
- Start date
There is another option, the one I'm pursuing, to build a new Rover 4.6 with flanged liners and all new components. I've done the cost analysis and it comes to about six grand and that includes all of the machine shop work. Legal in all states and honestly the old Rover V8 is not that horrible. The final versions had a couple of well known issues but it has pretty much been proven now that the top hat liners put them to rest and having basically a brand new Disco for $6k is not such a bad deal. I mean what else are you gonna get for six grand?
To add to Zack's point, a new engine does not a new Disco make. Even if you could install a fresh 4.6 for $6K, that doesn't take into account the other work that a truck of that age will need: interior, steering, brakes, sunroofs, sensors, cooling system, etc. It's a long list of stuff that likely needs attention.
Most people thinking of going to the trouble of installing a new engine plan to keep their truck long enough to justify it, or understand that they will need to make other improvements to achieve the full restoration. If not now, then soon.
The new engine isn't the whole picture but it's the single most important piece.
For my daughter's rig, I am going down a similar path.
Heads being done for $300, block being sent to D&D for any hairline repairs, align bored, decked, top-hat liners, and cam bearings installed. Also comes with new piston rings. Internals look good so far so I'll add a new cam and lifters just because of the mileage (154k). Since I'm doing everything except the machine work, I'm looking at around $3K, plus original cost of rig (anther $3k and other than the above, it's in immaculate shape. So, for $6k she'll have a pretty reliable rig to drive and pull a horse trailer with for the foreseeable future.
Greg
The single most important piece is the body.
If it's banged up or rusted, no new engine will make a new truck.
It is true even for late D2s with the frames rotting out faster than the body.
Speaking for myself, my '01 D2 is in very good condition. No rust, no accidents, I've kept up with the maintenance the clear coat on the roof is going bad and I had to replace the plastic cowl beneath the wiper arms but that's about it. As for "new" block and heads, they're just hunks of aluminum, as long as they aren't cracked or otherwise broken the liners and valve guides are the only wear items. So, for me at least, it makes sense.
If I could do either of my 4.6 builds over I'd have oversized valves installed and find a way to put the larger throttle plate like the calloways have. I think reducing pumping losses in these things would make a significant difference. Afterall, the short block didn't evolve much from the 60s to the ls1. All the technology is in the cylinder heads and intake manifold. Even emissions legal efi isn't that much of an evolution from gems to ls
For anyone interested in these engines there is a book called "How to Powertune Rover V8's' by Des Hamill that covers the whole history and contains many technical details. You can download a Kindle version from Amazon for about twenty bucks.
Current exchange rates seem to make Turner Engineering's products look like a pretty decent option.
I would agree on Turner. I have a 4.6 Kent cam and gasflow heads shipped via dhl over night.
Very exited!
Look at web site turner engineering remand engines,Heads, cam, testimonials. It is more efficiency and not quantity by keeping solid smooth power at low RPM.
Im looking for originality and longevity!
hope this helps