Thread: 4.0 vs 4.6 P38A

Originally Posted by jkp38a

Hi All,

I am new to AULRO and after some advice. I am intending to get back into a Range Rover and looking for a late model (BOSCH) P38a. Currently have a 2003 Disco V8 and prior to that a 75 RRC (Wish i never sold it!). I love the disco but hate the rear door (Split tailgate RR design is much easier to live with) hence wanting to change.

I am prepared to wait for a good example but can't decide if I should concentrate on a 4.0 or 4.6

I have herd that the 4.0 is a stronger and more spritely engine build, is there any strength to this argument?

I am happy with the power of my 4.0 Disco and fuel economy is liveable. Is the 4.6 significantly more thirsty and if so is it worth it for the power gain?

I don't care for the HSE options over the 4.0 S so my preference will purely be based on the better engine choice. Although finding a low km 2000 or 2001 4.0 S in a colour I can live with is prooving difficuilt.

Can anyone help spread some light on the choice for me.

Much appreciated.

James

I reckon they're both good. Just look for a car that has low mileage/ colour you want/ price you want/ condition you want and buy it. Be prepared to be patient and do your research. Don't forget the auctions - you have to careful but you can get bargains.

My 4.0 is great - no issues except for a front seal leak that is getting fixed this week. But I've seen and driven 4.6s that are just as good.

Willem

4.6 engines have the best blocks selected ie those which have the least chance of slipping a sleeve or cracking behind the bore.

Apparently 60% of 4.0 litres get cracked blocks but ONLY 20% of 4.6s.

I guess this is not so important if the car has already had a new short motor but something to keep in mind.

Regards Philip A

Thanks for your advice Willem & Phillip.

Interesting point on blocks and thanks for tip with auctions.

I think I will just keep an eye out for the best deal regardless of engine and just hope it's not a Friday build.

Regards, James

I think background checks are as important as service records and pre-purchase inspections. The type of guy the previous owner was means a lot. Was he a penny pincher who perhaps avoided any recommended extra maintenance or was he a sympathetic owner who listened to the spanner swingers and went the extra mile with the extra work which they recommended regardless of cost.

But patience with your purchase is critical in getting a good one. 4or 4.6? Honestly, if I was getting a P38 then I think I'd be wanting the whole box and dice -the full disaster - a HSE with all the fruit and that 4.6 engine. The Bosch 4 and the 4.6 P38s generally share the same generic problems so you might as well travel in style. And I have seen the odd, reasonably low kilometre and reasonably well priced P38 Autobiography come on the market too.

With a prepurchase check a sniff test may prove to be a wise investment too.

But good luck in your hunt for your P38 - I'm jealous it's not me looking for a P38 as well.

I have the best of both worlds, a HSE P38 with a rebuilt 4.0L motor that we rebuilt and swapped ourselves, I have to say that I do not notice a huge amount of difference. Ecomomy wise the 4.0L seems to use around the same amount. There are always performance upgrades that make the difference.

Sir Ron had a link a while back to the color code of the engine blocks and the quality of them, maybe he can re post the link?

The 4.0L that we put in had a red paint mark on the valley, (not visible with out pulling the plenum chamber off)

I think the critical point is that either motor has never over heated. Period. My mech said that this is the number 1 issue with either of these motors.

If I ever bought another one, I would be swapping out the radiator and the water pump as a preliminary precaution.

Just don't buy a 95' like I did, too many things to fix up, almost there...though still a beautiful drive.

Kalincho.

James - another consideration is what you want to use it for...

Are you after a "pretty" P38A to cruise around town and highways, or are you after one you can get dirty and scrape over rocks and around trees?

So... motor, electricals and mechanicals aside - you aim for the best you can get and/or negotiate for the things you know will need doing. The condition of the body and paintwork may be a secondary concern if you intend to put a few more "character lines" on it.

At least that was my logic when I bought my second P38A - a lowly "Pov Pack" 4.0

Happy hunting.

Cheers, Paul.

You are spot on about over heating and these Rover V8s but as well as the radiator and water pump Kalincho I'd be having a real hard look at the cooling fan system. It was the failing viscous fan hub [constantly over looked by the Landy mechanic too] which eventually cooked my goose. And even then I'd be fitting a low water level detector into the top of the radiator. [as I have now done too].

remember most 4.6's have leather interior and a sun roof and a few other extras. keep that in mind if you do/dont like these options
Power is similar, fuel economy is similar.

In my experience the 4.0 is a bit like buying a 3 door disco ( when you can get 5 doors for the same price) being less desirable it may be harder to sell when the time comes.