My restoration to a Disco Trek Discovery

[GaAlpinaowner]

Find a used old 4.0 bosch v8 and then have it rebuilt into a 4.6.

Timmy, thanks but why would I do this? What am I gaining? Really what would I gain? less cost what , please tell me?

This has me so frustrated I could scream and I do!!!!
When I look at my motor with 83k original miles and the end result, I can not justify this. Regardless of how I try to repair or fix it...it will never give me any confidence that something else related won't fail. How would I have this in a used block with a bunch of rebuilt or new items place in on on it that are just prone to failure from the start? I have spent a lot on the current motor and have zero to show for it! I have no history of what was done or not done on my truck prior to 83k miles. I have spent hrs researching and discussing and reading about this very same issue on a lot a hell of a lot of 03 4.6s. I have seen so many dead engines at 3-4 LR shops so it is a reality! I know that I could take my motor and try to repair it for 2k bucks and get some use out of it. But I have zero confidence that it would not end up on the side of a road or trail with terminal issues in a week month or a year. Seems to me my best alternative is to buy a reman'd longblock that someone else has the experience and know how to address and attempt to fix the design flaws that these motors have. Yep I said it Dammit!!! This motor design 4.6 , stock is total a piece of ****. For every reason, slipped sleeves, terrible heat diffusion in aluminum, seals that never seal, inferior bearings, crap oil pumps, not enough lubrication, etc.........the list is endless.... I have and have had many cars and trucks in my 51years of doing this, but never one engine that has so many potential issues. It is pityful! This design should have been dumped long before 2003.
What do I gain going my way? At least I get a warranty with a Cannibal or a GPR motor! With any other option I get headaches and frustration....This way I can dictate the break in routine and the proper oil and engine maintenence. And most importantly, I can expect hopefully at least 20k miles of non engine breaking nightmares and/or 18mos or 36mos of warranty ..... and so can the next owner who will pay for it as it will be reflected in the sale price by God! Sorry to go on a rampage....I just want to enjoy my Rebuilt Refurb'd Trek. My 4yr daughter is now in luv with it, my wife would shoot me/ or worse if she know what I had into it...I just need to bite the bullet and get this thing right for me to enjoy.
I immensely enjoy my 3 other bimmers that I have restored....I want the same enjoyment from this Trek. Even if it kills me...it has definitely broken me. :-(

 

[LR Max]

I know exactly how you feel. I just went through similar frustrations with my 109.

Best thing is to let the truck sit for a week or so. Concentrate on other things that make you happy. Then re-approach with a clear head.

When you get it back on the road, drive it. After a few good trips and whatnots, it'll get your confidence back in the vehicle.

My engine and trans have basically been giving me a fit for 18 months. Yesterday was the first day...in a long time...that the truck made me happy. Once this miserable weather gets a bit better, I plan on commuting with the truck a bit (60 mile/day commute!) just so I can enjoy a cigar on my way home.

I'd offer to buy you a beer but I'm in town, kindly far from Cumming.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

David:
I sent you a PM.
D

 

[timmy!!!!!!!]

Timmy, thanks but why would I do this? What am I gaining? Really what would I gain? less cost what , please tell me?

Alright just take a few steps back and calm down. I feel your pain. I have done a motor swap in my 97 disco and my 99 disco has been down since November with a bad transmission. I am slowly replacing it myself to keep the cost down and it isn't that hard of a job.

The reason why I mentioned getting an old pre-03 bosch block is they haven't had nearly the issues that 03-04 trucks have had. The only difference from what I understand between the 03-04 4.6 is the crankshaft is different. If you want to find a reliable bosch 4.6 get one from a P38 Range Rover.

My biggest advice to you is get another vehicle like a Honda, Toyota or something of the like in a sedan or station wagon. Then relegate the rover to other duties. You will come out ahead in the long run.

 

[LtFuzz]

My 2004 had a dealership-installed, brand new 4.6. Truck was essentially mint and one of the nicer bone-stock 2004s around.

12 months later the 4.6 catastrophically failed and I lost quite a bit of money.

It was utterly demoralizing. The LR3 I'm on now will be the last chance I'm giving Land Rover. But ultimately (and spiritually), I've thrown the towel in and adventure duties will be confined to my KTM.

If you're going to suck it up and tough it out, go with Timmy's recommendation. Don't touch a new "crate" 4.6. They're crap. I did everything right with my D2 purchase, as you did, and still learned the hard way, as you did, just how catastrophic LR ownership can be for people that wish to enjoy the brand but don't have the time/space/skill to build & rebuild the motors themselves. The LR3/LR4 is the only truck for us. It's a shame it came so late in the game.

