Guess what

Hello everybody, well, guess what, my '96 Disco 3.9 suddenly decided to get a dose of the plague and started to pressurise the cooling system.
Just finished removing the heads and the gaskets look perfectly satisfactory .
I haven't been able to check the liners yet as it was getting dark and an attack of the rumblies dictating that food was required.
Ok, so we all know that getting a decent replacement engine is either expensive or just not available ( can't really justify spending masses on a 23 year old machine) has anyone any experience of fitting a different V8?
I've heard tell of the small block ford unit being used with a suitable transmission adapter, and of course the Overfinch Rangies with what I believe was the GM engine and Tranny (a tad overkill).
I can get hold of a good running 5.7 Ltr Ford lump almost for nothing, would be interesting if I could get it to mate up with the Trans.
Any thoughts anyone?? I feel a project coming on.

I'd just fix the one you have.
Sounds an interesting project (as long as you aint in a hurry!)

The 3.9 wasn't plagued with slipped liners unlike the 4.6 but if there is a 5.7 going spare then why the heck not

Trannies are complicated things to resolve but I'm sure that the ZF4HP22 was mated to that engine in other applications but I'll happily go off and do some googling

dieseldog69 said:

The 3.9 wasn't plagued with slipped liners unlike the 4.6 but if there is a 5.7 going spare then why the heck not

Trannies are complicated things to resolve but I'm sure that the ZF4HP22 was mated to that engine in other applications but I'll happily go off and do some googling

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the 3.9 did have a big issue with cracked blocks,which is the same issue as later v8s

The 5.7 CHEVROLET small block was utilised in the overfinch, it was paired to a 700r4 GM transmission, which is a later Turbo400 in a pretty frock..

The 4hp22 wouldn't handle the chevy's torque..

Throw a 3.5 in it, or a built 4.6.

Would coat way more to transplant a small block into it, put another rover lump in it.

You may think a recon is expensive?
But when you slap in a non rover, electrics will burn your hair out at the roots.

Look at sorting what you have, unless you have time and wallet to suit. If that’s the case we are all here to encourage you.

But really suppose the condition of the rest of the car and your wants should be considered.

J

I do hope the guy that said "Let's just bore it out a bit more for more power. It'll be fine". Can be found and appropriately punished.

DanClarke said:

I do hope the guy that said "Let's just bore it out a bit more for more power. It'll be fine". Can be found and appropriately punished.

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He, himself, should be bored out

jamesmartin said:

the 3.9 did have a big issue with cracked blocks,which is the same issue as later v8s

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Really, didn't really see many problem engines apart from the usual HG failures.

dieseldog69 said:

Really, didn't really see many problem engines apart from the usual HG failures.

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yes and lr knew they told us it was porous blocks ,we were rebuilding a lot of their warranty and it did look like head gasket but it was happening far too often , in the end we cut open some blocks and there were cracked usually passenger side as the water pump biased the other side so it got the hottest, later engines had an improved design water pump to cool both banks the same but it didnt cure it,

Well, here's interesting, just been out looking at the block and heads in the daylight.
I honestly cant see anything wrong, no evidence of gasket blowby - both came off looking undamaged, all of the liners seem very slightly proud of the block - well, you can feel the lip with a thumbnail, but certainly not below the deck.
Now here's what I have noticed:
The right hand head came off with no problems all the bolts were a good grunt tight, but the most forward external head bolt on the left had side was so tight I broke an 1/2" drive adapter (and smashed me knuckles on the turret in the process - amazing how many Japanese sounding words you know when something like that happens).
Number five cylinder has been running lean - every other exhaust valve is a sandy brown, No5 is white.
Now this may be due to all of the valley gasket bolts being just about nipped up, three of them came out as soon as I put a socket on and turned by hand.
As the cooling system was pressurising very gently, and I stopped as soon as I lost the heat from the heater< i'm wondering if the head has warped - won't know till I get them cleaned and onto the surface table tomorrow.
Any ideas anyone?