I understan that the LR II 4.0 cam shaft are a big question mark. They are suspect to failure. So is there a particular lobe that fails or is it the entire shaft ? I remember that GM had a problem in the late 70's and it was due to the way it was fired when hardened. Just curious if all of the failures were at one point or just a soft cam shaft. Thanks

 

I have only heard of 2 of them failing and both were due to lack of lubrication.

 

So all this I've been hearing about BAD cam shafts is just bad information ? I am about to pull my 2001 4.0 LRII apart and replace the lifters/push rods and rocker arms. Origanally I was going to replace the valve cover gaskets. but have decided to look at the lifters and stuff and replace what is needed.

 

Rover has had soft cam issues for along time. They are not lobe related and will first show up as a tick, then a lifter noise based on surface wear of both the cam lobe and the lifter.
It doesn't happen to all engine but can.
Why do you ask?

 

you should never replace lifters without replacing the cam too.

 

I'm curious because I've been thinking about what might work from the Buick 3800's. Obviously not cams but I wonder about lifters (I know you'd have to machine the block for rollers) and then pushrods, rockers, springs, valves, and also con-rods and pistons, although I understand the crank changed quite a bit. I know it's sort of not-worth-it with how easy it is to drop in an LS engine, but I wonder how trick you could build a Rover V8. I know they raced them in Formula 1 for a while, but those days are long past. I think if you look around UK sites you will find some pretty trick Rover V8's but I doubt the parts are stocked in the US unless they're 3800 compatible. But in the UK, there should be some good heads, cams, and intake manifolds. I imagine the limit is primarily the 2-bolt main bearing caps. Look at these:

http://www.v8wizard.com/photo_galler...hor_engine.php

Tim Lanocha's Triumph TR8 with Rover V8==

Bespoke Design | MG B GT V8 Sebring | Classic Wheels Berlin GmbH


I'm not suggesting this stuff for a Land Rover with a ZF 4HP22 etc. but I'm just curious. For my purposes, the stock 4.0 overpowers the Land Rover for the trail, and I don't drive it on the street.