Just read the entire thread. I think an LS1 or LS2 would be sick.

 

If you ran an LS1 or 350 wouldn't have to find a way to tune the engine down. It might be too much for the tranny right?

 

I dont know how strong or weak these trannys are. I'd imagine they could handle it....as long as you didn't drive it like a race car, but then whats the point of all the power : p

 

Absolutely, I wouldn't put an LS 1 or 2 in front of the stock drive train. All the the thoughts on the subject are right...And, truth be known, if one was to look around...enough...there are 4.3 aluminum blocks and heads around. None swirl port heads, however. Additionally, it's relatively easy to get 300 reliable HP out of a streetable 4.3. All food for thought.
In my mind, the entire drivetrain is as big a liability as the engine...

 

That V12 is totally ILL! So, how was the T/case handled? Are the tails the same, allowing marrying the trans and t/case, or did they make an adapter, make a divorced set-up? This is way cool. I would not do it. I can get more power outta an LS2 than I ever might want...and still have CHEVY parts and more important PRICING! Rebuild that Beemer V12 and get back 2 me...along with that ZF tranny...That being said, that guys gets major cudos and braggin' rights!

 

So I've been doing some drinking too like the OP and came across this. First off the ZF 4HP24 can handle a 5.7 vortec. I used to have one, and they aren't much more powerful than the 4.6 (217 vs. 255hp and 300 vs. 335 lb ft.) I know this because these transmissions were used behind 87-94 BMW V12s (as per the video on the last page). These V12s had 300hp and 330lb ft. So, in essence a better physical conversion would be a BMW V12. A direct bolt up, although as far as electrics go, it could be a nightmare (maybe not). The 5.7 vortec though would work and the rest of the drivetrain should easily handle the power.

 

While I relish the idea of putting a chevy 350 or the like into a Disco, I'm not sure I follow the logic. My reasons for doing an engine swap are purely for reliability. Whether I'm road tripping it or off-roading it, I don't want to deal with all the issues my 4.6 brings to the table. The power I actually have no complaints about. Also, I use to think that it would be easier to find parts/fix but since it would be a hybrid of electronics and mechanics, it may be harder, and more difficult to diagnose.

This is not my back-up vehicle so my POV is skewed a tad. I went with the Great Plains direct bolt-up rebuild.

 

The 350 Vortec is a great engine. But, if you were looking in the 300hp range, a mildly built 4.3 Vortec is a more compact and lighter package using the same bell housing adapter as the 350...or 454 for that matter...also, the 4.3 uses many of the same ft end parts as the 350, depending on which 4.3 block you use...making many of the parts relatively inexpensive and available in aluminum...for reference sake, my choice is a Z, roller block, '96+ heads and the long runner, '92-'95 Vortec intake.

 

True, either block would be great, but 350 is the same firing order and cylinder location of the 4.6. It could possibly run off the rover ecu. The weight issue could be solved with heavy duty lift springs up front and medium in the rear. The 5.7 cast iron vortec weighs 432lbs, whereas the rover 4.6 weighs about 320. Not much difference. I do like the 4.3 though, but the 5.7 has the sound and more low end torque that I'd want. You could also keep the 5.7 completely stock to get the same power as a modified 4.3, obviously.

 

Here's an older Rover with it done, and pix of what you have to deal with.

Chevy V8 into a Series Land Rover 109

If you prefer Ford, Converting a Land Rover 109 to a V8

And the common Mercedes diesel
If you have the shop space and the time and money, great, like any hobby. Can it be done? Yes. Can it be done in a weekend with a $100 of tools? No. Can it be done faster than SWMBO can pick out a new vehicle that is reliable to her standard while you do the road warrior thing during the week? No. Would we like to have one? You betcha!