Discovery 2 LS Conversion
#72
Things have been going well. Truck is continuing to run great. We are getting closer to 1,000 miles on the swap. It feels and runs like a normal Discovery. Everything is smooth. The only issue I've had to this point is that the exhaust was slightly touching the frame rail at idle, but we were able to fix that easily. The average bystander has no idea it's had an engine swap.
I'm in the middle of editing a video where I go through how the entire conversion works, most of the different components and parts, and some basic parts of installation. We're putting together a full installation guide with step-by-step pictures. By my estimate, it's about the same amount of work as a typical Disco engine swap. You could easily do it in your garage. I've been working on simplifying the wiring to reduce the amount of splicing.
We are in the process of making a primary run of 5 adapter sets. The first one is going in my personal rig. The other 4 are going to be available. If anyone is interested in getting on the list for the first 4, send me a message. These 'first run' models will probably have some 'teething issues' while we start to identify and fix more minor problems. I also plan to be more personally involved in these first couple builds to address the issues.
I can't give a guarantee on when they will be ready to go as I still want to get more miles on the first one to make sure it's going to be reliable. If you message me though, I'll make sure to put you on the starting list.
Before we sell anything, we want to make sure that all of the kits are built to a certain quality standard. It's easy to just slap some parts together and get it to run. Making all the individual systems work requires much more nuance and attention to detail. A lot more will be coming in the next few weeks.
I'm in the middle of editing a video where I go through how the entire conversion works, most of the different components and parts, and some basic parts of installation. We're putting together a full installation guide with step-by-step pictures. By my estimate, it's about the same amount of work as a typical Disco engine swap. You could easily do it in your garage. I've been working on simplifying the wiring to reduce the amount of splicing.
We are in the process of making a primary run of 5 adapter sets. The first one is going in my personal rig. The other 4 are going to be available. If anyone is interested in getting on the list for the first 4, send me a message. These 'first run' models will probably have some 'teething issues' while we start to identify and fix more minor problems. I also plan to be more personally involved in these first couple builds to address the issues.
I can't give a guarantee on when they will be ready to go as I still want to get more miles on the first one to make sure it's going to be reliable. If you message me though, I'll make sure to put you on the starting list.
Before we sell anything, we want to make sure that all of the kits are built to a certain quality standard. It's easy to just slap some parts together and get it to run. Making all the individual systems work requires much more nuance and attention to detail. A lot more will be coming in the next few weeks.
#73
The following 3 users liked this post by ACEngineer:
#74
The following users liked this post:
ACEngineer (09-08-2018)
#75
The following users liked this post:
ACEngineer (09-08-2018)
#76
#77
Fortunately, I have a spare hp24 for just such an occasion.
#78
I have 883 miles on mine in the last year. It needs a refresh! I also need an excuse to start "fooling with it" again. With a lift and heavy 33s, the old 4.0 just isn't happy, and shows it on the rare occasion that I track my mpg.
Fortunately, I have a spare hp24 for just such an occasion.
Fortunately, I have a spare hp24 for just such an occasion.
#80
More info coming soon! Did another 250+ mile trip today.
It sounds like you have a perfect excuse to do an LS swap!
Not to talk anyone out of re-gearing, but with the power boost from the LS, I don't think the re-gear would be needed. The LS has a nice bump in low end torque over the 4.6 and a huge bump over the 4.0. The prototype has 31in tires and I've been averaging a little less than 18 on the highway on regular gas. The extra torque really helps on long uphill climbs. I went over a steep suspension bridge today that would have caused the 4.6 to downshift, the LS just kept on going.
I've driven some custom Rover V8s that were balanced, port & polished, and they ran smooth and made great power. They can be made into very nice engines, especially the earlier ones, but a lot of the stock Disco 2 engines, like you said, are hit or miss. The 4.0 is, in my experience, a lot better than the 4.6. I have one 4.0 that I am convinced will run forever, but it's been carefully looked after all it's life. The LS is much more of a precision instrument. You can see the experience and effort that went into the design. Even the sound is much more 'sewing machine' in nature.
I have 883 miles on mine in the last year. It needs a refresh! I also need an excuse to start "fooling with it" again. With a lift and heavy 33s, the old 4.0 just isn't happy, and shows it on the rare occasion that I track my mpg.
Fortunately, I have a spare hp24 for just such an occasion.
Fortunately, I have a spare hp24 for just such an occasion.
I've driven some custom Rover V8s that were balanced, port & polished, and they ran smooth and made great power. They can be made into very nice engines, especially the earlier ones, but a lot of the stock Disco 2 engines, like you said, are hit or miss. The 4.0 is, in my experience, a lot better than the 4.6. I have one 4.0 that I am convinced will run forever, but it's been carefully looked after all it's life. The LS is much more of a precision instrument. You can see the experience and effort that went into the design. Even the sound is much more 'sewing machine' in nature.