V8 about to go to Valhalla!

Hi, I'm after some advice before I spend a lot more money. I own an '03 V8 Disco 2. It has had thousands spent in the last eight years: +2" terrafirma suspension, poly bushes, new wheels/tyres, upgraded HD steering, etc etc. plus a top of the range lpg conversion with internal tank, giving it relatively economical performance. Its only done around 100k miles and developed a noisy camshaft so I've had it in the 'menders' to replace the camshaft. However, having rebuilt it and road tested it, the oil pressure doesn't hold and I've been told the reason is that there is an internal fracture in the block - terminal. The mechanic I use is an experienced and trusted Landy mechanic and he's also had a second opinion, which has confirmed the diagnosis.
The Landy is in lovely condition and the parts are valuable, but it still doesn't add up to replace the V8 engine. I previously mooted the possibility of replacing the engine with a TD5 and this ended up in the 'too difficult' 'too expensive' box. It appears therefore I have a number of options. Bearing in mind I have already spent almost £2k on the parts and labour (I've replaced various parts; compressor, hoses etc during the cam replacement) what is your advice:
1 - Replace v8 engine (Turners £5k)
2 - Use a donor TD5 and transfer parts on the v8 to it. (Mechanic's option as he has one 'going spare')
3 - Walk away and buy a TD5
......finally any other options gratefully accepted.
Thanks Guys.

Do you have another car/van/bike to use as a daily for work etc? Can you not buy a healthy v8 from a breaker and freshen up and ensure is solid then drop in your shell when it's ready? Options depend on your time, tools transport etc

Was this low oil pressure problem present before the cam change?

Col

Ouch! Feeling your pain.
You probably cannot go wrong with a Turner lump but will you get your money's worth? Is the rest of the car worth that level of expense?
Can you find a "trusted" good-used V8 of similar age and lower mileage to swap in place (i.e. essentially a new/different block and swap your known good sub-systems onto it)?
Its a case of the sunk investments and "the devil you know" that favours keeping the car and changing the engine.
Buy a TD5 and you are back at square 1 with a largely "unknown to you" set of someone else's problems maybe.

resto_d1 said:

Do you have another car/van/bike to use as a daily for work etc? Can you not buy a healthy v8 from a breaker and freshen up and ensure is solid then drop in your shell when it's ready? Options depend on your time, tools transport etc

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Yes, this isn't my daily runner. I've just moved 200 miles away from the garage/mechanic where it's stored. Thanks this is a good option and I'll look into it further.

Colthebrummie said:

Was this low oil pressure problem present before the cam change?

Col

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This is what caused the damage to the cam. There were dramas getting the new one in as thee was significant damage on the old one. I'm confident the mechanic/garage are not culpable. He is waiving a huge chunk of the costs as I think he feels guilty that he hadn't diagnosed it before rebuilding and fitting new parts.

DanClarke said:

Ouch! Feeling your pain.
You probably cannot go wrong with a Turner lump but will you get your money's worth? Is the rest of the car worth that level of expense?
Can you find a "trusted" good-used V8 of similar age and lower mileage to swap in place (i.e. essentially a new/different block and swap your known good sub-systems onto it)?
Its a case of the sunk investments and "the devil you know" that favours keeping the car and changing the engine.
Buy a TD5 and you are back at square 1 with a largely "unknown to you" set of someone else's problems maybe.

Click to expand...

Thanks Dan,
Its the 'Devil you know' aspect that attracts me to this suggested option. However, I'm also getting 'robust advice' from the 'Long-haired General' to cut my losses and let it go! I think she wants a Defender....

Are You handy with spanners? I had an import special edition Toyota years back. One on the lovely blacktop 20v with itb on it as standard. It ended up guzzling oil with suspected ring failure. I had never built an engine before but it was an exciting prospect for me. I built it up with upgrades and it was such an achievement for me. If it's the kind of thing you would enjoy and are happy to spend time on I'd definitely consider it. As above 5k is a big cheque.

Amigo2 said:

Thanks Dan,
Its the 'Devil you know' aspect that attracts me to this suggested option. However, I'm also getting 'robust advice' from the 'Long-haired General' to cut my losses and let it go! I think she wants a Defender....

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"Indoor-Management" always has to have a say.

Buy a 2nd hand v8 and either rebuild it yourself or get someone to do it for ya.

Could the oil pump have been damaged when the Cam was replaced?

Have you checked the oil pressure via a gauge?

Henry_b said:

Buy a 2nd hand v8 and either rebuild it yourself or get someone to do it for ya.

Could the oil pump have been damaged when the Cam was replaced?

Have you checked the oil pressure via a gauge?

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Thanks Henry, that seems to be the favoured option for now. I'm on the look out!