| Author |
Message |
    
Dave Morin
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 08:31 am: | 
|
The ECR ROX Project: DISCOTECH
I've been a lurker for a long time now, and have learned a great deal from you all about Discos. I am loooking ot buy a 96 or 97 sometime this summer and plan to do a lot of wheeling with it since it wil be our secondary vehicle.
So I wondered if I could offer up a topic for discussion? Thanks.
The ECR ROX Project: DISCOTECH
Now that's it's closer to completion, I am wondering what the Disco-faithful think about East Coast Rover's Project: DISCOTECH. I read the earlier thread and learned a lot of different opinions. Myself, I was skeptical. I happen to think that tall, fat tired Disco's look "off" somehow. I prefer the stock height look, skinny tire, classic LR look, but that is all personal opinion. Now that the truck is nearly done, I am not sure what I think. It looks pretty good, and is surely capable off-road. The engine swap alone is highly enviable to me.
So what do you guys think now? Yay or nay? Discuss.
Picture--> http://www.eastcoastrover.com/Discotech/Dtechindex.jpg
Link to Article --> http://www.eastcoastrover.com/Discotech.html
List of mods:
� 300 Tdi (turbo diesel) engine (no EFI computers, no sensors!)
� R380 5 speed gearbox
� LT230 full time 4x4 transfer case 1.22 ratio
� Safari Gard Stage II suspension (with Fox racing shocks and all the tricks)
� Safari Gard Front bumper with skid plate
� Warn 9000 winch
� Safari Gard wrap around rear bumper with fuel tank skid plate
� Ashcroft Underdrive
� Ashcroft 4.11 ring and pinions
� ARB Air Lockers front and rear
� ECR ROX Disco wheel flares
� ECR ROX Disco rear spoiler
� HD steel wheels, (NATO style steel units)
� Good-Year MT radials
� Safety Devices full roof rack and rear ladder
� Steering stabilizer relocation kit
� Full tie rod guard
� Front and rear differential guards |
Greg Davis
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 09:36 am: |
|
Dave, I own a DSII, so take my opinions with a grain of salt. Personally, I like what they've done. Of course, it comes with a price tag, but everything they have done seems well thought-out and done in an extremely professional manner.
The flares caused a bit of a controversy here when they were first announced. If you absolutely have to have large tires on your Disco, to me this would be the best choice over a tall suspension. I have gone the tall route, and if I had it to do over again and had this option, I would definitely take it.
Keeping your CG as low as possible is crucial, and the flares allow you to run tall tires without alot of suspension mods. Overall, I think it's a very nice package. And yes, I have TDI envy as well! |
muskyman
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 09:43 am: |
|
what's not to like?
It looks to be a excelent quality build-up with a well thought out concept.
looks like the attention to detail is being taken.
allthough unpractical for most people. taking a vehicle out of servise and executing a complete build-up start to finish will produce a better vehicle.
as long as the budget holds out, and thats what your looking for I'll bet you'd be very happy. |
Dave
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 09:52 am: |
|
I wonder what it would cost for those of us with a DII to get the TD5 offered in other countries? |
Disco Dad
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 09:58 am: |
|
What is the final $$ on it 45 to 55k? , Granted your getting some mice mods, and I am on the fence about the 3 link. This is a new / restored mid 90s Disco priced to exceed that of a new loaded 2002, IMO I would go with a new and add on myself... |
M. K. Watson
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 09:59 am: |
|
i once saw a pic of a d110 with really wide tires and fender flares. it appeares to be used by someone where there is alot of snow (not that crappy lil snow we get in Ohio). i studied the pic and have to say that its a pretty cool truck. i believe that the discotech project vehicle kinda goes along that same scheme, it is a purpose built truck. the LRs we build up are more of a general purpose truck. it has to be our drive to work and to play. if we lived in the most wonderful snow covered areas way north of my humble abode, then the d110 or the discotech may be what i would need. so i believe that the discotech is a really nice piece of engneering, and it looks good, but most of all its a LAND ROVER! enuff said! |
Dave Morin
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 10:12 am: |
|
The ECR TDi swap alone ia a $8k-$10 job if I remember my reading correctly. Way beyond my budget.
My plans for the '97-ish Disco coming this summer are simple. Extensive underbody and side sill protection, tires, then bumpers and winch... in that order.
The original thread wa a lot more negative. Interesting. :-) |
muskyman
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 10:18 am: |
|
negative?
I think there is enough of that in the rancho 9000 thread from hell going on!
if i wanted negative ...I'd get of discoweb and go discuss tax planning with my wife! |
Dave Morin
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 10:20 am: |
|
Yeah, that thread is getting ugly! :-D |
Greg Davis
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 10:25 am: |
|
It always gets ugly when you mention the "R" word. Funny, I have them now and have had them in the past and haven't had any problems. I'm afraid to say that over there though! Hehehe. |
Chuck
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 10:28 am: |
|
Dave, I emailed then yesterday about that very subject. They only put the Tdi in 97-older discos. They said the Td5 will no pass EPA here and so there are no plans for that conversion. Here's part of the email...
