I'm thinking of a project Rover for my son and I. Currently I found a 2 owner 2003 that is local and other than the front bumper looks new. It will need a factory radio installed, and more importantly a new engine. Only 150K on it and what little I looked at it its a HSE with the 3rd row. It's fully stock, straight body with no door dings even. However, if was minus 12 when I looked at it and frankly I want to take another look when its warmer and I'm thinking clearly.

Given I didn't purchase it new like I'm used to, I'm not as inclined to keep it stock. Maybe a 2" lift, and maybe a LS7 swap even. My son is all in, but that is fun for him as its really my money doing this. As much as I hated the engine in our 2002, we sort of miss our Disco 2 and this one is pretty clean otherwise. This isn't the year for a money project for me, but I could pick it up for $1,500 as is. I could budget up to $10K to make it awesome again. Thoughts?

 

Do it.

Looks like you've been around here for a while, so no need going into great lengths about the pitfalls or condition issues. Projects are money pits to begin with, rarely will a person recoup their investment or labor, but, if you know that going in and are good with it...have at it.

Me, l'd walk in with $1K and offer them that...if frame is good and body panels are straight.

Good luck.

 

I agree with The Deputy, you know what you’re buying and can do a ton with that budget. Plus it would be fun to watch the build...

 

There is a well sorted d2 in Denver my neighbor is selling, asking $10k. 4.11s, detroits front and rear and some armor. It's not perfect but would be a little more turn key. Having just picked up a cheap disco last summer just do everything as soon as it warms up. I replaced full cooling system, lift, tires and the hg just started going bad in January. Car didn't have a lot of history with it so I knew it was a matter of time but it's a lot easier to do it when it's all apart only once.

 

Turn key would sort of defeat the purpose. I'll look at again later this week, maybe even have my wife look at it since she is sort of against this. She is requiring that I sell the Ram first, which is fine as I never drive it. The LR3 gets all the use since coming home.

 

well we all know the work is never done lol and would allow you to get out and use it right away and explore more than what the LR3 can do. But I totally get it. I picked up my green one for a grand last summer in the springs...I'm in it under $5k once I do the HG and cam this spring (have all the parts for it already).

 

This project Rover hasn't died yet. I've been so busy with work, but I will take a second look next week.

I have the resources and a four car garage so even if this sits for a while it isn't a big deal. Problem is I like to make things perfect, and the most minor thing gets replaced when I do things. I will need to change my mindset if I do this.

 

I will say if you do HG go ahead and do new lifters and a cam. Even in the 4.0 I've been very pleased in the roughly 100miles since I finished up that project. It doesn't just die flat on it's face and makes a better effort to hold speed up hills.

 

Think I’m going to pull the trigger and take this on. It’s technically free for me. My brother already owns it, we will transport to my garage next week. Split the expenses and either sell it or keep it. Now to find a Jaguar XJ to compliment the garage...

 

do it!