Replace second cylinder head or replace engine

[20vet00]

Interested in peoples comments about how much they would spend keeping a 4.5 on the road before considering replacing the engine with an LS3. I love the car and the AJP engine, but not being able to enjoy it because it wants to go bang each time is frustrating.

[Gazzab]

I am an ajp lover and have spent a few bob on engines over the years / 3 cerbs.
I have spent money on various cars that wasn't logically sound eg a new engine in a d2.
I like the idea of an LS cerb. Expensive unless you have time to source cheap parts and do some work yourself?
What you have spent to date is all sunk cost and so you need to compare further £ forecast against likely costs for an LS. Be careful as some of the cheaper LS conversions have been crap.
Suspect repairing the ajp is going to be cheaper than the LS albeit if you end up repeat repairing then your in trouble. If you go to Apm for an ajp rebuild then you are unlikely to repeat the process.

[natben]

When engine issues arise its understandable that thoughts turn to different engines. I did when my speed six went bang . I priced up a complete proper instal of an Ls and it was over £17k. To much for me and as I am an engineering numpty it would all have to be done by a specialist. I got my speed six rebuilt and it has been fine, I am glad I stuck with the SP6 as I like the originality.
Stick with the AJP unless you have deep pockets.

[20vet00]

Thanks for the replies and encouragement. I have only spent £1000 on repairs so far (but I've also only driven her for 300 miles). The previous owner spent £8500 on a new cylinder head, engine rebuild and gearbox rebuild in 2008. It's the other cylinder bank that's gone now but will only know tomorrow if it's just a head gasket or damaged cylinder head. I want to keep the ajp and will have it fixed irrespective of the price this time but if it fails again I would rather keep her stored for a year and save up for a new engine. I want to keep the car for the next 10-20. I had a Jaguar XKR before and it's boring compared to the Cerbera. The Cerbera is only car I've owned that made me feel excited just to see her in the morning, even when she wasn't running and even when the footwell is full of water after washing her.

[flyingdutchie]

A LS conversion is (to my opinion) a monstrous decision. If you go that route, be sure you pick someone with happy customers. I spent my money twice. It is now going in the right direction, but if i had to do it all again....... Learn from fellow PHders.