A tale of three discoveries (4x4 and V8 content)
Discussion
Alright guys, been suggested buy a few forum members that I put a thread up for my Landrover family workhorse. Picked it up a couple of years ago and have been making some changes over that period.
Here it is as we picked it up; standard Pre-facelift 7 seat Discovery 2 in top "ES" spec (leather, climate, harmon kardon stereo etc...) with the TD5 2.5ltr 5pot diesel, with ACE (active cornering enhancement hydraulic anti role bars) and SLS (rear self leveling air suspension). 170K on the clock but in great nick.
Within 10 minutes of being back after picking it up my (then 3 year old) son dove into his toy box and bought this back!
Maybe it's meant to be!
The only rust was the common bits on the chassis either side of the fuel tank which I had cut out and plated up straight away before it got any worse.
More to come
Here it is as we picked it up; standard Pre-facelift 7 seat Discovery 2 in top "ES" spec (leather, climate, harmon kardon stereo etc...) with the TD5 2.5ltr 5pot diesel, with ACE (active cornering enhancement hydraulic anti role bars) and SLS (rear self leveling air suspension). 170K on the clock but in great nick.
Within 10 minutes of being back after picking it up my (then 3 year old) son dove into his toy box and bought this back!
Maybe it's meant to be!
The only rust was the common bits on the chassis either side of the fuel tank which I had cut out and plated up straight away before it got any worse.
More to come
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 15:38
First modification came when the tyres required changing. I found a set of 5 18" alloys with very near new road bias tyres for a good price.
Fitted and trying out the good articulation the ACE system allows. Above 10mph it fights body role using hydraulic rams but below that it disconnects automatically to give max suspension travel off road. It had more to give but couldn't find anything else in the garage to drive up (safely
).
Just because I fitted bigger alloys and road tyres didn't mean I was going to shy away from using the Disco as Land Rover intended. So with the only other modification being the removal of the side steps, we attended the local Pay&Play (run what you brung for 4x4s) and got it muddy for what was probably the first time in it's life judging by the condition when we bought it.
I was very impressed with how far the disco could get even with no center diff lock (landrover replaced it with electronic traction control via the brakes for the Disco 2) and on it's road tyres.
After few more trips and some bumper trimming and we were going most places the more seriously modded trucks could with the only major problem being diff clearance on the deeper rutted tracks and the plow of a tow bar fitted to the back.
Click for vid
The only time we've ever got stuck has been going through here. The wife was driving and stopped when it got deeper than she expected instead of keeping her momentum going.
Click for Recovery Vid
Fitted and trying out the good articulation the ACE system allows. Above 10mph it fights body role using hydraulic rams but below that it disconnects automatically to give max suspension travel off road. It had more to give but couldn't find anything else in the garage to drive up (safely
).Just because I fitted bigger alloys and road tyres didn't mean I was going to shy away from using the Disco as Land Rover intended. So with the only other modification being the removal of the side steps, we attended the local Pay&Play (run what you brung for 4x4s) and got it muddy for what was probably the first time in it's life judging by the condition when we bought it.
I was very impressed with how far the disco could get even with no center diff lock (landrover replaced it with electronic traction control via the brakes for the Disco 2) and on it's road tyres.
After few more trips and some bumper trimming and we were going most places the more seriously modded trucks could with the only major problem being diff clearance on the deeper rutted tracks and the plow of a tow bar fitted to the back.
Click for vid
The only time we've ever got stuck has been going through here. The wife was driving and stopped when it got deeper than she expected instead of keeping her momentum going.
Click for Recovery Vid
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 15:43
So fast forward about 6 months and getting more into off-roading/Green laning; I decided to sort those few drawbacks one at a time.
When the Discovery 2 came out, it was decided that 4 wheel Traction control would be sufficient to replace the need for a true centre diff lock. As Land Rover still had a stock of CDL equipped transfer boxes, they decided to fit them anyway but not fit the lever. I fitted a Discovery 1 lever to reinstate the CDL.
Before:
After:
The TC now only has to shift power left and right on each axel as the CDL locks it 50/50 front to back. It only kicks in about half as much now and when it does it's effect on forward motion is much quicker with less work.
