Thread: Disco Upgrades

Regarding the second battery/jack/wheel chock in the engine bay - if my memory serves me correctly, there are 2 things to remove - the little bracket on the bottom which holds the jack base and the velcro strap that straps the jack in.

Both won't cause any problems - the velcro strap was screwed in with 2 screws, and the plate on the bottom I think had 2 rivets which I drilled out. I think that's all I had to do - either way, it was very easy and nothing major required (ie. no grinding out welds or anything).

I mounted the main unit on the back of the panel under the steering wheel with velcro. Works a treat

The Safari snorkel will probably cost you about $550 - 600 fitted but as it enters the side of the filter box definitely will give leave a good space to put your second battery once you remove the bracket for the wheel chock. A snorkel is defiinitely a good idea as it doesn't take much water in the cylinder to stuff a diesel. Some say a snorkel increase performance but I can't say I have found that.

Once you have the snorkel in, a 55AH ( or maybe bigger) deep cycle battery will fit straight in the space between the airbox and the grill, maybe put a bit of rubber sheet underneath to stop it rubbing. You can fit one of those battery clamps from SuperCheep or somewhere to hold it in place.

As for other easy mods maybe consider a Unifilter oiled air filter instead of the paper one ( this seems to increase airflow and power a bit ). There are varying opinions on these but I have found mine quite good.

An air compressor mounted under the bonnet is handy. I fitted an ARB one in between the fuse box and the brake master cylinder. I leave the air hose attached and rolled up there too and have fitted a switch under the bonnet to turn it on and off.

If you want to spend money a Maxidrive rear locker would be my choice ( or an ARB ) The Maxi Drive is quite a bit dearer but comes with the HD axles which apparently are a wise choice with a locker.

I'm currently planning to fit a low coolant level alarm.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

what sort of features ? how much different can they be ? the safari's i think are about $180 or so dearer so $295 sounds much better.

My Safari has the LR emblem moulded in it, thats gotta be worth an extra coupla 100.

they have a better template, the airbox support is better and the snorkel is a different shape and slightly thicker construction from what i have seen. i havent had any porousity problems with mine.

Nick,
Your vehicle path is looking a lot like the route I have taken.....
I loved the Rangie comfy on the road and rock steady off road just a bit of a fuel gussler, The Disco is great but I never felt it up to scratch in hard core stuff even with all the mods to the suspension etc. Hence its the first 4wd drive I ever put on its side.
The Defender is the ultimate for me, took it out on the weekend with some other members of this site and found most obstacles effortless. There was one I wouldn't attempt without a locker and some underbody armour but all others it was a breeze.
Now I wish I knew this 12months ago before I put all the extras on the disco.
Anyways I'll be following your progression with interest.

Oh and to help I have an Airflow snorkel on the Disco and a Safari on the Defender and the Safari is definately more thicker robust plastic hope that helps.