Thread: What to do first to a new D2?

These v8 seem faily restricted bt there exhaust set up if it was me I would put extractors and a good twin system on be better on fuel and sound like a real v8 and gain some extra power on the way.

Hi there

Number 1 get vehicle reliable check all hoses pipes every where replace any if doubtful
Change ALL fluids and filters grease all nipples doesn't matter what service history or seller have told you it's will pay off in peace of mind,
Try and do as much of above that you can when you are crawling all over the beast you will get to know each other

Enjoy the car there are lots of horror stories regarding reliability but spending time on monitoring and preventing pays off big time.

Pete

I'd x2 pete's advice.

Major service, replace all fluids, filters and a through check over. Then resist the urge to invest significant $ in mods and upgrades for a while as generally any second hand car will have some issues which only become evident after a few months ownership.

Once you are on top mechanically then go to town and make it into a uber touring machine.

Cheers

Steve

Originally Posted by Rok_Dr

I'd x2 pete's advice.

Major service, replace all fluids, filters and a through check over. Then resist the urge to invest significant $ in mods and upgrades for a while as generally any second hand car will have some issues which only become evident after a few months ownership.

Once you are on top mechanically then go to town and make it into a uber touring machine.

Cheers

Steve

x3 on this mate. I had big plans for mine but ended up spending all the cash I had for a winch, snorkel and suspension on fixing stuff.

Happy Days.

Thanks for the advice re: maintenance. This aspect of these cars does not worry me at all. I'm pretty good when I take the time to make an effort since I am lucky enough to be the son of a mechanic of 40+ years (not quite retired). He's willing to do all of the things that I don't know about, or (ore likely) can't do. That might come in handy if the auto ever needs re-building.

One thing I am curious about is, when it comes time to do the head gaskets, do people take the effort to install top-hat liners? Or is the slipping sleeve thing really only an issue if you cook it.

On that note, I do plan to install a engine saver and also a temp buzzer (if the disco doesn't already have that).

My view and that of British Offroad was that if mine got to 200000 and despite overheating requiring head gaskets without moving liners and holding block pressure you dont touch it. Heads were excellent just a clean and new seats. Decided on port matching manifolding and a tow cam, lifters, with new timing chain and gears then back together. They reckon the blocks that look great at those k's with honing marks still showing have a lot of k's left in them. It goes like a scalded cat especially with high flow cats and muffler...sounds like being at Mt Cotton Hill Climb..awesome.

Cheers

Originally Posted by MrFollies

Thanks for the advice re: maintenance. This aspect of these cars does not worry me at all. I'm pretty good when I take the time to make an effort since I am lucky enough to be the son of a mechanic of 40+ years (not quite retired). He's willing to do all of the things that I don't know about, or (ore likely) can't do. That might come in handy if the auto ever needs re-building.

I wasn't worried either when I bought mine. I've rebuilt a Suzuki GTI (they made 52hp ATW standard, mine made 105HP ATW when I dyno tuned it), Toyota Corolla, KTM 620 and a CT110 doing all the work myself apart from the engineering stuff. If you have never owned a Land Rover, be warned. They are a little unconventional. I think this is where most of the problems come from. Too many mechanics treat them like every other Japanese 4x4 but Landys need special care. They require different oils, different filters, different coolant. I have never known a vehicle to be so pedantic. You cant cut corners either.

I did an alternator in the first week. I put the cause of this down to the rear SLS air suspension being changed for coils but the SLABS ECU was not updated. This caused the solinoids to operate constantly attempting to level the vehicle. So while it was turned off the battery was being drained. The previous owner had replaced the battery twice and said it goes through batteries. Thing was every moring the alternator would have to work over time to rechange the battery which eventually killed it prematurely. I have since bought a Nanocom and changed the settings to coil suspension.

Then a ACE hose burst. This was just fair wear as the sheath had been work and while cornering a bit harder than normal it burst. Some one said it was my poor maintenance because I should have seen it when doing the service. If you have ACE and see where the lines run I doubt anyone would have found it. I didn't know any better, I was close to home and the warning light was only constant orange, not flashing or red so I continued home. I have since found out I was pretty luck because they are prone to seize the pump when the oil runs dry, when the pump seizes they snap the fan belt which could leave you stranded.

These are just a couple of the more major things I have had to change, there have been plenty more small things but just be warned.

Oh and buy yourself a set of Torques tools if you dont already have some. I already had a Skoda so already had a set. If you have worked on modern European vehicles you should already have some. I needed a 36mm spanner to remove the fan for the alternator and then Torque tool I had was either too short or too long to reach the alternator bolt so I needed to buy a Torque socket attachment.

Originally Posted by MrFollies

On that note, I do plan to install a engine saver and also a temp buzzer (if the disco doesn't already have that).

I got a Madman EMC 2. Check them out. It's a good thing.

Good Luck.

The guys on here are and emence help

Happy Days.

Thanks again for the advice guys. I've been getting the feeling that they have their own mechanics skillset :-)

For the time being it's going to get serviced at one of two land rover mechanics I have access to. But I hope, with my knowledge I'll be getting more hands on as time goes on.

I don't intend to underestimate it, I have such high hopes for fun times ahead.

But anyway, any more suggestions on must have tweaks to get it off-road ready?