Your best bet would be a 4.0. Maybe try cometic MLS gaskets and ARP studs as well. Seems like the composite gaskets always blow out in the thin areas by the water passageway at some point or another.

 

You ONLY want to use the all metal cometic gaskets for 4.0 and 4.6 rebuilds.

When was the last time anyone heard of the metal gaskets failing?!

Can't say the same for the composites.

Mine are doing great thousands of miles later.

 

I have no experience with Turner personally other than emailing them for a quote. But, from what I have read and heard they are the absolute standard for remanufactured Rover V8's. If you can afford to go the Turner route and want the security of an extremely well-built motor I think it is the preferred option. I would expect the Turner motor to outlast the rest of the truck.

If I had $10k set aside for a project like this I would swap a Turner into my truck today. There will never be another SUV produced with the looks and the feel of a Disco and in my opinion they are worth preserving. The added power of the upgraded Cam and refreshed motor would be nice as well.

 

The only gamble you are taking with the Turner is if you wife will let you live in the same house after she sees the bill.

 

Find a disco that has been sent to the scrapyard because of a collision. If it is not smashed up then it is there because of engine failure. Buy the engine for 500. Swap out hg water pump, whatever else turns your crank and slap that turd in. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

 

Dave
Yes. I am in trouble. Its the polished ports that sent me over.

 

I bought my 03 with a dead engine, rest of the rig was super nice. Have around 40K miles on a Turner 4.6 in it and zero engine issues.

 

Although I don't need a new engine at present, I have my plan for "when it's needed" - and it's been "buy a Turner engine". I'd agree that they're less a risk than other rebuilt engines out there based on what I've read, and actually a bit of the gold standard.

(I have no direct experience, just what I've heard / read / seen)

 

I have had my Turner engine for 1-1/2 years and 15K miles, including a trip to the Yukon and Alaska. The piece of mind of a reliable engine on the longer overland trips is assuring. I recommend anyone considering a Turner engine to also consider paying a little extra to add the Kent performance cam.