Another Rover Performance Thread
I'm feeling like to many folks don't realize the wiring and integration issues that make swapping these Discos a nightmare. I've done engine swaps on a variety of other vehicles over the years, and the mechanical integration is easy on most makes and models, including the Disco, when compared to wiring and computer integration. But if you want your systems to continue working as designed on your D2, or even something close, you're gonna have a bad time on your own. Even the LS swap world is still trying to figure out how to make a swap work flawlessly, after all these years, there are STILL no easy integration options. In fact, those that try it, quit and get out of the biz, quickly. Why y'all think that is, eh?
It's easy to machine parts and weld brackets, but you wanna redesign what was a funky computer system to begin with?....you're braver than I. Good Luck with that.
The M57 swap can reportedly be done as a perfectly integrated, virtually plug and play swap for the D2....count your blessings....and your torque/mpg gains
For all those who wanna try 3.8l's, Chevy/Ford Diesels, and even LS swaps, let us know how that's working out for ya, honestly
It's easy to machine parts and weld brackets, but you wanna redesign what was a funky computer system to begin with?....you're braver than I. Good Luck with that.
The M57 swap can reportedly be done as a perfectly integrated, virtually plug and play swap for the D2....count your blessings....and your torque/mpg gains
For all those who wanna try 3.8l's, Chevy/Ford Diesels, and even LS swaps, let us know how that's working out for ya, honestly

The VW TDI ecu also provides a 2 pulse per rpm signal which I believe is also what the CPS of the disco 2 puts out. With Dakota digital and a little effort you can. Recreate this off of nearly any accessories pulley if needed
You'll obviously throw come cel lights due to the Rover lump not being in there. I'm not in an inspection state so I don't mind tape over unused lights. The engine will have its own independent ECU and obd diagnostic port.
Another possibility is ditch the slabs in favor of upgraded selectable lockers or trutracks on a budget along with CDL lock.
I've not seen an m57 conversation as seamless as that of the alternative conversion specialist LS swap kit, if there is one please send the link.
The disco 2 was only made 5 years so I would think it would be a very niche market, not really worth the r&d to do a ton of work to make swap kits.
My price includes the 6l80 to lt230 adapter, controller and either new transmission or purchase of used transmission with preventative tear down/upgrades and new upgraded torque converter.
4:88 gears on 33s pairs with the low 1st gear of the 6l80 would be very impressive off road. Even more impressive if you adapt that 6l80 to a torqy diesel
4:88 gears on 33s pairs with the low 1st gear of the 6l80 would be very impressive off road. Even more impressive if you adapt that 6l80 to a torqy diesel
I'm feeling like to many folks don't realize the wiring and integration issues that make swapping these Discos a nightmare. I've done engine swaps on a variety of other vehicles over the years, and the mechanical integration is easy on most makes and models, including the Disco, when compared to wiring and computer integration. But if you want your systems to continue working as designed on your D2, or even something close, you're gonna have a bad time on your own. Even the LS swap world is still trying to figure out how to make a swap work flawlessly, after all these years, there are STILL no easy integration options. In fact, those that try it, quit and get out of the biz, quickly. Why y'all think that is, eh?
It's easy to machine parts and weld brackets, but you wanna redesign what was a funky computer system to begin with?....you're braver than I. Good Luck with that.
The M57 swap can reportedly be done as a perfectly integrated, virtually plug and play swap for the D2....count your blessings....and your torque/mpg gains
For all those who wanna try 3.8l's, Chevy/Ford Diesels, and even LS swaps, let us know how that's working out for ya, honestly
It's easy to machine parts and weld brackets, but you wanna redesign what was a funky computer system to begin with?....you're braver than I. Good Luck with that.
The M57 swap can reportedly be done as a perfectly integrated, virtually plug and play swap for the D2....count your blessings....and your torque/mpg gains
For all those who wanna try 3.8l's, Chevy/Ford Diesels, and even LS swaps, let us know how that's working out for ya, honestly