When the Discovery 2 came out, it was decided that 4 wheel Traction control would be sufficient to replace the need for a true centre diff lock. As Land Rover still had a stock of CDL equipped transfer boxes, they decided to fit them anyway but not fit the lever. I fitted a Discovery 1 lever to reinstate the CDL.
Before:
After:
The TC now only has to shift power left and right on each axel as the CDL locks it 50/50 front to back. It only kicks in about half as much now and when it does it's effect on forward motion is much quicker with less work.
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 15:47
The diff clearance was rectified by fitting a set of General grabber AT2's in 265/75r16 size on the original alloys (I sold the 18's for the same as I bought them for 6 months prior which was nice )
These needed a slight lift in the form of Terrafirma medium duty +2" front springs and 2" rear bag spacers with +2" dampers all round
The result:
For the times when the diffs still take the occasional knock I've also fitted wrap around guards front and rear
Unfortunately with all that extra ground clearance the wife decided she wanted the side steps refitted as she's only short :doh: :lol:
And if that last pic looks too clean here's the "before" to prove that it still sees the brown stuff
)These needed a slight lift in the form of Terrafirma medium duty +2" front springs and 2" rear bag spacers with +2" dampers all round
The result:
For the times when the diffs still take the occasional knock I've also fitted wrap around guards front and rear
Unfortunately with all that extra ground clearance the wife decided she wanted the side steps refitted as she's only short :doh: :lol:
And if that last pic looks too clean here's the "before" to prove that it still sees the brown stuff
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 15:49
Next up was releasing some extra sound from the TD5.
Sounds much better (for a diesel).
Found the off side indicator broken, Wife denied all knowledge but I have my doubts
Sorted a temporary fix using an old CD case and some quality street wrappers.
And here's one I made earlier blue peter style.
Shame I forgot to get a picture fitted, worked well and lasted 6 months including an MOT (wasn't even picked up as an advisory!) before being replaced properly.
Finish off with some more pictures of her out and about.
Can just about see the indicator fix in this one.
And pulling some nugget in a D1 out of a ditch after he'd tried to go round a fallen tree. :doh:
Sounds much better (for a diesel
).Found the off side indicator broken, Wife denied all knowledge but I have my doubts
Sorted a temporary fix using an old CD case and some quality street wrappers.
And here's one I made earlier blue peter style.
Shame I forgot to get a picture fitted, worked well and lasted 6 months including an MOT (wasn't even picked up as an advisory!) before being replaced properly.
Finish off with some more pictures of her out and about.
Can just about see the indicator fix in this one.
And pulling some nugget in a D1 out of a ditch after he'd tried to go round a fallen tree. :doh:
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 15:58
Cheers.
Stayed as above for a while then a friend of mine gave me a call. He had a facelift D2 in the same epsom green colour......
......that unfortunately suffered front prop failure that also took out the auto gearbox casing
So what should a good mate do in that situation? Take it off his hands cheap obviously!
Back home on the drive.
Robbed of its facelift goodies
To give ours a new look
Some more stripping. Didn't take much, just bits to keep and cover the common D2 faults.
And off to the scrappy...
Stayed as above for a while then a friend of mine gave me a call. He had a facelift D2 in the same epsom green colour......
......that unfortunately suffered front prop failure that also took out the auto gearbox casing
So what should a good mate do in that situation? Take it off his hands cheap obviously!
Back home on the drive.
Robbed of its facelift goodies
To give ours a new look
Some more stripping. Didn't take much, just bits to keep and cover the common D2 faults.
And off to the scrappy...
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 16:00
Lastly to bring this almost up to date.
Modified the single din head unit surround to fit a double din unit. Still needs finishing off.
And rear screens for the sprogs
Worked out how to make the factory folding mirrors work with the central locking.
Success
Click for vid
Then got a US style receiver tow hitch and big recovery hook
looking good
Modified the single din head unit surround to fit a double din unit. Still needs finishing off.
And rear screens for the sprogs
Worked out how to make the factory folding mirrors work with the central locking.
Success
Click for vid
Then got a US style receiver tow hitch and big recovery hook
looking good
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 16:02
Cheers guys. Since the above changes, we've just been enjoying it really.
Last year we took it on a 5 day trip from Surrey to west wales. Via Salisbury plane, the Brecon Beacons, Sarn Helen and Strata Florida with my brother in his Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7ltr V8).
