Has anyone here ever attempted to install a bypass oil filter system on the 4.4l V8? I'm just beginning to research this and wondered if anyone else has gone down this road. I'm sure they are much more common for people to install in diesel Disco 3s, but might be helpful for anyone trying to stretch these engines for as long as possible.

 

The 4.4 lasts a long time as-built, with good routine maintenance . . .
How much longer do you want it to last? haha

Can't say I remember reading any threads on this before.
Maybe someone has some info for you, but I'd say it's maybe not worth the effort in this case.

 

I was just thinking, if you could significantly reduce engine wear for $350-$500, wouldn't it be worthwhile from a preventative maintenance point of view?

 

It’s an interesting argument. Let’s assume the kit cost $500 out the door. I change my oil every 5k miles/6 months with synthetic and a new filter for $60. Bypass filters advertise as extending oil life indefinitely, but let’s also assume a 10k interval for the new system. Over 100k miles one would save $600 on oil changes, and be $100 ahead. Is that a reasonable payback? It would take me 15-20 years to put that mileage on my LR3, so the upfront cost wouldn’t make sense to me.

To Doug’s point the 4.4L has been proven to last beyond 300k miles with routine maintenance, at which point the remainder of the car is going to be experiencing some type of terminal failure. At 300k I’d expect some combination of the transmission, transfer case, and front/rear diffs will need a rebuild. Even with crappy maintenance, I see many 4.4L listed for sale with over 180k miles.

If you do decide to install a kit, please make a thread. It would be a very interesting read!