Thread: What to check for a 2nd hand V8 disco II

I have a 2000 D2, and have (was forced to) fit a 4.6, and after the last three weekends doing return trips to Nowra from western Sydney (410k's ret) I'm averaging 14L/100kms I'm more than happy with the V8 and no gas. I can get almost two return trips, and that's with a faulty MAF sensor.

Things to check, and that's where being forced to fit the 4.6 comes in. Cooling and heating system. I purchased in Summer and since it was quite a warm day didn't check the heater operation. If I had I would have found the plugged heater hoses, leaking heater core, which is what probably led to the demise of the 4.0. Also check the viscous fan is working, if auto it's shifting ok, find someone who has something to plug in and check for fault codes. Unclip the air intake and check inside for oil or anything else between the MAF and inlet manifold. If it has blown a head gasket (esp between oil/water) it will dump excess fluid into the inlet and run down into the MAF killing it.

That's everything I've had to deal with (so far)

Main thing to check on the v8 is the head gaskets, if it leaks (from the back) it will need costly attention. When you turn the key on check the ABS lights are showing and they turn off on start up, car yards like to blank off the lights with ally foil ( bit me), read up on the 3 amigo's.Front drive shaft is another thing to look for. Go a 2004 if you can get one, they have the CDL and shifter but the earlier ones (2000, some 2001) have the internals and spiggot but no shifter. Key fobs are expensive to replace and one offs so get the spare. SLS and ACE are nice but if you want to lift it and put big rubber on, limited to no options ( there is debate on this but I'm yet to read on these forums a solution).Go a five seater with coils all round as suspension is off the shelf. Love my v8 d2 but really check you're potential vehicle

Check out Tombie's website you can buy a kit off of him that gives you a 2" lift for the SLS. The rest of the gear required for a lift is pretty straight forward.

Hardly anyone wants the V8's so they are cheap and unless your doing lots of towing they are very good, yes they are thirsty around town but they are so smooth and quite and are just lovely to drive on the freeway. If your planning on doing lots of towing I'd buy the TD5.

I have a 2003 D2a HSE V8 and while it can be a pain in the butt occassionally it is an amazing bit of gear for a very small amount of money.

cheers,
Terry

If you plan to go far, far away from the east coast, I would caution against a gas conversion.
Once you are in the bush,(and that's anywhere outside of Perth metro in WA) it's hard enough finding someone who will even look at your landy, and even harder to find someone who knows or is even licensed to work on a gas system...on any car. And at $1.00/l here, there isn't any real value.
The difference in purchase price for a decease(al) and a petrol can buy a lot of petrol, and with a long range tank you can get similar range. A LR tank fitted shouldn't cost more than $1500.00 with no modifications.

Thanks for the comments so far... must admit does not sound convincing to go get a V8 fitted with LPG. For most part I'd be sticking to the east coast anyway so that won't be a problem. I've heard it's hit and miss when you get that stuff installed (my brother in law got it done to his landcruiser few years back and he had nothing but trouble ;-)... and as like you guys have pointed out the cost of installing + cheaper purchase price can buy alot of petrol.

I had a vapour gas injection system fitted 2 years ago and it hasn't missed a beat. It has 2 tanks fitted in the rear with 72 litres useable and a 42 litre fuel tank on the rhs.
I get (around town averaging about 30 kmh in heavy traffic) 320-340 k's out of it, so it costs me about $40 a week to run.
You don't feel when it cuts in and the difference in power is not noticeable at all. A friend has one with the old type vapour system and his is down on power and acceleration compared to mine.
Cost for fitting at the time was $5200 and $2000 back from the rebate.

Originally Posted by robertk61

I had a vapour gas injection system fitted 2 years ago and it hasn't missed a beat. It has 2 tanks fitted in the rear with 72 litres useable and a 42 litre fuel tank on the rhs.
I get (around town averaging about 30 kmh in heavy traffic) 320-340 k's out of it, so it costs me about $40 a week to run.
You don't feel when it cuts in and the difference in power is not noticeable at all. A friend has one with the old type vapour system and his is down on power and acceleration compared to mine.
Cost for fitting at the time was $5200 and $2000 back from the rebate.

Thanks... good to hear.
Think I'm pretty much bent on the V8... suck it and see how the consumption is for a while and bite the bullet if need be.

I brought my 2004 DIIa back in March, 4 litre V8 and haven't looked back. Originally a Triffet Land Rover but relocated to WA. 79245 on the clock when purchased, one owner, never off road (the green stripes were still visible on all bolts & nuts underneath), full leather and the trim that goes with. Completely straight with very little door dings.
Cringe a bit at some of the servicing costs offered but love the V8. Went to the local TTF (Ian Diffens) & had the centre muffler replaced with a good Lukey two days after purchase, not really loud but noticeable
Averaging around 16 litres/100 but the V8 novelty hasn't worn off yet (probably not likely to either)