Here's the write up from the landrover section when we got back:
Day 1: Salisbury plane
Started out from Dorking, Surrey and headed to Salisbury plain. Turned off of the A303 just after Stonehenge for some easy, dusty lanes over the hills
After a while (and a chat with some cows) we got to the first chance to get the tyres in some mud; one of many dips in the track that holds water and stays muddy. Josh went first in the Cherokee, got half way before getting bogged down. After some forward and backward moves he got himself out the way he came in. I went next and got through without too much difficulty. This was like a red flag to a bull and josh was straight back in the Jeep determined to get through and regain some dignity. Unfortunately in his haste he hit the water very hard and when he emerged the other side his bumper had come off. In the time it took me to run down to the disco and get on the CB he had already driven over it. Oops.
Once the laughter had subsided we spotted red fluid running out from under the back of the Jeep. Being an auto we feared the worst but after pulling it up to flatter/dryer ground and having a better look we discovered a plastic T-piece used when fitting the LPG (over 100K miles ago) had cracked and dropped the coolant out. A hasty repair using a 13mm socket as a joiner meant it could be filled back up but only run on petrol.
We finished the Salisbury lanes avoiding any more big water hazards. The recovery score was evened up when I decided to go down one of the deeper rutted tracks and ran out of diff clearance. Unfortunately no pictures as by now it was getting late and we wanted to get to or first camp site in Shepton Mallet while we still had light to put our tent up.
Day 2: Across the border
Day 2 started with some maintenance. late on day 1 the battery light had come on on the Discovery as the alternator wasn't charging. Although it was a pain, this didn't worry me too much as it's common TD5 problem that I have had before when offroading especially at clay pay&play sites. The muddy water splashes into the alternator and gets into the small brush holder in the rectifier on the back. The water can drain out but the mud gets stuck and when it dries it jams the holder up and prevents the brushes from making good contact. All that was required was to remove, clean the holder and refit and the problem was solved.
Next was to get the Jeep back running on LPG. While I was fixing the Disco, Josh went to a local plumbing store and managed to pick up some brass T-pieces in the correct size to replace our temporary 13mm spanner bodge.
We replaced both the broken "T" and the unbroken one for piece of mind. Good job too as it wasn't far behind and almost crumbled as it was taken out. Coolant topped back up and leak checked and we were ready to back up the tent and head over the border
On the way we decided to stop off and have a look at Cheddar Gorge which was good and home to one of the friendliest traffic parking attendants I've ever met. We stopped in the "coaches only" spots and he started walking over, however instead of telling us to move on he just wanted to chat about the muddy 4X4's, told us if we were only there for about 20 minutes not to bother with a ticket and said if we wanted to stay longer to go a couple of car parks up the gorge as "none of us can be bothered to walk up there and check the tickets" :lol:
After cheddar we found a jet wash and then made our way over the seven bridge into wales and up to our second camp site next near Abergavenny. A great little site literally on the side of a mountain with great views. The pitches are all at least 50m apart so you get the feeling of being alone and a have their own fire pit which is great. We cooked dinner on the fire and then got our heads down ready for Brecon in the morning.
Day 3: Brecon and Sarn Helen (pic heavy)
I'll pretty much let the pictures do the talking for day 3 as it was pretty much all about the views. You cant drive more than a few miles through Brecon (or the Welsh countryside in general to be honest) without wanting to pull over and take a picture!
We made our way through Brecon to the upper most of the 2 stretches of Sarn Helen that are in the national park to see what the sineage is like at the end of the lanes. As expected they are now closed to Motorized vehicles. We used the stop as an excuse for some lunch and while having a look a nice stream nearby my brother and I ended up going for a dip
Next we went down to the third part of Sarn helen which is just outside the national park to the south. It has a TRO on it but is open from 1st June to 21nd of August. The lane was great although we think it would be better to do from west to east (As apposed to east to west as we did) as the western end is steep with rocky bits and would be more fun to go up than down.
After Sarn we went north to our third campsite near Tregaron which is nice and close to Strata for the next day
Day 4: Strata Florida
The day we've been waiting for; our trip down Strata Florida
The day started with a good fryup in town and then a search for some LPG for the jeep. After a bit of a wild goose chase around a few different garages Josh came to terms with running on petrol once again and filled up so we could head to the lane.
