This is a challenging situation and am hoping foursome guidance from he Org. Have a lifted 2003 DII - love the truck but the engine is simply a wreck. I bought the truck used and the shop claimed that they pinned the cylinder sleeves. Aside from the ongoing fight to seal a perpetual series of oil leaks, I have to watch the expansion tank weekly as it's exchanging coolant for exhaust gasses. Net result is that it's underpowered, leaks water and oil, and get awful gas mileage.
So here the options ... a) Repower with a British Atlantic overhauled long block, or b) Do the LS swap.
Option A - for $7,500 I get basically a new 4.6L motor plus whatever labor to do the replacement - will most likely replace the fuel injectors and relocation the coil packs. Pros: Relevantly low risk replacement guaranteed to fit and functionally work well with the truck / Cons: Business As Usual with what Already have i.e. mediocre horsepower, poor fuel consumption and the potential for future issues with oil leaks etc.
Option B: LS Swap - gone through the ACE website and am on the LS Swap Facebook group. First you need to select a used LS 5.3 - would sensibly overhaul before installation so should be significant associated costs, plus the cost of the ACE kit $2K plus, and additional costs associated with ACE suggested additional purchases, plus labor cost to do the replacement plus the need to have ACE provide a modified engine harness. Pros: At least a 100+ horsepower increase, most far more reliability, increases in gas mileage and more options for maintenance and horsepower improvements. Cons: Mainly costs $15K to $20K depending on having ACE do the actual labor, and risk from compatibly issues coupled and inspection complications
Guys, my apologies for the long message - this is my 3rd Disco so I'm very familiar with the truck. I'd like to keep it for at least another 5 years but am at a bit of a crossroads - any advice, opinions, guidance etc. will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
So here the options ... a) Repower with a British Atlantic overhauled long block, or b) Do the LS swap.
Option A - for $7,500 I get basically a new 4.6L motor plus whatever labor to do the replacement - will most likely replace the fuel injectors and relocation the coil packs. Pros: Relevantly low risk replacement guaranteed to fit and functionally work well with the truck / Cons: Business As Usual with what Already have i.e. mediocre horsepower, poor fuel consumption and the potential for future issues with oil leaks etc.
Option B: LS Swap - gone through the ACE website and am on the LS Swap Facebook group. First you need to select a used LS 5.3 - would sensibly overhaul before installation so should be significant associated costs, plus the cost of the ACE kit $2K plus, and additional costs associated with ACE suggested additional purchases, plus labor cost to do the replacement plus the need to have ACE provide a modified engine harness. Pros: At least a 100+ horsepower increase, most far more reliability, increases in gas mileage and more options for maintenance and horsepower improvements. Cons: Mainly costs $15K to $20K depending on having ACE do the actual labor, and risk from compatibly issues coupled and inspection complications
Guys, my apologies for the long message - this is my 3rd Disco so I'm very familiar with the truck. I'd like to keep it for at least another 5 years but am at a bit of a crossroads - any advice, opinions, guidance etc. will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
. It’s the lack of higher quality parts that just makes building those motors so damn frustrating. Or you have 15k in a motor that doesn’t even have 400hp. I am also with you in that fact that I happen to love everything else about Discos. My rant probably didn’t help that much but good luck on your decision. I don’t think dumping money in a vehicle that you are going to keep a long term is a bad idea, despite the end value, if it makes you happy. You can get into a bind if it gets wrecked or stolen and you don’t have a “ stated value” policy.
