Long time P38 owner who's looking at getting a Disco 2 V8 and using as a van. Bit of a petrol head so a proper commercial not on the shopping list.

Had a drive in one today 2001 with 90k covered. All seemed ok but it surprised me how long it took to reach running temp. This is compared to the P38's I've owned over the years which seem to get there a lot quicker. Is this normal? It got there after a while and stayed dead center on a fairly long test drive with no sign of stress in any hoses so cooling system seems fine.

Also it's a 5 seater so no air suspension, I thought the ride a little firm. Shocks and springs looked original, would new one's soften things up or do they ride a tad firm?

I've owned enough motors over the years to know a 12 year old motor won't be like one fresh out of the box but to be honest it left me a bit underwhelmed, almost like I would expect an early Disco 1 to drive rather than a Disco 2. Did I try a duffer, or is this the norm?

Thanks for any pointers.

The temp gauge should be moving within 5 mins and you will feel warm air through the vents, V8s warm up quickly and be up to temp within a 1.5 miles, the same as a P38 V8 no doubt.
The springs are hard otherwise the vehicle would be rolling all over the place even though fitted with ARBs. Old springs get softer and sag.

As u say "a 12 year old motor won't be like one fresh out of the box" it might be if it was only a one owner vehicle.

Hi FG, the V8 petrols warm up much quicker than diesels and I believe it's the same v8 installation as in your previous P38 so it should get warm quickly.

Re the ride quality, was your P38 still on air? If you compare air suspension with coils the latter will almost certainly feel more firm.

If you can try another DII with air and ACE (Advanced Cornering Enhancement) you will probably be impressed with that.

Good luck in your search

Dave

PS Have you ever considered a re-mapped TD5 diesel as an alternative?

Thanks for the replies. The P38's like most V8's I've owned have always warmed up quickly. I know it's the same engine I just thought maybe the coolant system was routed different or something. I guess it might just be a lazy thermostat. Once it got to temp is was fine, heater nice and warm.

When I said it rides firm that was probably a bad description, it was more a case of a bit 'crashy' for want of a better term. I think new shocks and springs would improve things. My P38 is on air suspension, but as I will just be taking the back seats out a seven seater seemed a bit of waste.Plus 5 seaters do seem to be cheaper. Did any 5 seaters come with air suspension?

Does a remap on a TD5 transform things? Tends to be poo pooed on the diesel P38's as it tends to shorten the life of the gearbox.

As they say if you not quite sure move on to the next one. Although prices seem to vary more for Discos than P38's. Seen a few advertised that require lots of work for £3.5k, where as others look more than tidy for £2k!!

Hi FG:
1. Disco TD5 prices are all over the place at the moment with some real tryers! Fix in your mind what you are prepared to pay and have patience plus negotiate hard.

2. A re-map totally transforms the TD5 engine into something really worth having, so much better. I would strongly recommend Mike at Dynachip - costs about £250 and worth every penny.


3. Something else to consider, there are three main weaknesses (in my opinion) with the DII TD5 auto:

A. Rust in the rear chassis;

B. The state of tune in std trim of the TD5 engine; &

C. The quality/characteristics of the std. Torque Converter as fitted to the TD5 auto. It allows too much slippage so the revs are too high and engine power is lost, plus heat is generated. This not NOT crucial, but as a modified TC is available for about £250 and TOTALLY transforms the engine's ability to put it's power to the road.


Cheers
Dave

thebiglad said:

Hi FG:
1. Disco TD5 prices are all over the place at the moment with some real tryers! Fix in your mind what you are prepared to pay and have patience plus negotiate hard.

2. A re-map totally transforms the TD5 engine into something really worth having, so much better. I would strongly recommend Mike at Dynachip - costs about £250 and worth every penny.


3. Something else to consider, there are three main weaknesses (in my opinion) with the DII TD5 auto:

A. Rust in the rear chassis;

B. The state of tune in std trim of the TD5 engine; &

C. The quality/characteristics of the std. Torque Converter as fitted to the TD5 auto. It allows too much slippage so the revs are too high and engine power is lost, plus heat is generated. This not NOT crucial, but as a modified TC is available for about £250 and TOTALLY transforms the engine's ability to put it's power to the road.


Cheers
Dave

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info and a tuned TD5 gives me food for thought. A lot more choice available as well, although in some cases the premium to be paid over the V8's is a bit over the top.