Discovery 2 LS Conversion
 

UPDATE: Kits are now available for sale at www.alternativeconversion.com!

We've been working on an LS conversion for the Discovery 2 for the last year. All adapters were made in house and utilize the factory transmission and transfer case. We are using a stock GM LS 5.3L Vortec engine. This engine came straight from a junkyard with 120,000 miles and very few modifications. We're using a GM engine computer to run the LS, while the Bosch runs the transmission and everything else. Everything has been working very well so far. Going to do some more testing in the coming weeks.

Video:

Awesome work dude! Looking forward to seeing this thing at the next rally!

How will the trans and rears hold up?

Yes, the traction control works fine. The three amigos are on for the usual reasons.

The 03-04 have the 4HP24, which was used behind the big BMW V12s in the 90s. Those made just as much torque as this LS, so it should be okay. The transfer case is solid. Rears should be fine. The power stats on the engine are 300 hp 335 ft-lbs.

So, when finished, is there a plan to sell a kit with everything needed, minus LS engine?

Yes, if there is enough interest. We've designed it to be completely bolt-on and something that an enthusiast could do in their garage. Fits into the factory motor mounts. Only welding should be connecting the cats to the manifolds or headers -- and a local exhaust shop could do that easy.

Other than the wiring/ecu, what parts have you made/are required? Is there an adapter to make the LS fit the D2 transmission?

As of now, if you want an LS conversion, you have to pay one of 2 places for a complete install, because they won't sell you the parts to do it yourself.
As junk as the Bosch engines are, vs how good and readily available LS's are, I'm sure you could sell a few kits initially. From there, you may get more business than you imagine.
I just spent over $2k in parts to rebuild my 4.6
I could've gotten a junkyard LS for wayyyy less.

Please give us more details.
Thanks!

I would definitely be on board to purchase a kit. Can you give us more details, install pictures and possibly a price point?