Requiem for a V8

[dcwhybrew]

I've looked into the Chevy conversions a bit, and I think I would go with one of the LS engines due to their light weight. The LQ4 truck engine and 4L80E auto out of a 2000's Silverado would be a great match to the weight and demands of the Rover. This is a state of the art V8 with power, torque, reliability and efficiency to spare. It's weight is only around 525 lbs. fully dressed. Prices of even a new engine and trans are relatively low, parts and service are available everywhere, and it should fit into a Rover with relative ease using the Marks adapter from the 4L80E to the LT230 and their bolt-on engine mounts. The whole engine and trans ecu and wiring harness from the Silverado could be fitted. The transfer case has to move back a little, so new driveshafts would be required and the axles would have to be beefed up some to take the power of the new engine. These engines get over 20 highway mpg in the Silverado which is comparable in weight to the Rover, so it should be an economical setup. Power figures are 300 hp and 360 ft. lbs. of torque.

View attachment 109845View attachment 109844

Very cool, you can get those from $500-$2000 depending on condition and set up. I saw some with the 4L80E for <$2,000. And they will run on regular unleaded...not that premium crap that we have to buy with the Rover V8s. If I had the spare change, I'd buy a D1 and do the swap just to see how it went. Question, what would you do about an engine management system? Use something like perfect power or one of these?

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/113_0504_standalone_efi_systems/viewall.html

 

[REDROVER]

Very cool, you can get those from $500-$2000 depending on condition and set up. I saw some with the 4L80E for <$2,000. And they will run on regular unleaded...not that premium crap that we have to buy with the Rover V8s. If I had the spare change, I'd buy a D1 and do the swap just to see how it went. Question, what would you do about an engine management system? Use something like perfect power or one of these?

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/113_0504_standalone_efi_systems/viewall.html

its called change over, when u buy engine /trans ask for the wiring and computer also, and you are good to go.

 

[David Harris]

Question, what would you do about an engine management system? Use something like perfect power or one of these?

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/113_0504_standalone_efi_systems/viewall.html

I would just use the stock (Silverado) ECU, TCU and wiring harness. You could just get them from the donor vehicle.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

There are people that have put the TDV6 into a P38, GM6.2/6.5, Isuzu ??¿, OM617, and TD5 into originally gassed D2's. I'm not going to try to say its easy, cost effective, or simple. The electronics make it a PIA but when it come time for me to get a new engine I'll be getting a diesel if I'm able. I'll even do a write up so you guys can see how screwed up it gets before it turns out right. I wouldn't hold my breath though I try to stay on top of all the maintenance.

 

[Antichrist]

.....engine is toast.

That's a pretty vague diagnosis. Did you get an explanation as to why it's toast?

 

[11b4v]

sorry for the late reply. I sent an email to my buddy for a more, exacting figure, but he has not responded. I know he had heads rebuilt, gaskit kit, some hoses, plugs, wires, and a radiator (damaged during motor install) I dont seem to recall what he did specifically low end besides rings, bearings, seals, etc. while it was on the stand. My recolletion is $1500-1800 ish. His back up was an old diesel MB wagen.

Dweb is your best resource for past/current DII motor rebuilds, procedure, costs, etc.

as with antichrist, that diaganosis seems awful vague. most of these trucks only require the upper end rebuild/head gaskets.

good luck

 

[lwg]

He has a D2 guys, different electronics than the D1 and RRCs. 300tdi wont work.

Not true, some DII actually came from the factory with 300TDI's. Also M&D engineering makes a 300TDI conversion kit for the DII V8. I have actually considered this...

http://mdengineering.co.uk/index.php?act=category&cat_id=1

 

[kferg]

$15K for a new motor???? Not only are they taking you for a ride but they are inviting friends and neighbors. I'd get another opinion other than "its toast". Why is it toast? If there is a legitimate reason fine but that description is not good enough to spend a lot of good money on a new motor or a new vehicle. Try the folks listed below. They are east coast and mid-west but are both good guys that can advise you and possibly supply an engine or rebuild at a fair price along with any other parts you may need. I've gotten parts from both and they will spend some time on the phone with you as they know Rovers inside out.

