Presently getting new 03 Discovery 112K kms ready for my Son. (Replacing our 95 with 258K kms which was hit by a bad driver two months ago). Truck is nice but has small coolant leak visible at back of engine. Will watch closely once licensed and on road. Purchase price allowed for possible gasket job but hope later than sooner.

1. Planning to replace wires and plugs but because of time, what would a second choice of wires be if Magnecor are not available. Have read the latest great wire installations tips in the forums.

2. Son asked if removing factory bush gaurd would improve fuel economy much....I thought it was interesting enough to ask the forum gang....any experiences or thoughts on this.

 

No removing the OEM brush guard will not increase MPG.
Kingsbourne or STI plug wires are a great choice as well, most high end autoparts stores have the STI wires.

 

The leak could be head gasket or lower intake manifold leak, maybe get a mirror and flashlight involved and try to isolate the source.

 

Coolant leak: Eventually the problems will have to be fixed. I noticed a small coolant leak on the right rear of my engine the other month. I suspect either intake or head gasket, but haven't pulled the plenum to inspect. I added a can of BG leak stop (one of the parts of the 3 can BG flush) last month, and the leak has virtually stopped. Unlike the parts store leak stop, my heater core is still working perfectly. Come spring, I plan on addressing the problem more permanently.

Wires: What Spike said.

Brush guard: I didn't notice any MPG change when I added mine.