Land Rover Repair: 1997 Range Rover, coolant water, finished vehicle

Question
Mr. Robinson,
A friend is/was kind enough to give me a 1997 Range Rover, I have to go and pick up the vehicle at a ranch near me in South Tx. Here is the reason for his kindness, The motor has been run without coolant. Somewhere between changing the water pump and running the vehicle, coolant/water was not added, and well, the result was not good. i am not sure of the extent of the damage just yet.

I would like your advice on what I should look for to determine the extent of the damage, short of pulling the entire motor. I would also ask if there is a diesel swap option for this model.

thanks in advance,
Fred

Answer
I would think through a course of action before picking that Rover up.  If it's been run without coolant, the engine is probably junk, which is why it's now free for the taking.

A rebuilt engine will cost $10,000.  A junkyard engine will cost half that, but may end up as junk itself in a short while.  

If you do it yourself you will save a fair bit on labor but it's a 40+ hour job.

The finished vehicle is probably worth considerably less than the repair cost.  

Hearing that, do you still want it?