And what a lane it is. Best one I've been down so far. We started from the Abby so the water crossings started small and got progressively deeper as neither vehicle is fitted with a snorkel but we needn't have worried. With the clear weather leading up to and during the trip all of the crossings were quite low. Only the last one reached headlight level and even then that's only because I deliberately took the deeper line.
Once we got to the end of the lane we turned back and set up to wild camp just off the lane in a nice clear spot. You could tell it had been used before as it already had a small fire pit made up from stones and a pile of wood left by the last lot. The wife wasn't keen on the fact that we'd stopped in the middle of nowhere but once I'd got the tent up and Josh had started the fire and got some food on the go she came round
Day 5: Going home
Day 5 was basically the trip home by the most direct route.
We got up, had breakfast and wrapped up camp making sure the area was cleaner than we found it (there was some rubbish from the last people which we took with us too). then made our way off the lane at the south end and let the sat nav guide us back.
Last year we took it on a 5 day trip from Surrey to west wales. Via Salisbury plane, the Brecon Beacons, Sarn Helen and Strata Florida with my brother in his Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7ltr V8).
Here's the write up from the landrover section when we got back:
Day 1: Salisbury plane
Started out from Dorking, Surrey and headed to Salisbury plain. Turned off of the A303 just after Stonehenge for some easy, dusty lanes over the hills
After a while (and a chat with some cows) we got to the first chance to get the tyres in some mud; one of many dips in the track that holds water and stays muddy. Josh went first in the Cherokee, got half way before getting bogged down. After some forward and backward moves he got himself out the way he came in. I went next and got through without too much difficulty. This was like a red flag to a bull and josh was straight back in the Jeep determined to get through and regain some dignity. Unfortunately in his haste he hit the water very hard and when he emerged the other side his bumper had come off. In the time it took me to run down to the disco and get on the CB he had already driven over it. Oops.
Once the laughter had subsided we spotted red fluid running out from under the back of the Jeep. Being an auto we feared the worst but after pulling it up to flatter/dryer ground and having a better look we discovered a plastic T-piece used when fitting the LPG (over 100K miles ago) had cracked and dropped the coolant out. A hasty repair using a 13mm socket as a joiner meant it could be filled back up but only run on petrol.
We finished the Salisbury lanes avoiding any more big water hazards. The recovery score was evened up when I decided to go down one of the deeper rutted tracks and ran out of diff clearance. Unfortunately no pictures as by now it was getting late and we wanted to get to or first camp site in Shepton Mallet while we still had light to put our tent up.
Day 2: Across the border
Day 2 started with some maintenance. late on day 1 the battery light had come on on the Discovery as the alternator wasn't charging. Although it was a pain, this didn't worry me too much as it's common TD5 problem that I have had before when offroading especially at clay pay&play sites. The muddy water splashes into the alternator and gets into the small brush holder in the rectifier on the back. The water can drain out but the mud gets stuck and when it dries it jams the holder up and prevents the brushes from making good contact. All that was required was to remove, clean the holder and refit and the problem was solved.
Next was to get the Jeep back running on LPG. While I was fixing the Disco, Josh went to a local plumbing store and managed to pick up some brass T-pieces in the correct size to replace our temporary 13mm spanner bodge.
We replaced both the broken "T" and the unbroken one for piece of mind. Good job too as it wasn't far behind and almost crumbled as it was taken out. Coolant topped back up and leak checked and we were ready to back up the tent and head over the border
On the way we decided to stop off and have a look at Cheddar Gorge which was good and home to one of the friendliest traffic parking attendants I've ever met. We stopped in the "coaches only" spots and he started walking over, however instead of telling us to move on he just wanted to chat about the muddy 4X4's, told us if we were only there for about 20 minutes not to bother with a ticket and said if we wanted to stay longer to go a couple of car parks up the gorge as "none of us can be bothered to walk up there and check the tickets" :lol:
After cheddar we found a jet wash and then made our way over the seven bridge into wales and up to our second camp site next near Abergavenny. A great little site literally on the side of a mountain with great views. The pitches are all at least 50m apart so you get the feeling of being alone and a have their own fire pit which is great. We cooked dinner on the fire and then got our heads down ready for Brecon in the morning.
