A different kind of question about reliability

[Daryl]

So the reliability concerns are really a matter of poor design? I was under the impression that the design was solid, just the execution was sub standard.

Bad shuttle valves, broken solder joints, undersized cooling systems and a ridiculous external thermostat etc are design issues. Slipping liners, porous blocks, misdrilled blocks that eat front covers and oil pumps are execution issues.

All are manageable in one way or another, but a refresh isn't going to cover them all.

 

[DividingCreek]

real Rovers have diesel engines.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

real Rovers have diesel engines.

Too bad they didn't all come over with them. I'm still hoping to do a diesel swap in the future. Not to mention the reliability and longevity of the diesel. If I was the OP looking to do all that work I'd find a non running one, and drop in a 300TDI or 2.8TGV with a manual. Parts are often an overnight affair with these things anyways.

 

[DividingCreek]

Too bad they didn't all come over with them. I'm still hoping to do a diesel swap in the future. Not to mention the reliability and longevity of the diesel. If I was the OP looking to do all that work I'd find a non running one, and drop in a 300TDI or 2.8TGV with a manual. Parts are often an overnight affair with these things anyways.

I'm looking for a super clean d1 in my favorite oxford blue with mechanical malledies for a 300 conversion. I have a tdi automatic and a 1.4 tcase just need the engine. Going to use a 1.4 so I can run large tires and still get mid 20's mpg.

 

[czenkov]

300 conversion. I have a tdi automatic and a 1.4 tcase just need the engine. and still get mid 20's mpg.

I would love to do that to my Defender and my RRC. Mid 20's :drool:

 

[reds12t]

I inadvertently just did what your are looking at doing. I bought a decent DII drove it for a little while before the head gasket let go. I decided to do a full rebuild and am just buttoning it up. In addition to the standard rebuild I did most of the known fixes, cooler thermostat, ARP head studs, elring head gaskets, rebuilt oil pump, rebuilt power steering pump, and an HD fan clutch. While I was in there, I also decided to bump it up to 4.6L and and add a Crower 229 cam and lifters to address the tired stock cam. About the only thing that wasn't done was top hat liners.
I spent more on my rebuild then I paid for the truck, and I think you should consider something similar. Spend $2-5k on a truck and budget $4-5k for an engine rebuild. If your budget was $15,000 that would would leave $5-9k for upgrades or repairs elsewhere on the vehicle.