Short Block Chevy in a D1?

[NitroRoo]

I'm wondering how hard it would be to drop a 350 chevy in a D1? Looking for the cheapest way to get a new(ish) motor in my truck (so other engine alternatives are welcomed as well).

I've also had it suggested to upgrade to the 4.6L... (currently has the 4.0). I was ok with the power of the 4.0, so if that's the best route in terms of ease and price, I guess I need suggestions on best places to buy used or rebuilt engines as well.

Thanks!

 

[Scott Brady]

I cannot imagine a 350 swap will be cheaper than sticking with the 4.0l.

The little Buick V8 is a great motor.

 

[NitroRoo]

I cannot imagine a 350 swap will be cheaper than sticking with the 4.0l.

The little Buick V8 is a great motor.

That was kind of what I was thinking (or expecting).. just wondering if it had been done.

On that note, where's the best place to buy a used or rebuilt motor?

 

[Mercedesrover]

That was kind of what I was thinking (or expecting).. just wondering if it had been done.

It's been done, but sticking with the stock engine is going to be exponentially cheaper than doing an engine conversion.

 

[Yorker]

It's been done, but sticking with the stock engine is going to be exponentially cheaper than doing an engine conversion.

I've seen it done a couple times now and it never ended up being as easy or cheap as originally expected. Last one I saw used a 305 TH350 and NP205. Robbie at Draken offroad built it- maybe Justin can tell more about that D1.

 

[Red90]

Mark4wd in Australia make a conversion kit. Quite common over there. Doing a Chevy V6 is a bit easier.

 

[stevenmd]

Where are you located? There are many places to get a good used 4.0 cheap. Or contact Dan (aka tigerdan) over on lrrforums.com to rebuild a 4.0 into a 4.8 (yes, not a typo, 4.8).

 

[NitroRoo]

I'm up in the panhandle of Texas (lubboc), and there is a complete lack of LR support out here. At least back in FL we had a few shops nearby. I'll contact the guy you suggested... The local machine shop I contacted quoted $4500 for a regular rebuild and suggested looking for a new motor instead.

 

[revor]

Do you have a decent engine shop in town?
A Rover V8 is only a miniature American V8, nothing complex or special about it. Even engine rebuild parts are pretty easy to find.

 

[NitroRoo]

Do you have a decent engine shop in town?
A Rover V8 is only a miniature American V8, nothing complex or special about it. Even engine rebuild parts are pretty easy to find.

I contacted "the" machine shop in town and they are the ones who quoted me $4500 for a rebuild, due to parts that were "extremely expensive."

The more research I do though, I'm leaning towards just doing a headgasket job myself and hoping it holds together for 50k+ more miles.

 

[revor]

Rings, cylinder bores and bearings don't seem to fade away as fast on these motors. I'd say a hone, new rings new bearing inserts and a head job would take these engines to 250K

Chris Davis over on D-90.com just did a rebuild and posted up where he got many of the engine parts for his truck, you might check that out.

 

[Root Moose]

You know, I've been watching the adverts for used Discos with an eye to buying one to do a SBC swap. Been casually watching and researching for a couple of years. I had a SBC lying around for the project and misc. parts that could be used (700R4).

I sold all that junk. If I'm going to bother with swapping an engine into something it is going to be a good engine. The engine I had was a Gen I (i.e. the traditional) SBC. If you bother going forward with this I'd really look at doing a Gen III/IV engine from a modern GM. Much nicer engines IMO.

I'd expect for the price you've been quoted you can get a really nice Rover engine to replace the blown one. Something like a 4.6 or larger. I wouldn't put in a 4.0. I have a pet theory that a more powerful engine in a Disco would get better MPG because you wouldn't be driving the snot out of it all the time.

For $4500 I'd roll the dice and do the rebuild myself. Get the local shop to do the machine work. Maybe you aren't interested in that. I just throw it out as an idea.

 

[GYM]

...I sold all that junk. If I'm going to bother with swapping an engine into something it is going to be a good engine. The engine I had was a Gen I (i.e. the traditional) SBC...

So; what's not 'good' about the traditional SBC?

 

[Root Moose]

It's old and ugly. Inefficient compared to the new stuff. I could go on.

Depends on what you are looking for of course. I'm very much of the "if I'm going to bother with this I'm going to use the best affordable bits" within reason type.

Different strokes and all that.

 

[upcruiser]

I have 4.6 conversion in my DI and coupled with a 5 speed it works beautifully. Even in Colorado driving highway speeds at altitude it has plenty of power. I can't imagine needing more power really without having issues modulating torque on low friction surfaces. The difference in pull is noticeable compared to a stock D1 even with the taller than stock tires.