I’d love to do an M57 swap, but it’s really not as practical here in the US. The M57 was only offered in the US in two vehicles - the E90 3 series and the E70 X5 series, and it wasn’t a particularly popular engine choice. It’s a rare find to get a complete pullout with all the pieces, and when you do find it, it’s really expensive. Also, none of the US vehicles were offered with the 8 speed auto, only the 6 speed auto.
The conversion electronics for the M57 to Discovery are also only offered (as far as I’ve seen) for the TD5 diesel Discovery models. The V8 Discovery has different control units, so that end would not be as straightforward. Overall, I think it would be a good swap, but with the engines not being common or cheap in the US, I think that is a major detractor.
If my research is correct the two biggest parts of keeping the slabs happy are allowing the ECU to the think the engine is still in there. To do this you need a TPS and CPS. The TPS can easily be recreated from either a throttle by wire or throttle by cable set up. Not sure about the m57 but the VW TDI throttle pedal has both a 0-5v and 5v-0 output.
The VW TDI ecu also provides a 2 pulse per rpm signal which I believe is also what the CPS of the disco 2 puts out. With Dakota digital and a little effort you can. Recreate this off of nearly any accessories pulley if needed
You'll obviously throw come cel lights due to the Rover lump not being in there. I'm not in an inspection state so I don't mind tape over unused lights. The engine will have its own independent ECU and obd diagnostic port.
Another possibility is ditch the slabs in favor of upgraded selectable lockers or trutracks on a budget along with CDL lock.
I've not seen an m57 conversation as seamless as that of the alternative conversion specialist LS swap kit, if there is one please send the link.
The disco 2 was only made 5 years so I would think it would be a very niche market, not really worth the r&d to do a ton of work to make swap kits.
The VW TDI ecu also provides a 2 pulse per rpm signal which I believe is also what the CPS of the disco 2 puts out. With Dakota digital and a little effort you can. Recreate this off of nearly any accessories pulley if needed
You'll obviously throw come cel lights due to the Rover lump not being in there. I'm not in an inspection state so I don't mind tape over unused lights. The engine will have its own independent ECU and obd diagnostic port.
Another possibility is ditch the slabs in favor of upgraded selectable lockers or trutracks on a budget along with CDL lock.
I've not seen an m57 conversation as seamless as that of the alternative conversion specialist LS swap kit, if there is one please send the link.
The disco 2 was only made 5 years so I would think it would be a very niche market, not really worth the r&d to do a ton of work to make swap kits.

A quick eBay and FB marketplace search show me that the engines are accessible, and not much more expensive than an LS. Can always buy a whole vehicle and then sell the body after engine/trans removal, saving quite a bit as well....
Search for WisemansEngineering on FB
https://house-of-torque.com/engine-tuning/
Last edited by RA122125; May 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM.
So talked with the guys at Roadside when I picked up my new 1.4 t case and the M57 is an issue with LHD rovers. The steering box is right in the middle of the accessories and no is really making brackets to move things around nicely like all the support LS has. If a RHD rover then this swap would be about as simple as a swap could come it sounds like.
So talked with the guys at Roadside when I picked up my new 1.4 t case and the M57 is an issue with LHD rovers. The steering box is right in the middle of the accessories and no is really making brackets to move things around nicely like all the support LS has. If a RHD rover then this swap would be about as simple as a swap could come it sounds like.
Or just move the steering box on the frame, and use a different pitman arm.... Or...Or....got me thinkin now, lol
Also Took a 30 sec look on the web for availability of the ZF 8HP Transmissions.....don't seem to be hard to find, and run about $1k shipped. Came stock in later model Range Rovers as well.
Last edited by RA122125; May 14, 2024 at 08:09 PM.
Interesting....so I hear that as, if you deal with the steering box placement or style, this swap is easy-peasy? That does not sound like a deal breaker to me, as steering systems are one of the easiest things to modify. Simple hydraulic ram setup, for example, could cure that problem in a hurry, and for cheap....
Or just move the steering box on the frame, and use a different pitman arm.... Or...Or....got me thinkin now, lol
Also Took a 30 sec look on the web for availability of the ZF 8HP Transmissions.....don't seem to be hard to find, and run about $1k shipped. Came stock in later model Range Rovers as well.
Or just move the steering box on the frame, and use a different pitman arm.... Or...Or....got me thinkin now, lol
Also Took a 30 sec look on the web for availability of the ZF 8HP Transmissions.....don't seem to be hard to find, and run about $1k shipped. Came stock in later model Range Rovers as well.
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