Day 3: Brecon and Sarn Helen (pic heavy)
I'll pretty much let the pictures do the talking for day 3 as it was pretty much all about the views. You cant drive more than a few miles through Brecon (or the Welsh countryside in general to be honest) without wanting to pull over and take a picture!
We made our way through Brecon to the upper most of the 2 stretches of Sarn Helen that are in the national park to see what the sineage is like at the end of the lanes. As expected they are now closed to Motorized vehicles. We used the stop as an excuse for some lunch and while having a look a nice stream nearby my brother and I ended up going for a dip
Next we went down to the third part of Sarn helen which is just outside the national park to the south. It has a TRO on it but is open from 1st June to 21nd of August. The lane was great although we think it would be better to do from west to east (As apposed to east to west as we did) as the western end is steep with rocky bits and would be more fun to go up than down.
After Sarn we went north to our third campsite near Tregaron which is nice and close to Strata for the next day
Day 4: Strata Florida
The day we've been waiting for; our trip down Strata Florida
The day started with a good fryup in town and then a search for some LPG for the jeep. After a bit of a wild goose chase around a few different garages Josh came to terms with running on petrol once again and filled up so we could head to the lane.
And what a lane it is. Best one I've been down so far. We started from the Abby so the water crossings started small and got progressively deeper as neither vehicle is fitted with a snorkel but we needn't have worried. With the clear weather leading up to and during the trip all of the crossings were quite low. Only the last one reached headlight level and even then that's only because I deliberately took the deeper line.
Once we got to the end of the lane we turned back and set up to wild camp just off the lane in a nice clear spot. You could tell it had been used before as it already had a small fire pit made up from stones and a pile of wood left by the last lot. The wife wasn't keen on the fact that we'd stopped in the middle of nowhere but once I'd got the tent up and Josh had started the fire and got some food on the go she came round
Day 5: Going home
Day 5 was basically the trip home by the most direct route.
We got up, had breakfast and wrapped up camp making sure the area was cleaner than we found it (there was some rubbish from the last people which we took with us too). then made our way off the lane at the south end and let the sat nav guide us back.
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 16:19
Thanks for the comments, really enjoyed the trip and hopefully plan to do another soon.
If it's there then you have two choices for the linkage. Either late D2 when it was reintroduced, or Discovery 1 like I did. For the latter you need to get the linkage from the same transmission as yours, so you'd need an auto one, D2 linkage doesn't matter.
Chris x said:
Did SLS and ACE come standard on the ES's? Wondering if mine will have it!
Both came on the ES model, but that's no guarantee they are still fitted now. Many Discos have had the systems removed when they play up as it's cheaper than getting a garage to sort it. Chris x said:
Also, mines an Auto, is the diff lock stick a retro fit still? I assume mine will have the 4 wheel traction control setup?
D2s up to some time in 2002 (it's a bit hit and miss) have the CDL Internals fitted but not in use. You need to look for the actuation spigot, on the top of the transfer box, just behind the front prop output.If it's there then you have two choices for the linkage. Either late D2 when it was reintroduced, or Discovery 1 like I did. For the latter you need to get the linkage from the same transmission as yours, so you'd need an auto one, D2 linkage doesn't matter.
So some eagle eyed viewers may have noticed there has only been two Discos it this thread so far....
Well as most will know, my old Audi S6 Avant has been sold. Which left a V8 size hole on the driveway that needed filling.
I don't really have room to keep more than two cars (or I'd have kept the Audi!), and My e36 BMW definitely isn't going anywhere soon,so decided the Disco should go.
But what to replace it with? The Disco is great for us as a family car - looks good, good driving position, tons of room for the kids + dogs plus 7 seats when we need them, and immensely capable off road. Looking round there's not much this side of a 12K used range rover TDV8 that ticks the boxes for us, but then we couldn't take it "proper" off road for fear of getting it scratched!
But then we found the answer....... Another disco, but fitted with the 4ltr petrol V8!
Found this one:
It's a VERY early one on a 1998 S-reg. Tatty on the outside but solid underneath, with full service history and a BRC LPG kit already fitted
Old TD5 returned to standard ready to move on.
Both together.
