We’re finally getting a new engine for our Land Rover Discovery 2 2004. We bought it seven years ago with 96,000 miles on the odometer, two weeks after my first daughter was born. Two bad wrecks—one of which killed a close friend—right before the birth of my firstborn led us to search for a larger vehicle, as both wrecks had demonstrated that big vehicles generally win over smaller vehicles. And without ever even thinking of buying a Land Rover, we stumbled on this Disco that was for sale in our area, for just the amount we had been given by insurance after our Honda Civic had been totaled. I drove it around and was hooked.

I learned to do my first oil change on it. From there I also learned—thanks to this very forum—how to do just about everything else on a vehicle, from engine to suspension and upholstery to electronics. I now also own a 1999 Disco 2 TD5 in Africa (I direct a water distribution NGO over there), and that Disco has just undergone a major overhaul as well. I keep telling myself I’m not insane. These vehicles have so many nuances that make me addicted to them that every time I’ve considered switching to another vehicle, they’ve all fallen short under scrutiny.

Anyway, the main bearings were giving out about 35,000 miles ago, showing low oil pressure if I used the “appropriate” weight oil, so I kept the engine alive and running well all this time with… dare I admit it? 20W50 Mobile1 and a Quart of Heavy Duty Lucas Oil Stabilizer. Hey, it bought me about four years of life before a piston finally broke a few weeks ago. We’re at 165,000 miles now. That’s four years of time to save up for the engine swap.

I decided I’d rather just get a completely remanufactured engine from the best source possible, to “start fresh,” rather than keep dumping a couple thousand here and there keeping the old engine alive, with its original defects. And we’re going with a long block Turner Engineering engine.

A local indy shop that I’ve trusted and used for a few years is doing the swap while I head back to Africa next week. I’ll keep this thread updated on progress and how the engine turns out.

Any advice on what to swap during the process? Planning all new pulleys. Also want to replace the entire cooling system preventatively. I upgraded the African Disco to an Allisport aluminum radiator and header tank, thinking about doing the same here but is that just silly?

 

go with the inline thermostat and PCV Fram mod shown in the sticky. check the exhaust manifold studs and install new ones for sure. new pulleys is a great idea. check the crank pulley for grooves and install new or use a speedy sleeve if it is worn. Everything else outside the longblock is easy to replace later if needed. get a new HD flex plate for the transmission. lucky 8 sells them. it's $25.

Which disco do you prefer? v8 or TD5? I guess it won't be long before you could even import the TD5 back to the US when (if ever) you stop going to Africa.

 

Those two suggestions are gold. Thanks.

Plan to import the 1999 TD5 once it hits 25 years. Gas mileage is more than twice as good in the TD5.

 

I have a Turner in my 4.6 Disco. Recommend getting it with the Kent sports cam.

I also recommend doing the coil pack relocation since the engine is out.

 

oh and replace all the plastic and hoses in your cooling system if they're over 5 years old. don't use URO hoses. Carrs 4x4 makes an aluminum coolant "Y" piece for the bottom coolant hose that might be tempting for ya.

 

Turner engine been satisfactory then?

 

That’s on the list, though I’ve been going back and forth on silicone vs OEM rubber. I did all silicone hoses on the TD5, after 2 separate incidents where an old rubber coolant hose burst in hot, heavy Kampala traffic, causing an engine overheat. Turns out it was not just old hoses but also tired hoses being put under increased strain by the freshly rebuilt engine, which previous owner did without replacing any of the cooling system. But… I’m not sure I need silicone on the V8. Can’t find many people going that route with these. Thoughts?

 

When I do an engine swap I like to put on new starter, coat cps heat shield in foil, ps pump rebuild, replace the SAI hoses with flexible vinyl or rubber.

 

I have a Turner 4.6 in my 03.
Get the Kent cam
Don't use URO coolant parts
Do the inline thermostat mod
Do the PCV mod
Do use the Carrs4x4 metal parts

Mine has gone around 50K miles
Likes Rotella 15w-40 oil
Hates URO plastic bits, all replaced now
Does leak a bit

Other than the URO T bleeder deal failing on me the Turner engine has been daily driver reliable. The shop that did the swap used URO parts which I have swapped out and then went to the inline thermostat mod.

 

I love that you said "when" and not "if" or "if I had to" regarding an engine swap. Sounds like you've done it a few times. I'll do all those things you suggested. Also will be doing your inline thermostat mod.