Land Rover Repair: Discovery Engine Swap, head gasket, engine swaps

Question
I blew a head gasket in my 97 Discovery with a 4.0. Can I replace the motor with a used 3.9 out of a 95? What is my best option?

Answer
Hi Larry,

your best option is to stay with the 4.0 or just have the headgasket repaired.

4.0 engine's main problem was headgasket failure, fix it and you should be ok for another
120,000 or so.  Easier too than replacing entire engine.

UNLESS:  you can find a 4.0 with low mileage and a great price.  Headgasket repair could be $2300 or more from dealer, less if you go to an independent LR shop or do it yourself and save even more.

I think the engine swap you propose could be done but it may cost you almost as much as the repair - unless you just happpen to have a '95 Disco in your yard. :)

Here's a website that has great instructions on Disco engine swaps:  www.discoweb.org

Most would go for same 4.0 engine, some even have done a 4.0 to 4.6 engine swap. Not many go backwards to 3.9 but I'm sure, with money, you could do it and I think the ECU setup would have to be reprogrammed.

Best of luck,
JohnMc