The modifications from the TD5 will go onto the V8 in due course along with some others I have planned. Watch this space
Well as most will know, my old Audi S6 Avant has been sold. Which left a V8 size hole on the driveway that needed filling.
I don't really have room to keep more than two cars (or I'd have kept the Audi!), and My e36 BMW definitely isn't going anywhere soon,so decided the Disco should go.
But what to replace it with? The Disco is great for us as a family car - looks good, good driving position, tons of room for the kids + dogs plus 7 seats when we need them, and immensely capable off road. Looking round there's not much this side of a 12K used range rover TDV8 that ticks the boxes for us, but then we couldn't take it "proper" off road for fear of getting it scratched!
But then we found the answer....... Another disco, but fitted with the 4ltr petrol V8!
Found this one:
It's a VERY early one on a 1998 S-reg. Tatty on the outside but solid underneath, with full service history and a BRC LPG kit already fitted
Old TD5 returned to standard ready to move on.
Both together.
The modifications from the TD5 will go onto the V8 in due course along with some others I have planned. Watch this space
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 16:03
aspirated said:
Not swapping the facelift front?
The new one will be facelifted but not with the TD5's bits.The facelift lights are a much larger one piece unit, instead of a separate headlight + indicator. Because of that the slam panel is cut to fit them and it's not easy to go back.
Also the new disco is a slightly different shade of green (woodcoat Vs Epsom), so the bumper wouldn't match either.
Started playing with the new disco....
My brothers Jeep is now looking good on 33" mud tyres:
Obviously I had to keep up with the "Off road arms race".
To that end the 31" Grabber A/T tyres have been swapped for a set of 33" Pro-comp xterrain muds.
Vs the standard size tyres on the TD5 (29")
Fitted to the V8 along with original 2" suspension lift from the TD5.
Looking much more like it :smoking:
Quick snaps with the BMW
Not a bad two car garage if I do say so myself
My brothers Jeep is now looking good on 33" mud tyres:
Obviously I had to keep up with the "Off road arms race"
. To that end the 31" Grabber A/T tyres have been swapped for a set of 33" Pro-comp xterrain muds.
Vs the standard size tyres on the TD5 (29")
Fitted to the V8 along with original 2" suspension lift from the TD5.
Looking much more like it :smoking:
Quick snaps with the BMW
Not a bad two car garage if I do say so myself
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 15:39
Cheers, I'd love a nice series TBH.
The new one has brown leather, in good nick considering the age but not as nice.
Will be swapping the two interiors. Firstly because the cream is nicer and secondly because I don't want to buy new headrests (without screens) for the TD5.
bakerstreet said:
What colour interior did you get? I've always liked green bodywork combined with the cream interior
Had the cream leather interior in the TD5, very nice combination IMO.The new one has brown leather, in good nick considering the age but not as nice.
Will be swapping the two interiors. Firstly because the cream is nicer and secondly because I don't want to buy new headrests (without screens) for the TD5.
Edited by JordanTurbo on Sunday 26th April 10:50
Howard- said:
Do you have any more information on how you made your electric mirrors fold with locking/unlocking? None of your images appear to work any more.
Sorry, been reorganising my photobucket account this week and it broke all the [IMG] links, all fixed now.Mirrors required a total of 3 relays and 3 diodes to take a feed from the central locking circuit and use it to trigger the mirrors. They are set up as shown in the diagram below (coloured wires are factory, black are added)
Relays from left to right:
1) Blocks the modification from working when the ignition is on, this prevents the mirrors folding if you lock the doors while in motion or if the auto lock (above 5mph) is turned on.
2) Provides a live feed to the ignition pin on the mirror ECU to "wake it up".
3) Mimics the action of the dashboard button to fold/unfold the mirrors.
The two diodes at the top are to prevent a short between the two central locking wires (one is unlock, other is lock)
The diode at the bottom is to block the feed from relay (2) so that the rest of the ignition circuit is not switched on for the duration of the central locking pulse.
Edited by JordanTurbo on Friday 17th April 16:47
Update on the V8's recent progress
As I said before, I decided to swap the two interiors and keep the lighter leather. Out with the old, which was also an opportunity for a good clean out.
Here you can see the difference in colour.
Before fitting the new seats the CD changer was removed from under the drivers seat as the new head unit makes it redundant.
