Any suggestions or input would be appreciated. I am looking to purchase either a '97 Discovery or a '98 Range Rover 4.0. I need/want the 4x4 to run the beach in south Texas. At the same time, it willregularly haul a 3500# boat 20 mile round trip to the ramp. I've test driven both vehicles and they seem pretty lackluster. Are there any "easy" fixes toup the hp or torque? I've seen but not driven a '98 RR 4.6. Would that be a better consideration?

 

4.6 fo sho. If you want power to run the beach (go fast) get a Tahoe.

My 97 Disco does great off road, but is in no way a runner. She just likes to crawl over things. Pulled a bobcat with a chipping hammer on a flatbead because I was in a bind. I could really tell it was back there. Then again, I could feel it with my 4 door ext cab 2500 Duramax Chevy too...

 

Rovers will pull, they just are work horses. Yes the 4.6 makes a nice difference, but if you are looking for a BIG BLOCK power house, the Rover isn't it.
Alot of people pull trailors of your weight and I have run the dunes at Pismo so many times I can tell you were every fun trouble spot is, we just don't cut it for power.
Mike

 

Thanks for the response. Is there a "chip" that can be added or do you start at the breathing parts of the engine, air intake or exhaust to improve performance? And, "running" down the beach is a figure of speach. Max 20mph, looking for fish in the surf. Protected dunes, so you end up staying on the packed sand next to the water.

In regards to the Discovery, 140Kmiles, previously used as a college commuter. Cosmetically, looks great for the year. Seaping around valve covers but otherwise looks/sounds good and clean. Cruise control is out. Power window inop. on passenger. Rear view mirror is "fogged". Power steering is seeping. But, I think I can purchase for under $4K, maybe around $3.5K. Good deal or keep walking?

98 RR has 117Kmiles and bilsteen shock conversion. Cosmetically inside and out, a 9.9. Can be purchased for $7500. I can't see a think mechanically wrong. Every bell and whistle seems to be working minus the air suspension. Comments?

 

You would have to pay apx. $500 for a chip and you really don't get your moneys worth out of them. Cold air intakes and exhaust systems are expensive and here again, no real return on your money.
If you want to play at the beach, drop your air pressure to 18#'s shift to low range and o crazy.
Mike

 

The Disco sounds reasonable. The cruise will probably be easy to fix. Usually just vacuum hoses. The mirrors are $$, but mine is fogged too. The things that need fixed are relatively easy, as long as it is running well, it sounds good.

As for a chip, you can get 16 hp and 23 ft lbs tq. for around $250. Not worth it in my book. K&N air filters ususally kill the MAF if you use them. Not too much for mods for performance other than changing everything to synthetic. I am having new Magnaflow cats installed next week, but it is becasure the others failed. I will see what it does for my mileage, but probably not much. These things get horrible MPG. Be aware of that before you buy. Not much you can do about that, so be ready to experience that. I hear a lot of people that buy one, then realize that.

I didn't mean to sound negative earlier. I love my Disco, wouldn't trade it for anything. I have had to do more mainenance on this thing than any other car I have owned, but it is a labor of love, and these things are simple an straight forward. The guys on here, especially DiscoMike, are very helpful if you get in a bind.

 

Check out the very developed performance-increasing products from RPI Engineering in England. Simply do a google search to find them. These guys are experts on the Rover V-8 -- have been for years. To increase the pulling capability would require a re-mappedengine ECU, camshaft change, and a better flowing exhaust. However-- you need a engineered package, not just buying a Cam out of a Isky or Crane catalog and throwing it in.

regards,

Geoman
www.eurotekapg.com

 

Thanks for all for the input. Purchased the Discovery. Got it dirty over the weekend. Hope to see how it does in the sand next week. Haven't owned British since college days. Thought the driveway needed some fluid stainsand haven't had a chance to complain about Lucas for years. Here's to a welcome addition to my automotive learning curve. Thanks again for the info, I'm sure I'll be tapping for more in the future.