So, I have a pair of Mercedes Turbos, from a 4.8l engine. Is there any reason I could not put them in the Disco? I could plumb the oil lines, add larger fuel injectors. I heard that I may need to change the cam, and valve springs, but with out doing that, what would I expect?

I dont think i have seen anyone do this, i am sure there is a good reason for it, but with low boost whats the worst that could happen? blown head gasket?

The internet makes it seem lke a simple proposition. I would need to program the ECU, has anyone see that?

Thanks,

 

here's an older thread on the topic.

Alex_M was the OP.

 

ECU tuning is the largest hurdle. I think it's tornado out of the UK will tune the computer but it's not like you can run the truck on a dyno and actually make real time changes to get it dialed in nicely. A buddy had an old 3.5 turbo'd in one of his classics for a while and it ran forever so the motors can handle low boost.

 

there are many considerations when adding turbos......can't just slap one on. How do I know? I have built NA to turbo motors for Alfa, Mitsubishi, and Porsche. All types of boost dynamics, heating, cooling, oiling, and compression ratios to consider. Turbos are two sided pumps (hot and cold) with another pump sandwiched in between (your engine), and they all need to work together. Larger injectors are not always necessary at the low boost you will have to run on your Non-built NA v8. With proper electronic piggyback or stand alone control, you can adjust injector timing. You could stick a turbo way down on the exhaust and plumb everything back to engine bay....You could just cut a port into NA exhaust manifold and put turbo on up front....the bad way to do it.

You will have to design/build an exhaust system.....single turbo with cross over? dual turbos? where do you want the power band? I used Haltech for engine boost control for all my turbo builds. There are other systems like megasquirt. etc...which will also work. Boost controller? Blow off valves? internal or external wastegate control? upgrade oil pump? Top hat liners? type of head gasket? top and bottom end rebuild? Head flowing? so many things.....

As for the engine, I would not boost a 20 year old high milage engine without a proper rebuild more than 3-5psi......(is that really worth it?...) Your best bet is to modify a supercharger that comes with all the electronics for a similar sized v8. Such as procharger or vortech (this has been done on discos so the info is out on the net) and bolt it on.....

As for your two mercedes turbos....I recommend that you leave them on the shelf....

Proper v8 turbo 4.6 build cost will be about 10-15g's....and that does not necessarily mean you pass an e-check....

 

Thanks for all the feedback, exactly what I expected. too much for me.

sounds like an LS is better use of energy in this case.

 

Even an LS is unnecessary. It would be nice to have and a good option (ACE for example)...but just a good old quality rebuilt 4.0 or 4.6 will be just fine. If you want to get crazy, see:
https://thewedgeshopstore.com/tws-mo...engine-builds/

 

LS is a big project unless you are farming out the wiring and your engine is complete and all that stuff. It's fun, but it's a chore. A good builder could get that Rover engine putting out some pretty good power I'd imagine.

 

I really do not see a huge issue with the power output of the V8, you need to push a bit on long 8% or better up hillgrades but beyond that it seems fine to me. It is not a sports car after all

 

I think the 4.6 that may be the case. The 4.0s in mine are borderline okay to very much not enough power. My white one loaded down at the elevations I live and go to is really a turd. Both have upgraded cams from when I did the headgaskets in 2021 which helped a little but not much.

 

@whowa004 That could well be with the 4.0