Which left a nice spot free for the screen controller. Bolted down to the original changer mounts.
New seats in along with a good clean+condition using Gliptone, brilliant stuff.
New Disco came with a genuine Land Rover rubber boot floor protector, this was refitted along with an extension I made for when the centre row is folded.
As I said before, I decided to swap the two interiors and keep the lighter leather. Out with the old, which was also an opportunity for a good clean out.
Here you can see the difference in colour.
Before fitting the new seats the CD changer was removed from under the drivers seat as the new head unit makes it redundant.
Which left a nice spot free for the screen controller. Bolted down to the original changer mounts.
New seats in along with a good clean+condition using Gliptone, brilliant stuff.
New Disco came with a genuine Land Rover rubber boot floor protector, this was refitted along with an extension I made for when the centre row is folded.
Big update here.
So the new Discovery already had an LPG system fitted and working, great stuff. What you probably won't find surprising is that the fittment wasn't nearly upto the standard I'd want.
The system works but really needed some extra time and attention to detail spent on the installation. Unfortunately when the "professionals" do the work, time is money and somthing like what I have is often the result.
First job was to sort the injectors, pipes and nozzle placement. Took the upper manifold off.
Fuel rails and lower manifold off.
With the two manifolds together and on the bench you can see the issue properly.
Now it's widely regarded that the LPG injectors should be as close to the petrol ones as possible, 300mm is generally the max you should have. Having the nozzles in the upper manifold, while much quicker and easier to fit, is nowhere near ideal and the long hoses make it even worse. Changes needed to be made.
If I had small individual injectors, I could possibly fit them in the space under the upper manifold arches. Unfortunately mine are larger and in pairs so I had to get thinking.
First I sourced a new manifold without nozzle holes.
And used the dremel to remove the webs in the gaps between the runners.
This meant I could pass the LPG hoses through to the lower manifold.
Next job was fitting new nozzles to the lower manifold.
Right next to the petrol injectors as they should be
And back together to check the pipe work routing.
Much better
So the new Discovery already had an LPG system fitted and working, great stuff. What you probably won't find surprising is that the fittment wasn't nearly upto the standard I'd want.
- long pipes after the injectors
- poor placement of LPG nozzles
- injectors not secure
- looms not tidy
- ECU wedged in the corner of the bay
The system works but really needed some extra time and attention to detail spent on the installation. Unfortunately when the "professionals" do the work, time is money and somthing like what I have is often the result.
First job was to sort the injectors, pipes and nozzle placement. Took the upper manifold off.
Fuel rails and lower manifold off.
With the two manifolds together and on the bench you can see the issue properly.
Now it's widely regarded that the LPG injectors should be as close to the petrol ones as possible, 300mm is generally the max you should have. Having the nozzles in the upper manifold, while much quicker and easier to fit, is nowhere near ideal and the long hoses make it even worse. Changes needed to be made.
If I had small individual injectors, I could possibly fit them in the space under the upper manifold arches. Unfortunately mine are larger and in pairs so I had to get thinking.
First I sourced a new manifold without nozzle holes.
And used the dremel to remove the webs in the gaps between the runners.
This meant I could pass the LPG hoses through to the lower manifold.
Next job was fitting new nozzles to the lower manifold.
Right next to the petrol injectors as they should be
And back together to check the pipe work routing.
Much better
Edited by JordanTurbo on Sunday 3rd May 16:54
Thanks guys.
From a day that went well, to a day that didn't go quite so well.......
Decided while I'm doing engine work I'd sort the weaping rocker cover seals and also to look into a light top end ticking under load.
Covers off, engine has led a hard life by the looks of it.
Rocker shafts and push rods out for a clean up.
More deposits
Before stripping them down for cleaning, I gave them a quick inspection. This is what I found....
One of the rocker thrust pads has cracked and lost a chunk. More worryingly, another is missing completely and the valve has worn about 1.5mm into the rocker itself. I checked the corresponding valve stem and it's chewed up as well. That'll be the ticking noise then.
So as well as new rockers, the next job will be to take the heads off to sort the valve (at least I can clean them at the same time). I'll also have to take the sump off to see if I can find the missing fragments.
This is quickly snowballing into a full rebuild. I'm having thoughts of biting the bullet and going for a 4.6ltr conversion with top hat liners and high torque cam shaft while it's apart.
