[RWilson]

So, after spending a good amount time rebuilding my top-end I found out today from my LR mechanic (independent) that cylinder 6 failed a leak-down test and the spark plug was wet. Here's a quick list of the work I just did on it...

Head gaskets
Machined heads 10/thousandths to a mirror finish
Complete valve job
New 8mm wires
New spark plugs
New radiator
New t-stat
New hoses


Was wondering what my options for getting this fixed are and if anyone has any opinions? I'm leaning towards just remanufacturing the block with top-hat liners, new front cover, etc... and reusing my newly fixed top-end.

Before I go spending $6K+++, please send me some ideas!!

Thank you all!

 

[Optimusduff]

I had a similar issue and replaced my engine with one from Turner engineering. That was 3 maybe 4 years ago and it has held up well. Rover V8 Engines for Range Rover, Discovery and Defender, remanufactured and new options available

 

[RWilson]

Did you go with a long block or short and reuse your heads? Performance cam?

Did you do the work yourself?

 

[Optimusduff]

I bought a long block, regular cam and installed it myself. I rebuilt the original engine to solve oil pressure issues then had a slipped liner a year or so later.

 

[RWilson]

How many miles on your new Turner engine? Any regrets?

 

[Optimusduff]

About 25000 miles on it. No regrets. Get a new water and oil pump included with the engine.

 

[Optimusduff]

On second thought; I do have a regret. I regret that I did not replace the engine sooner and wasted so much time and effort trying the resuscitate the original POS.

 

[RWilson]

On second thought; I do have a regret. I regret that I did not replace the engine sooner and wasted so much time and effort trying the resuscitate the original POS.

LOL - Love it


Another question for you (thank you for taking the time BTW)...

If I'm going to put this much money into this truck, is there anything else BIG that is prone to fail on these rigs? I'd like to keep upgrading it and keep it for another 5-10 years, but not if the tranny, t-case, or some other part of the system is prone to failure with a high-cost of repair. Any thoughts on that?

 

[Optimusduff]

If you throw in a new long block complete with a new oil and water pump. Along with the new rad and hoses you mentioned everything else is small potatoes.The transmissions seem to be fairly durable.

 

[RWilson]

Is it worth rebuilding a 2003 Block? Some local LR owners mentioned that the 03-04 blocks are so bad (porosity), that they wouldn't spend the money to rebuild them.

My thought was to get new top-hats installed on my current block. Q&E Machine Shop in california will do the work for $1500, which includes the top-hat liners installed including an high-temp o-ring on the bottom. They will of course inspect the block and weld any cracks they see under the liner.

Anyone feel like that is not the best option and I should scrap the 03 block entirely?



I've spec'd out the entire job at around $4K for the parts and machine work. That includes rebuilding the block with top-hats, new sump, timing gears & chain, front cover, water pump, all new bearings, camshaft, recondition rockers with new shafts and rockers, and new lifters and push rods.

 

[OilPatch]

im getting a cannible v8. Rebuilding mine wasn't an option as I picked it up after the previous owner had thrown a rod and after removing the engine my current block is pretty chewed up. Steven at cannible is a really cool guy and answered all my questions. So I think it's really gonna take a guy that rebuilds them to test and see if yours is up to snuff

 

[RWilson]

What's a cannibal short block run?

 

[OilPatch]

I'm not sure what a short block will run you, but this is what you get for 5,450

• Reconditioned / Pressure Tested Al V8 Late Model, Cross Bolt, 4 Bolt Main Block, NEW Component Parts: Machining & Install of High Performance Top Hat Sleeves, Main, Rod & Cam Bearings, Racing Quality Chrome Moly Rings, Head Gaskets, ARP Head Stud Fastener System, Performance Profile Camshaft, Timing Chain / Gears, Front Cover / Oil Pump, Reconditioned Harmonic Balancer Mounted (If Applicable), Engine Block Surfaced to meet RA Spec. 90 degrees to crank, Exclusive Engine Block Water Jacket Hot Seal Process & Pressure Test, Heads Reman to CV8 Specifications (Surfaced to RA Spec., NEW Springs, Retainers, Seals), One piece Hyd. HP Lifters, Reconditioned Solid Push Rods, Reconditioned Al Pistons, Wrist (Gudgeon) Pins, Steel Rods, Pressed to Offset Spec), BALANCED Rotating Assembly, Made In USA….