Will Tillery - VA - 434-251-9331 willtillery@roverguy.com (phone is best)
P.T. Schram - IN - 260-804-0458 pt@ptschram.com

I'm sure there are others on the west coast that can help but I'm not sure of those sources, but don't get taken. As far as the diesel option, keep dreaming. You can't get away with it in CA or any state that tests ODBII no matter what. Its a dream many of us have but you'll spend a ridiculous amount of money making that work in a NAS DII and still not be able to register it for the road. In some states/locals you may be able to "technically" get away with it if they don't test but if that changes you will be in a pickle, as you will if you sell it to someone where they test. The truck was not certified for a diesel and there are no certified motors of the same or newer year that are going to drop in without crazy money. As far as spending $5K on a $5K truck, well that is personal preference. Is it better to drop $20K+ on a vehicle that will be worth $5K-10K in 5 years? They are all poor investment choices from that standpoint. If you like the truck, put some money in it and drive it until it won't go any more then decide again. If not find a vehicle that suits you and do the same.

 

[dcwhybrew]

Not true, some DII actually came from the factory with 300TDI's. Also M&D engineering makes a 300TDI conversion kit for the DII V8. I have actually considered this...

http://mdengineering.co.uk/index.php?act=category&cat_id=1

Maybe take a look at that list again, or at least point out where the 300tdi conversion kit is for the DII. Those 300 tdi conversion kits are for series 1 discos. M&D delineates the DII at the bottom with the HS2.8 TGV and TD5 conversion kits.

 

[spikemd]

Getting a diesel conversion for someone who doesn't know how to work on his car is a recipe for disaster. Unless you can do your own conversion and know and UNDERSTAND all the mechanicals/electronics that go into making it work, you are asking for astronomical headaches and dependency of the original installer. Don't do it. Diesels are sexy, but not the right call for this guy.

As stated, you need more info from your mechanic as to why it is 'toast'. Did you drive it with the temperature in the red for a long time? Does it rattle when running? Is there white smoke coming out the tailpipe? Is your coolant pressurized?

Where in California are you located? There are plenty of used motors in California that can be had for $1500 or less. But sounds like doing a swap might cost more than just getting another rover. Remember, just because you buy a used motor, doesn't mean it isn't going to have more problems down the line. The only way to know for sure is to have it rebuilt or get a new block and that costs a lot of coin.

If I were you, I would be on the look-out for a 2004 DII SD version that I see every once in awhile with around 70k miles for $7-9k. You have uprgraded everything in fell-swoop. Sell your for parts/mechanic special for $1500.

 

[REDROVER]

i am sorry but for 15k you can get a beautiful i mean beautiful turbo diesel defender 110 from Europe , why bother fixing the d2. are those guys idiots or what . those are the duds that make land rover world so complected . in so calif i can have that motor rebuild top to bottom under 3 grand all day long, 1000 bucks for the removal and installation.

how did became 15k? unless he is charging you 300 bucks an hour lol

 

[dcwhybrew]

We may have scared Peter off with all of the $15k quote bashing....

 

[lwg]

Maybe take a look at that list again, or at least point out where the 300tdi conversion kit is for the DII. Those 300 tdi conversion kits are for series 1 discos. M&D delineates the DII at the bottom with the HS2.8 TGV and TD5 conversion kits.

Because the 2.8L is so different from the 300TDI??? Kit 161, 2.8 to D2 V8...

 

[PeterN]

Well I haven't been able to keep up with this thread....spent the past several days getting married and am now in Mexico....will dive in tomorrow and catch up.

I did get the quote from my mechanic and the remanufactured rover 4.6 engine (with top hat liners) comes in at $5k. I've read good things about these liners when installed correctly. Mechanic is saying that LR Dealers are going to source these for dealer service going forward.

The $15k number also includes a new radiator and many other smaller items that I may be able to take care of myself.

Stay tuned.

 

[PeterN]

I ran into the same situation a couple years ago. I ended up buying another truck and moving my lift, tires, etc. over to it. I then sold the broken truck for a grand. Even spending $5,000 on a $5,000 dollar truck doesn't make since. Learn to love Land Rovers not "Your Land Rover".

Jim

This really had me laughing out loud. I definitely love my Land Rover but I would feel better about loving and leaving it if I could remove some of the risk.

My overall value calculation of the engine swap with the new liner system is heavily weighted towards a belief (or hope really) that I'll end up with an engine that will handle the abuse I plan to throw at it.

Heck, there is an '04 with 80k miles on it for sale near me but it's got the same time bomb under the hood.

Maybe I'm paranoid....