"Due to EPA regulations we can't install a Tdi currently into anything
produced after model year 1997.
The 300 Tdi that we work with was not offered in the D2, only the Td5 and
we can't get the Td5s to pass EPA regs, so we don't see it happening,
unfortunately.
Sorry we couldn't give you good news." |
gp (Garrett)
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 11:16 am: |
|
who's bumper is that in the pic? looks similar to Moe's without relocating the hitch.
*nevermind.....just read that it was SG* |
Brian Jackson (Nerover)
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 12:31 pm: |
|
I like that disco alot personally, but you must admit it's a truck that is not too Rover anymore. Some people like that. I like it, starting as a Jeep wheeler. With most other 4x4s, you start with a vehicle, and use it as a platform for mods if you want to continue it growing. That's what ECR is doing, and I tip my hat to them for showing the US that it can be done and fairly easily.
Takes some of the taboo out of talking of flares, hacking and larger than 33" tires.
Brian |
Nadim
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 01:30 pm: |
|
OK....here goes.
1. The idea of a Tdi is excellent. If I need to say why, them those who are asking need to by ore magazines and books and stay up a wee bit more at night.
2. The tall suspension lifts I do not agree with at ALL. I used to run 6" rear and 5" front, but that was way too much and not worth the 33s that were gonna fit withough hacking. Now, I run a mere 2" OME lift, stock everything except for axles and diffs, and will be ordering the flares to be shipped all the way to Lebanon! (yes, I do like them)
3. I think that the $G suspension is good, but that the OME is a) sturdier, b) can be replaced after 3 years with the same part numbers, and c) available world wide.
4. ECR may have some good points, but their prices may be a wee bit too high. Their steering damper relocation kit is absurdly expensive (if memory is right).
5. All in all, if they install AT 35s, they will be able to acheive an allrounder.
that is what I think,
Nadim |
Greg Davis
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 01:56 pm: |
|
I forgot about the $G suspension. I wouldn't have gone that route as I have heard too many negatives. RTE would have been my choice. |
Ho Chung (Thediscoho)
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 01:59 pm: |
|
greg, the R-word? LOL |
JB
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 02:40 pm: |
|
I was surprised to learn of a 5-speed in a '96. I didn't know that was available. Anybody else got one? |
Phillip Perkinson (R0ver4x4)
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 03:05 pm: |
|
I have seen the 5 speed in a 97 |
Dave Morin
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 03:05 pm: |
|
5-speed was available up to '97 wasn't it? Pretty rare though. |
r0ver4x4
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 03:08 pm: |
|
yeah I have only seen it in one |
simon
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 03:28 pm: |
|
i have 2 96 5 speeds...
one for me and one for the wife..
i think i'm nuts...
but I love those bastards...
Simon |
Gil Stevens (Gil)
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 08:09 pm: |
|
i have a 97 5-speed for sale.. |
DougC
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 09:51 pm: |
|
i've got a 96 SE7 with 5 speed. It was my wife, but she said she felt like she was pumping a church organ when she drove it. Great truck...Doug |
Ron
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 10:50 pm: |
|
5 speed = POS
But I agree there is a certain attraction.
Sort of like a rover. You know it is going to have issues but you must have it anyway 
Ron |
Brad Bradford (Brad)
| | Posted on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 09:23 am: |
|
I have a 96 5-speed. Just replaced the clutch after 115k. Runs like new. I wouldn't trade it for anything |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 09:31 am: |
|
If you're wanting to do a Tdis-wap, then I'd look for the 5-speed, because I *think* that a slushbox behind a diesel would be irritating.
For the US, the V8 is more practical, and between the auto and the 5-speed, the auto is the better tranny. A lot of it is CT emulation, IMHO, mixed w/ a bit of "the grass is greener..."
Yeah, if you want to build a CT replica, or, if you just want to do it (c'mon, Rovers aren't transportation, they're a hobby!), or, if you like to wade (a lot!) then it may be worth the bother.
IMHO, FWIW, YMMV, yada yada yada....
-L |
Simon E. Arenas (Simon)
| | Posted on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 09:58 am: |
|
well i just like 5 speeds period..I couldn't give a flying fuck to those CT discos..
I feel like I'm more in control than with the LAzy-tranny...
and If I ever go back to my country a lazy tranny wouldn't sell as fast as 5 speeds and it would never stand the abuse either..
but that just me... 80)
Simon |
chris browne
| | Posted on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 12:20 pm: |
|
If I had the money, would I go as far as ECR? No, but then its my commuter truck and parking garages in Boston are not generous.
As a weekend truck, I could see going for the lowered gearing, flares and taller tires.
Nothing like ground clearance when off road and the reason I ended up at 750-16 not 245/75 tires.
Just don't ask me which tires. 9x34 swampers was my first thought
One last thing, I'd keep the ABS cos I like it. |
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page