Engine and Transmission Tech

My wife's Subaru got totaled last Saturday. No one got hurt... but we're shopping for a new used car. She'd like something newer and more fuel efficient to commute to work in, but I might be able to talk her into picking up a Range Rover or Discovery II as a very temporary measure. There seem to be a lot of Rovers to choose from in the Denver/Boulder area!

Just comparing short blocks... what would you guys consider the very best donor car?

I'm interested in both opinions and facts:
* 4.0 or 4.6?
* Best year model?
* Rangie or Disco?
* Any particular options or features to look for?
* Advice about separating good donors from bad?

(Note: I expect I'd transfer over the rebuilt Rover 4.0/4.6 heads and brand new EFI/ignition system from my current Buick 215 installation...)

A low mileage 4.0 or 4.6 RR is a sweet truck. Very comfy and smooth.

"more fuel efficient to commute to work " ????

These puppies are 4x4's and heavy and get really baaaaaad mileage. You might be able to get 12-14mpg if you are lucky. :)

You also have to remember that like all British vehicles, they like to lose their "Lucas Smoke" (even though later ones used more Bosh stuff). Check the electrics real closely. If they look like they've been tampered with, start negotiating downwards really fast.

Also, take it for a test drive and take rough bumps on curves at speed (60mph+). If you start getting front end shudder then you'll need some major suspension work done. Other than that, just normal British rust bugaboos.

I've had 4 Rangies and loved them. they are great vehicles, as long as you are prepared to tinker.

Martin

Thanks!

Perhaps when I typed "something newer and more fuel efficient" I should have been clearer. She's been looking at Toyota Prius, Honda Fit, Ford C-Max, etc. - the Rover would just be a short term solution for her.

What else should I know?

I thought you said fuel efficient. ;)

Girl I work with had one. Not the best bang for the buck. Great little engine for our LBCs, but, personally, I wouldn't even consider what you are thinking.

One other thing - the later 4.6's had what's called a Thor intake manifod. Great for low end torque, but useless if you plan to put the engine into a high performance sports car. I guess that is what aftermarket manifolds and carbs are for... :)

M.

When I decided to make my own EFI plenum, I went to the local junkyard and grabbed a Thor lower manifold, fuel rail, and injector set. They're neat parts. The lower manifold is no taller than the earlier manifolds, and it would have worked just fine. The fuel rail is really nicely made - from stainless steel! The only reason I didn't use those parts was that the fuel rail is set up for a "returnless" plumbing scheme, and a fair amount of work would have been required to convert it to a pressure regulated (return) scheme.






Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/23/2013 01:10AM by Moderator.

Well... we ended up getting Lisa a car.

Perhaps we'll get a Disco one day, but this little Sport Wagon suited the present situation better.


2005 Volvo V50 T5 AWD

ref: [www.caranddriver.com]

Nice! That makes a whole lot more sense!