Fortunately you're in a part of the country with a high density of super knowledgeable Rover people. You don't have many options as far as new motors go, unfortunately. I agree with Timmy -- spend some time sourcing the motor yourself, then engage the GA/NC Rover community to help. I have no doubt they'd help get a gorgeous TReK back on the road. Aren't the big NC Rover gatherings essentially a giant DIY garage party with a few minutes of wheeling at the end? :sombrero:

But don't feel ashamed to throw the towel in. Your Land Rover's demand will never plateau... some just increase more slowly than others. That 4.6 was likely doomed from the start. I'm VERY curious to see what happens with ExPo's TReK (their 109 was quietly sent out to pasture.)

I feel for you, I really do. Good luck brother.

 

[Rovertrader]

Was waiting for Felix to chime in- just quoted that story to someone last evening...

Glad you are enjoying the new ride- did you sell the D-I too? Hope all is well in the new location!!

Sorry for the detour, but remember, LR heritage really belongs to the diesel power plant which we sadly don't get- even current day.

 

[LR Max]

Yes. The 4.6 was doomed before it hit the showroom floor. I worked at a LR dealership in 2003 (wash boy and occasional tire monkey) and a good portion of the 4.6 trucks had to have their engines replaced before they were sold. I'm talking about replacing an engine in a truck with 10 miles on it. 10!!!

Yes, the LR3 and LR4 are finally the rovers we've been waiting for. Can't wait to get one for myself.

Side note, what ever did happen to the Expo 109? Seems like with series trucks, either you own it for 6 months or you own it forever.

 

[MattScott]

Side note, what ever did happen to the Expo 109? Seems like with series trucks, either you own it for 6 months or you own it forever.

I owned the 109 it for a little over a year and it was my only vehicle, it was just more than I could handle with the amount of traveling that I do. It found a good home.

About the TReK - just hit 8,000 miles on it this weekend, it got a nice wax, a fluid check, and a full inspection as a reward. I'm hoping it continues to stay flawless. Just ordered new OME shocks and a medium duty front spring.

Sorry to hear about the engine on your TReK...

 

[wreckdiver1321]

Timmy, thanks but why would I do this? What am I gaining? Really what would I gain? less cost what , please tell me?

This has me so frustrated I could scream and I do!!!!
When I look at my motor with 83k original miles and the end result, I can not justify this. Regardless of how I try to repair or fix it...it will never give me any confidence that something else related won't fail. How would I have this in a used block with a bunch of rebuilt or new items place in on on it that are just prone to failure from the start? I have spent a lot on the current motor and have zero to show for it! I have no history of what was done or not done on my truck prior to 83k miles. I have spent hrs researching and discussing and reading about this very same issue on a lot a hell of a lot of 03 4.6s. I have seen so many dead engines at 3-4 LR shops so it is a reality! I know that I could take my motor and try to repair it for 2k bucks and get some use out of it. But I have zero confidence that it would not end up on the side of a road or trail with terminal issues in a week month or a year. Seems to me my best alternative is to buy a reman'd longblock that someone else has the experience and know how to address and attempt to fix the design flaws that these motors have. Yep I said it Dammit!!! This motor design 4.6 , stock is total a piece of ****. For every reason, slipped sleeves, terrible heat diffusion in aluminum, seals that never seal, inferior bearings, crap oil pumps, not enough lubrication, etc.........the list is endless.... I have and have had many cars and trucks in my 51years of doing this, but never one engine that has so many potential issues. It is pityful! This design should have been dumped long before 2003.
What do I gain going my way? At least I get a warranty with a Cannibal or a GPR motor! With any other option I get headaches and frustration....This way I can dictate the break in routine and the proper oil and engine maintenence. And most importantly, I can expect hopefully at least 20k miles of non engine breaking nightmares and/or 18mos or 36mos of warranty ..... and so can the next owner who will pay for it as it will be reflected in the sale price by God! Sorry to go on a rampage....I just want to enjoy my Rebuilt Refurb'd Trek. My 4yr daughter is now in luv with it, my wife would shoot me/ or worse if she know what I had into it...I just need to bite the bullet and get this thing right for me to enjoy.
I immensely enjoy my 3 other bimmers that I have restored....I want the same enjoyment from this Trek. Even if it kills me...it has definitely broken me. :-(

I feel your pain man. Its that exact sort of thing that has made me reevaluate and decide to sell my beloved Disco.

