Engine questions

[ArmyRover]

Well I returned from a 3000 plus mile trip in the RRC and have found the rear main to be leaking. So from my searches I find that I will have to pull the motor to repair this so first I'm going to check compression etc before I yank it. If it looks like she is in need of a rebuild that begs the question of do I:

a. rebuild the current 3.9
b replace with a 4.0
c. replace with a 4.6
d. go small block chevy
e. go diesel (any thoughts on which diesel and any write ups on the swap would be helpful as well)

Good write ups on any of the above would be great as well. So I can gauge the degree of difficulty of the swap.

I guess I'm looking for thoughts and recommendations from you guys so lets hear what you all think.

[peterbat]

NO CHEVY ENGINES!!!! -do not belong in a range rover!
how about a 4.2!!

[Elemental]

No Point in a 4.0 over a 3.9. Same Displacement.

4.6 is a good choice, but expensive.

Freshen it up with a new cam and 4.2 Pistons/Crank. It will make it a whole new truck.

[ArmyRover]

I did forget the 4.2 my apologies as that is one I was condsidering as well.

I have to admit I've been looking kinda hard into the 6.2l diesel gm

[57loboy]

I have a good 4.2 from a '93 missing only the distributor for sale for a good price...let me know if interested, I am in CT

[TerryS]

Whether you decide to do your own engine over, or replace it (I think you'll like a 4.2) doing the bottom end isn't a tough job. Definately do a cam/cam bearings. LR cams don't last much over 100K and your is doubtless well worn.
Either way, if you're going to go to the trouble of pulling the engine, don't put anything in that isn't fresh.

[cap-pig]

Put a 4.6 in

[Elemental]

Originally Posted by cap-pig

Put a 4.6 in

Why?

[hermanpj]

I hear that, but whats the going rate on a Bosch 4.6 engine and all the electronics that would be needed to make it run such as BECM and/or EFI computer, relays, wiring harnesses, new fuel pump, etc? ATL British sells long the block for $7K. Personally I'd love to put a 4.6 in my own classic, but I'm not keen on dropping $10k to do it. Since you have done it with your 1995 LWB, do you have suggestions about how to do this upgrade at a reasonable cost?

Aren't the 3.5 through 4.6 a family of engines with similar blocks? Instead of literally dropping in a 4.6 engine, would it be possible to get 4.6 displacement by swapping crank, pistons, etc. Maybe thats what others above are suggesting. Does anyone know of a kit that is sold to do this? I.e. that would include not only the engine components, but the fuel delivery, wiring, and electronics needed to make it work? It seems like it should be possible to upgrade an earlier generation LR engine to a higher displacement/higher output for $5K or so... does anyone have the facts?

[TerryS]

I can't remember that last classic I saw that was worth more than the cost of doing a 4.6 transplant.
That said, you dont need any Bosch electronics, but you need to swap front covers, and put your old induction system on the long block. Replace your injectors, and otherwise throw excessive funds into the engine bay, and rechip your 14CUX with an expensive aftermarket clone. (All to have the truck rot out from beneath you in a year or two)
I seriously doubt you would be sufficiently impressed with the results, but like many who have done it, will claim phenominal preformance, if only not to remind yourself you coulda had a V8.(oops, wrong ad) 4.2.

[Elemental]

4.2 with a better low end cam cost me $2000 to do mine.

[ArmyRover]

I have to agree that any motor unless it was extremely low mileage would have to be gone through before it was used. I would not feel like tearing all that out of the engine bay yet again I'm sure.

Found a lot of good info on switching to the 6.2L diesel on a austrailian land rover site. I have to admit that is sounding more and more interesting. In the end I think I'm going to either rebuild my 3.9 or try and find a cheap 4.2 to rebuild. Sometimes I have no sense of adventure lol

The nice thing is I have time to do the research and get input from you fine gentleman on a good course of action since the she's only losing a quart every 6-700 miles.

[Elemental]

Just find a 4.2 crank,rods and pistons. Its the same bore block and heads.

You dont need the whole engine.

[ArmyRover]

So basically Chris it's just a longer stroke version of the 3.9. Going on that I could pick up the parts needed cam crank etc. and rebuild the 3.9 in the parts rover and then just do a swap over a weekend in theory of course.

I wonder if my cherry picker can even go up enough to pull the engine out of her lol.

[Elemental]

Yep! Longer stroke. Thats it! Thus, crank,rods and pistons. No biggie!

However, take note of piston placement. The arrow on the top has to point to the front of the engine.