Im currently putting together my order from Atlantic British for rebuilding oil pump and replacing water pump and a few other items like thermostat, expansion tank lid and drive belt. I noticed on a number of the parts I have the option to buy more expensive oem parts vs cheaper parts that I assume are aftermarket. Is it better to buy the oem or the cheaper parts, for example its about a $70 difference on the water pump and about $5 difference on thermostat. Any input on the durability of the aftermarket parts that AB carries?

 

Most of the stuff that Atlantic British carries seems to be good quality. I've got the aftermarket thermostat, and it works fine.

 

Thanks, I dont mind the difference on the thermostat price too much but, $70 difference on the water pump makes one stop and think if there really is a quality difference. I dont mind paying the extra if it is a far superior part.

 

Some people get kind of picky on the water pumps. Some swear by a certain pump that has a cast bronze impeller. I think it's at rovahfarm or bputah.

 

For what it's worth, in my opinion, etc etc

I've had good experiences with the aftermarket parts I've bought from Land Rover specialty shops... (BPUtah, BP, AB, etc).
I'm more cautious about buying aftermarket parts from non-Land Rover specialty shops but I've had good experiences with them as well.
In general, I feel pretty confident about using an aftermarket product if its warranty is comperable or superior to the OEM part etc.


Cheers,

Thomas

 

That water pump is offered at British Parts of Utah.

By the way, you may want to consider replacing the timing gear/chain set to improve your engines power.

 

Get the thermostat at you local parts store.
The cheaper water pump should be fine.
In the DI tech section there is a part number for the thermostat gasket.

 

Have you seen the "artificial heart" style thermostats we have on our D2's? They are like $70 at autozone, and you have to order them.

Land Rover Discovery II Thermostat

 

Gee no, I have never replaced one on a DII let alone seen one.

I did not realize that AutoZone wanted more than AB.

 

That is ONE area where I will agree with you that the D1 is better than the D2... this stupid cooling system we have.

I still blame the EPA, and not Land Rover.