I've got a 2000 Disco II that's thrown a rod through the oil pan (ouch....). Certainly going to need a short block. The vehicle is in reasonable (not perfect) shape. I know it's probably going to cost more to fix than I could sell the thing for but I really like the beast. I've rebuilt engines and actually worked as a mechanic for a few years while in school so I know I can handle a short block swap.

The question is: what's the best way to get a short block for one of these? I found a place in GB that's sells new short blocks that are NOT sleeved like the original (and the likely cause of the failure) for around $2200. I'm also able to get engines off eBay for between $1000 and $2500 (depending on mileage). I would think getting a new block, reworking the heads (if needed) and replacing any of the extraneous stuff (water pump, etc...) would give me a nearly new engine and another 150K of driving.

Does this sound reasonable or am I wasting my money? Any advice/suggestions/shared experiences greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds more than reasonable to me, especially if you can do it yourself. There are a few sources of used engines online too. Definitely watch eBay and craigslist.

http://www.roverlandparts.com/discov...-complete.aspx

 

My biggest concern, when buying from e-bay or Craig's list is you might get an engine that has already been toasted and will not work.
Roverlandparts is a good place to go.
You might want to go to the LRRF and post a message trying to locate Wil Tirey, spelling may be wrong, but he is back east and has been a great guy to talk with for an engine.

 

www.autosportsunlimited.com
Talk to those guys, a friend of mine bought a engine for his DII from those guys for $500.
He then went ahead and repalced the head gaskets and the like and she is running great.

 

I checked them out. They've got several whole engines that would be ideal for me. The price isn't cheap ($2400 or $2800) but that's for a 59K or 38K (respectively) engine. That's pretty good. I'm probably going to do that. It's safer than doing a short block and hoping my heads are OK and having to buy lifters and gasket sets.

Just gotta talk the wife into letting me throw another $2500 bucks at it this little project of mine....

 

Just remind her that you can sell your old engine to a meatal scrap yard and recup some of your coin.
Also check out www.roverlandparts.com

 

Is your engine a SAI engine or not, make sure the replacement is the same as your and remember you can also step up to a 4.6 swap out if you want the extra horse power.

 

there is a link in my SIG at the bottom. Stefan from Z Street rods in phoenix is selling a long block that has been rebuilt. proper rebuild. The engine out of a 99 DII. give him a call if you are interested.

 

Is there anything else required to upgrading to a 4.6 in a 99 D2 other than just a long-block? Does the control unit need recalculated?

 

how many miles did yours make it to? just curious but did it give you any sign it was going to blow before it did?