Opinions on New Engine

[Heem]

My wife has a 1996 Disco with 160,000 miles on it. It's really a nice truck, in great physical condition, no rust or major scratches. And.. it's a Manual Transmission, which we love.

I've been having some possible head gasket issues with it (oil in the coolant - no coolant in the oil - but coolant leaking.. somewhere!?!?)

I'm at the point where I'm thinking of replacing the motor with a full long block. I found a source for a long block for about $4000 US and I'd venture to guess my shop (good rover guys) would install it for under $2000 US.

When she broke down yesterday due to lack of coolant, I told my wife that we were just going to go buy her a different car, that I was sick of this thing breaking down - to which I Expected her to be excited at the prospect of getting a new car, but she almost cried, saying that she loves the rover.

So, what's your opinion? Do I spend $6000 to give this rover a new lease on life? Transmission and everything else feels fine - The only thing that I think will not be fixed by replacing the long block would be the minor power steering leak, but I gather even if I bought a brand new one (way out of budget!) I'd still have to deal with that..

 

[joey]

PS leaks are normal... but is it from the steering box, or the cheap hose clamps?

Engine... have you tried talking to this person? http://www.aluminumv8.com/

 

[DirtyDisco]

That seems like a lot for an engine. Jeez you could buy an entire Discovery for $6000. If I were going to replace the engine, I'd probably want to learn how to do it myself and pocket that 2 grand.

 

[Stupidjeep]

I took my chances with a used engine, because I couldn't afford 6K. had 80K miles, seemed to be in good shape. Install was easy enough, because the replacement was a 96, with everything on it but alt./starter and coil packs. I gave her a new lease on life, for almost 5 G's less than your quote. Will.Tillary on discoweb.org always has salvage parts posted under parts. just a thought

Chris--D1, CB lift and MT/Rs

 

[joey]

Actually it would be "Will Tillery" at www.roverguy.com his number is listed there as well.

 

[beemer]

I have a 95 D1 5 speed,(OB1 simple) under the extended warranty of PO's 100K/7 year (at 67K) it was cheaper to install a 4.6 factory short block. This comes without cam, lifters and timing chain which are crap from Rover. Well a RPI cam, lifters and Edelbrock timing set,Tormado chip, head work ( correct Rovers valve problem) port matched intake and exhaust manifolds with Borla exhaust.
This things a joy to go thru the gears besides pulls from 450 rpm's to 5,800 strong. beats new 4.6 powered Discos and Range Rovers, kind of fun.
What they should of installed years ago.
Old 3.9 was running at 67K now in storage wasting space.

 

[DirtyDisco]

Where do you get a Tornado chip?

 

[beemer]

chip

That was thru Chris Crane at RPI. Best $250 spent as this was needed on the 4.6 motor install to prevent lean out damage. A flexable motor vs the 3.9, less shifting more low end torque, a joy to drive. The 84 Montero 5 speed would out run the 3.9 powered D1.