My wife's been driving me nuts about getting her into a D2. I might be ready to give in and I've been eyeing a 2003 SE7 for a few months now. Its got 110k on it and a nasty knock due to oil starvation. Not sure if it was a faulty oil pump or just neglect, otherwise looks really clean. Regardless, there is a new engine in its future. I think I can land the Rover for ~$3500.

Here's where the crazy starts: I'm thinking of putting a 4.0 in it. I know these are high maintenance vehicles, but it seems to me that .vs the 4.6, the 4.0 is the lesser of the two evils. I know I would need to find one with SAI, but there are several within a few hours drive for 1-1.5k with 75-90k miles. Plus having the engine on the stand would be a great time to do head gaskets, plug wires, ect...

Your thoughts?

Im a Land Cruiser guy, but have always had secret affection for the D2s. Maintenance has always kept me away, but with my wife now pushing me I'm getting tempted..

 

Get the VIN and see if it is in the faulty 03 oil pump range. They are notorious for knocking, that could be a slipped liner, which is not good.... But if your needing a new engine then maybe $3500 is to much..

 

I think the 2003 SE7 came with a 4.0 anyway. I think it wasn't until the HSE that the 4.6 was used. So you would be replacing the engine with what was already in there. I would just take the engine apart and do an overhaul since you were planning on having the engine on a stand anyway. I personally try not to remove the engine from the vehicle if I can avoid it.

 

All 2003-2004 Discoveries had the 4.6L engine.

 

You are crazy unless you have endless pockets...Trust me a couple of overheats and you will never get your wife to drive it even if you payed her...If you do decide to get one ...this will and is going to be your new hobby....

 

so your going to $3500.00 for a truck that you know needs an new engine. When there are plenty around a year or two old for the same price that do not "knowily" need new engines? am i reading this right? or did i mising the part where it said that this was one of a kind special edition 03 disco.

 

I paid $2500 for mine 4 years ago. 84k miles, and in near mint condition, with a serious engine knock when cranking. I had to replace the engine, but I still came out ahead.

 

p8nt, you are certifiably crazy, run, don't walk, away from the 2003 Discovery! If you give it another thought you ought to be institutionalized. If you need to buy a Discovery, find one that runs well, has had the head gaskets done and is ready to roll. Don't for get to change out the front driveshaft. Good luck. Phil

 

I like the 2003s for that very reason. However to justify the expense, the truck has to be purchased for much less. The last 03 I bought had 80k on it and I gave 2k for it. Treat a 2003 like you would a Freelander. Price is just a mental block because of the nonavailability of new or used 4.6 engines. The best swap is a P38 4.6 into a 03D2. But again, those have all but dried up. Second best choice is 2002 D2 4.0. These are more plentiful and reasonable. I know this sounds harsh, but, IMO, this is the only route for a 2003 owner with a bad TATA 4.6. I have researched 300TDI swaps and GM LS swaps. All are doable but the cost is staggering. Good luck

 

Spoken by someone who only know too well..... He Phil, I bet you still have that bad taste in the mouth ......

Chris