Thread: Cracked 4.6 block, Sourcing replacement engine.

Originally Posted by jamison

Hi all

So, 3rd P38 (1996) in a row that has done this to me but the first here in Australia... damn it! You'd think I'd learn but I just love these cars.... suddenly I'm seeing how much more expensive things are here - so am looking for advice if that's ok.

Head gaskets were fine (suspiciously looking like they were replaced just before I purchased the car) but car drinking water and overheating when towing... Cylinders 5 & 6 steam cleaned... the heads are off and the liners look like they are in place, so suspect cracked blocks behind one of the liners.

So.... am looking for a new bottom end/ short engine - or even a long engine if the price is right.

I've got quotes from Turner Engineering in the UK, with short at around 4k AUD and long at 6-7k shipping of around 500 bucks - does anyone have any recommendations for sources here in Victoria?

Do any companies do the top hat lining? Is it really worth doing on a suspect block?

Thanks in advance and any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

TRS in Adelaide do top hat flanged liner engines on an exchange basis, we recently bought a 5 litre performance version (Forged pistons, Scat rods, bored and stroked) for a p38a from them about $10500 long engine. They do 4.6 Shorts for about $5800 to $6K with flanged liners from memory.

(08) 83846933, ask for Phil, speak only to Phil

JC

Hmmm is this the time to consider a 2.7L diesel (TDV6) transplant?

Simtek UK 2.7 TD V6 Engine/ECU Information

Range Rover P38 to TDV6 Conversion Project

Turner's get my vote. Good company, nice people. We've had a few engines from them.

I had top hat liners fitted a couple of years ago by Davis Performance Landies here in Sydney. Cost $2200 including liners.

I'm told this mob in Sydney also do them:

Balmain Engineering Pty Ltd
(02) 9439 0188

Melbourne? Can't help.

Yeah, I'm leaning toward Turners too - even with the shipping + 15% import/GST loading it's still a fair bit cheaper; that said I'm only going by prices that I've heard around here on TRS, I'll bell them Monday morning to be sure.

I love the idea of the diesel but I wouldn't want to pay for that here!

When I lived in the UK I actually test drove one converted by [the now out of business] stanton 4x4, they put a Mitsubishi diesel engine in place of the 4.6.... great concept but it was gutless top end, struggled to get to 70mph.

What do you reckon scrap value would be on a 96 4.6 HSE here in Oz? Since that is always an option now that i'm looking at 7-9k+ all up when it only cost me 9k! Even though a Pajero would work (ALL THE TIME!) I just can't imagine not hearing that delightful whistle from the Rangie as it swallows the next 100bucks in fuel.

Originally Posted by p38arover

I had top hat liners fitted a couple of years ago by Davis Performance Landies here in Sydney. Cost $2200 including liners.

I'm told this mob in Sydney also do them:

Balmain Engineering Pty Ltd
(02) 9439 0188

Melbourne? Can't help.

Thanks mate, the irony of it.... I just moved to Melbourne from Balmain, figuring that I'd find someone cheaper down here to sort the leaks out.... it was the drive down that made the problem much worse (I was towing a boat too)... ar well... another lesson learnt.

Did you keep your old block and still use the liners? I'm worried that I can't trust this block because it's almost certainly cracked. I guess I'm asking if the liners hold the water back regardless of the block behind being full of holes.

Originally Posted by jamison

What do you reckon scrap value would be on a 96 4.6 HSE here in Oz? .

I'll give ya 2k and pick it up today

Originally Posted by rovercare

I'll give ya 2k and pick it up today

ha, so worth at least 4 then :-)