From a day that went well, to a day that didn't go quite so well.......
Decided while I'm doing engine work I'd sort the weaping rocker cover seals and also to look into a light top end ticking under load.
Covers off, engine has led a hard life by the looks of it.
Rocker shafts and push rods out for a clean up.
More deposits
Before stripping them down for cleaning, I gave them a quick inspection. This is what I found....
One of the rocker thrust pads has cracked and lost a chunk. More worryingly, another is missing completely and the valve has worn about 1.5mm into the rocker itself. I checked the corresponding valve stem and it's chewed up as well. That'll be the ticking noise then.
So as well as new rockers, the next job will be to take the heads off to sort the valve (at least I can clean them at the same time). I'll also have to take the sump off to see if I can find the missing fragments.
This is quickly snowballing into a full rebuild. I'm having thoughts of biting the bullet and going for a 4.6ltr conversion with top hat liners and high torque cam shaft while it's apart.
HarryW said:
Great, love it when threads get proper nuts and bolts oily.
You should like this then Since finding the recent engine issues I had to do some thinking. After a long chat with the wife (which I'm sure included the word "investment" several times
) I've decided to bite the bullet and go for a full rebuild including upping the power a bit. Spec will include:
Refurbished "top hat" linered block.
Stroked from 4ltr to 4.6ltr
Compression raised slightly from 9.35:1 to 9.75:1
Kent H180 "high torque" camshaft
Refurbished heads
Mapping by Mark Adams at tornado systems (well known in Rover V8 circles)
So the first job was to remove the old lump and that required some now toys
Whipped the heads off to make things easier
And out
Quick clean up
Sump off and stripped down.
One bare block ready to go to Turner Engineering in Surrey....
And swapped for a nice shiny one with much better "top hat" liners
And a nice box of rebuild goodies
MUCH more to come
P.S Sorry for the terrible quality phone pics
So unfortunately there was a bit of a setback this week.
I picked up the new block on Monday, and as I said the plan is to stroke it to 4.6ltrs using a p38 crank and rods. To that end I bought a donor engine which turned up by pallet Wednesday........
Lifted it off of the pallet and took the torque converter off so it could go on my engine stand.
Quick note for anyone needing longer gearbox bolts to fit an RV8 to a stand - rocker shaft bolts are perfect
Onto the engine stand so it could be stripped down.....
Decided to have a quick look inside at the general condition of everything and took the sump off......
And then I spotted it.......
It was a bloody 4ltr and absolutely no use to me!
Luckily it wasn't too much "labor time" wasted as I only lifted it onto the stand before I checked. Could have been a lot worse if I'd stripped everything else down before I noticed! Was still annoyed I wasted two days waiting for it to be delivered though.
Spoke to the breaker yesterday and they were fine about it TBH. He confirmed the Range Rover was definitely a 4.6 HSE but when we checked the engine number againced the log book, it was totally different. It must have had a new bottom end at some point.
Good news is it was an honest mistake and they're sorting a courier to take it back no problem. Bad news is that the hunt is now back on for a cheap donor engine.
I picked up the new block on Monday, and as I said the plan is to stroke it to 4.6ltrs using a p38 crank and rods. To that end I bought a donor engine which turned up by pallet Wednesday........
Lifted it off of the pallet and took the torque converter off so it could go on my engine stand.
Quick note for anyone needing longer gearbox bolts to fit an RV8 to a stand - rocker shaft bolts are perfect
Onto the engine stand so it could be stripped down.....
Decided to have a quick look inside at the general condition of everything and took the sump off......
And then I spotted it.......
It was a bloody 4ltr and absolutely no use to me!
Luckily it wasn't too much "labor time" wasted as I only lifted it onto the stand before I checked. Could have been a lot worse if I'd stripped everything else down before I noticed! Was still annoyed I wasted two days waiting for it to be delivered though.
Spoke to the breaker yesterday and they were fine about it TBH. He confirmed the Range Rover was definitely a 4.6 HSE but when we checked the engine number againced the log book, it was totally different. It must have had a new bottom end at some point.
Good news is it was an honest mistake and they're sorting a courier to take it back no problem. Bad news is that the hunt is now back on for a cheap donor engine.
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