I have a 2001 Disco 2 with approx 150k on it. I rebuilt the upper end approx 25k ago. I have found this 4.0 set up to be grossly underpowered and was looking at options. I have yet to see a good plan for a Chevy 350 conversion, but what about dropping the 4.6 liter LR motor in it? Anyone have any ideas on if that would work?

 

It should work perfectly. As far as I know the only difference is that the 4.6 is a stroked version of the 4.0. You can even order a 5.2 stroker kit out of the UK, but I don't think it's cheap. Probably worth it if you can afford it and just rebuild that 4.0 you have. Add a high torque cam, some Rhoads lifters, and Ford Mustang injectors while you're at it.

I actually looked at swapping in a 350 myself, but decided a newer Vortec 5.3 would be a better option. You can get a bellowing adapter from marks 4x4 out of Australia, or even a transfer case adapter so you can use the Chevy trans. Its been a bit of a dream if mine, but alas my head gaskets blew and my lifters are clicking and I don't have the time, money, or know how to do the conversion. I ended up doing the high torque cam, rhoads lifters, and mustang injectors just like I recommended. Too bad, that 327 Vortec would be my dream Discovery.

 

Wow, I live at 6500 ft. elevation which saps a good 15% or more of power from an engine and I don't find its performance anemic in any way. But then I knew it was an old 16 valve pushrod design when I bought it, and not to expect it to throw my head back in the seat. It does quite well IMO and holds its own or better than any base engine in competing vehicles (of its day) like the Jeep straight 6, Nissan 3.3 S/C, Ford 4.0 SOHC, etc.

4.6 however, would put you at or near the premium offerings from the LR competitors (like Chrysler's 4.7), but if you're trying to get anywhere near 'modern' power standards, you'll never get there due to multi-valve cylinder head designs, DI, etc.

Either engine will swap right in.

 

Sounds like your rig needs a tune-up (O2 sensors, plugs/wires/coils) to me, but everyone's expectations are different. For a new engine, go with the 4.6L. The rest of the drivetrain is meant to handle that level of power. If you upgrade beyond that, you may end up with tranny/axle/X-fer case issues. I would NOT recommend buying a 4.6L from an 03-04 DII...too many issues with those blocks. Rebuild yours or go with a 99-00 RR 4.6L (same block) and make sure to drop in one of D&Ds hot cams!

Other small scale (both HP and $$) power adders include electric fan conversion, K&N intake and upgraded cat-back exhaust (Magnaflow or Borlla). I've also heard that porting the heads works wonders, but can't vouch for that personally as I've not tried.

 

Would the same hold true for swapping out a 4.0 in a 2001 RR for a 4.6? What about the wiring harness and ECU and other electronics? Does everything just swap easily, one engine for another, or are there a bunch of tidbits that can add up real fast? I may get the RR for very cheap with a bad 4.0, and I'd like to put in a 4.6 for the extra power.

 

Lol, I'm going diesel, want my drivetrain?

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