I have a friend in Houston with a Discovery 2 (can't remember if its an 03 or 04) with around 200 000 miles on it that needs an engine overhaul, either a reconditioning or replacement probably. I believe it still runs Ok but he wants to know what his options are before he spends serious money on it.

I know someone has mentioned Cannibal V8 to him but after I mentioned the "buyer beware" thread on this forum to him he got a little concerned.

Anyone know of other, better options for him? The rest of the car is in great shape and he would probably prefer to keep it as stock as possible.

Oh, and he does not wrench himself

Any and all help would be appreciated!

 

Well, really four ways you can go.

1. Buy a used engine with low mileage and roll the dice.
2. Rebuild the current engine and retrofit with 'top hat' liners.
3. Buy and install a remanufactured short or long block.
4. Find and install an OEM short block, either 4.0 or 4.6.

Some are comfortable with option one - I'm not a big fan although your friend could probably convince a shop to do this for him. Number two takes more effort and can cost less for a DIY - probably a handful to manage with a repair shop though unless you really know and trust them. Number three is probably the most expensive choice but should carry a warranty from the rebuilder. This option is easy for a shop to handle. Yes, stay away from Cannibal V8. Number four is becoming increasingly difficult to pull off but OEM short blocks are still out there and can be found if you look hard enough. Also easy for your shop to handle.

Last week a couple of OEM 4.0L P38 'red' short blocks (STC1891) sold on eBay for about $2,250 each which is a great deal considering the original retail price. I would love to have a factory fresh P38 in my Disco!

The 03 and 04 Discos can run either a 4.0 or 4.6 short block with absolutely no difference in the installation, although the 4.0 will have slightly less power vs. the 4.6.

 

If I wasn't rebuilding it myself, I would buy a remanufactured block from Turner Engineering. $4,500-$5,000 shipped. Includes top hat sleeves. Boom, done.
Even if you are doing the rebuild yourself, you'll pay $2,5000-$4,000 in parts, machine shop work, etc.
If you're paying someone else to do the rebuild, you'll end up paying as much or more as a Turner remanufactured block... so don't do that.

 

Thanks for the advice. Seems maybe the Turner block would be a good option if he can find a local shop that has prior experience with Discoveries or at least Land Rovers.

Anyone know of such a shop in Houston or close by?