4.6 to 3.9 ?

[Harry Safari]

Ive only just bought a 97 RR hse Im pretty sure the block is cracked . Is the 4.6 really that prone to cracked block problems as all Ive been able to find are tales of woe. Are there any economic replacement options ie 3.9 for 4.6 changeover. Im not worried about power loss or performance just love the car but am finding no option other than the scrap heap. Thanks for any help.Harry

[bee utey]

The 3.9's have a slightly shorter crank nose and no provision for a crank angle sensor. You could use a D2 4.0 engine but your best bet will always be to spend the pennies and replace all the liners with "top hat" (flanged) style ones.

[Keithy P38]

Think about what it will be like after you spend the money on it! If its good now it'll be great later!

Every niggling thing you fix up is one thing you know for certain will last you another 5 or so years! And it's yours!

[Harry Safari]

If the block is cracked?

[Harry Safari]

Good advice, just hesitant about a known engine weakness.

[Hoges]

interesting commentary on why 94mm bore blocks may be prone to this problem... see post #6 in Rover V8 cracking block and all the theories around - Tools and Fabrication - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum That being said there are many many engines with hundreds of thousands of miles on them with no apparent problem

[Harry Safari]

Thanks for that. If the tophat is the solution where should I start looking .Im in Newcastle.

[Keithy P38]

Any engine builder should be able to do it for you. Probably a good idea to find a good one, perhaps your local rover specialist?

[Foxspell]

For the best advice talk to Modern Motors in Dungog for all things Land Rover.
Go to
About Modern Motors Dungog
For some more detail
Cheers
Lee

[benji]

I've been told under good authority, that if you don't get these motors hot, it rules out 95% of problems in regards to this.