My 04 HSE w 113k is now sans motor. On a short 2 mi trip the other day the motor suddenly started clacking loudly and I immediately noticed oil pressure light was on (never seen it on prior and I do frequently check the dash). Had it flat bedded to local mech, zero oil pressure. They say it's toast, which I expected. It's a former FL truck so body/frame in very good shape, paint quite good, interior great, had headliner replaced, sunroofs fixed, 3 amigos fixed, new front shaft, etc etc, has extensive service records, no accidents. So I am mulling the usual choices, and I know there are lots of thread around this. Just looking for any new and helpful opinions. Salvage for a few hundred $$ would be a real waste. Parting it out is possible I guess, or selling it to someone who wants to put a new motor in it. I don't have the space (and honestly not the direct experience) to do a motor swap myself or I would strongly consider it. LS seems to make alot of sense, tho the ACE conversion kit thread seems to indicate ACE may be defunct. Don't have a local Rover mech I trust. So would have to find someone willing to do a swap (I am in RI). Any experiences/suggestions that would be helpful are much appreciated.

 

Well car hauling is not that expensive. Suggest you contact J.E. Robinson service in Springfield Ma. They are Rover experts. They can give you a good cost estimate.

 

Thanks for the reference. Will consider it. I assume you are familiar with those guys and they can be trusted? I have seen way too many opportunists in the LR mechanic world who seem to be in the business mainly because they find it an easy way to take advantage of folks (uninformed unmechanical owners with fragile vehicles and plenty of $$).

 

Robison is legit.

 

There is also JWhite which might be closer and TWS (the wedge shop)

Both legit.

https://www.jwa.solutions/

https://www.thewedgeshop.com/

 

Thanks! TWS is almost in my backyard but had never heard of them - sounds like they could be the way to go based on their website.

 

Clacking could be caused by collapsed lifters due to low oil pressure. If you shut it down right away, could try a new oil pump to see where it lands before going to new motor.

 

If local shops cannot source a solid 4.6 easily, reach out to Will Tillery ( willtillery@roverguy.com 540-462-7353 ). He often has inventory. You might score a 4.6 from a P38 which had higher quality control standards.

 

Thanks - Agree re: lifters. It ran for approx 1/2 mile post beginning of clacking so.... I will note that the motor had also had the tick at idle once warmed up for quite a while, I am assuming this was a slipping liner. So even if it isn't shot, it's probably still on it's way out.

 

Mine did the same, ‘00 Discovery. Great body, paint, wife said enjoy it, that it was my LAST vehicle so I opted for the AB long block. Never regretted it. Plan on keeping it forever.
294k miles.