After rebuilding the whole top end, the truck decided it needed to leak. So it developed a leak from the transfer case and the rear intake seal at the same time. After three unsuccessful attemps to fix the intake leak, and the development of another leak from the engine, AND two sensors that silmultaneously died, I threw in the towel. I just don't trust it anymore. I would be nervous as hell driving it into the middle of nowhere.

These trucks are definitely wonderful, and definitely worth loving, don't get me wrong. I will miss the heck out of my Disco. But I need something I can count on.

 

[LR Max]

I owned the 109 it for a little over a year and it was my only vehicle

Yeah that is hard. I did that for a number of years but then paired it with a small sedan. That is the way to go with a series truck. Especially in the rain!

 

[GaAlpinaowner]

Thanks guys for the advice the help etc...
I have had time to chill out and calm down, stop screaming and hitting trees and I now have to fix the trek. I have weighed all options including Timmys advice, buying a Turbo Diesel, or a LT1 or a new 4.6 crate rover motor. Although my preference would be to do the turbo diesel it simply is too costly. Too bad I can't just buy a summit racing ford 302 as this would be a great option as well but I do not want to constantly tinker, I want a vehicle to drive and enjoy. I have spoken to many and here is what I am going to do. I am moving forward with my original plan, buying one of Steve's CannibalV8's and have Luke's team at The Shop install it. They have done about 6 of these and understand what I need and more importantly do it right down to the critical break end procedure. I have only heard good things from the people that have bought this platform. I think for the money this is my best option. Here is their link.... http://www.cannibalv8.com.
I like the process he takes to try to fix the issues these motors have and add the performance cam and crankshaft/seal kit. Although I would prefer a longer than 18mo warranty like GPR's 36mo, I feel the quality of the build will give me the desired results. I will remove my front cover, send it to him, and have him rebuild the pump gears and install the cover there. I will bead blast my valve covers and oil pan and have new gaskets installed as well as add a new oem water pump and thermastat and cap. I am looking for a trashed 4.6 longblock to offer as a core or I will just send mine. They have a 2 week lead time so this will give me time to remove my motor and swap what I need. While there I will have the transmission pan removed and a new gasket installed to cure some weeping on a few of the bolts and add new Trans fluid. I hope this cures my motor woes temporarily for at least 20k miles. It stinks and worse..it #@$$@! Bites @$$, but it is done and now it is time to fix this and move on and enjoy this Trek again. I guess I will have the most expensive D2 (I figure I could buy a bunch of used D2s for what I have into this one..pityful ain't it)...but ... at least it should be finally right and #5 of 15 Trek Edition D2s. Hey maybe this will help raise the value of these...NOT!

 

[11b4v]

look at ToddCoSuspensions

the CannibalV8 offerings look great. Regardless of the 18mos warranty, I think you could get 200K out of their offerings. Having Luke drop it in is the only choice in ATL.

As a backup, check out ToddCoSuspensions.

The N Ga address will fool you, but he's actually in Guntersville, Alabama, take you about 3.5 hrs from the ATL. Check out his motors.

He can rebuild to your spec as well.

Good Luck.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

I haven't had any engine work done by Todd, but have had some suspension stuff done by him. Stand up guy!
D

 

[timmy!!!!!!!]

I didn't realize toddco moved to Guntersville. Last I saw him he was in Chattanooga area. He is a Huntsville native.

 

[GaAlpinaowner]

Motor ordered from CannibalV8. Steve at Cannibal is very very knowledgeable. I think his motor building skills will give me a TopHat motor that is as bulletproof as possible. He explained everything in detail cmas lifters, crankshaft Tophats sealing process and I am happy as a clam with this decision. Turn around time is 2 weeks. I will send him my front cover for rebuild as well as my harmonic balancer, exhaust manifolds and valve covers. My oil pan and valve covers and Exhaust manifolds will all be media blasted and reinstalled prior to shipment and I decided to get the Exhaust manifolds ceramic coated to keep them looking non rusted and to help slightly with heat dissipation. I thought about headers but I have secondary air and I dont want to screw with it at this point. I may add new magnaflow pipes and mufflers later as well. I have a better than OEM water pump ordered and The Shop has my Trek for engine removal next week and engine install after that. I will have them also remove the tranny pan and gasket for replacement as it was oozing slighly. Ironically the damn Oil light mysteriously turned itself off on the way to The Shop, but it was cool temps out that day. I have no faith in this motor at this point and low and behold it looks like the RMS has sprung a leak at my Storage facility as there is a new puddle on the floor...a fitting end to this POS motor design IMHO.