Land Rover V8's are something we know about.
Basically the 3.5 and 3.9 from 1988 through 1995 are closest to the 3.5 in
the TR8. They have the cheapest replacement parts, and also have distributors.
Avoid the 4.2, which is unrebuildable and unreliable. The 4.0/4.6 have a number
of differences, the block and head castings being redesigned, and the oil
pump is integral with the front cover. They do not have provision for a
distributor, requiring an ECM for fuel metering and ignition control, plus the
crank
triggered ignition. The 4.6 is also unreliable in the same way the 4.2 is:
liner
shifting being just one issue.
The later engines are expensive to rebuild, and Ford is actively trying to
divest themselves of the tooling. Get the best motor you can find.
For my money the 3.9 with distributor and the Offy intake with a Holley 390
is the best all around engine. Getting a computer controlled engine to work
right is possible but the later engine systems require a Land Rover diagnostic
computer to defeat the anti theft protocols. For example, getting a BECM to
match the engine if it isn't the one the ECM is used to 'seeing'. The 14CUX
operating system is easier, but you'll still need the full harness, O2 sensors
in
both downpipes, and of course cats.
As far as California emissions, be careful: they have just revised upwards
the standards for '80's vehicles (yes, they can do that) and they can get you
on
things like carbon dioxide now: while HC and CO emissions may match the older
engine, CO2 increases with engine size (thank Davis for that one). Emissions
standards for '80's cars are now tougher than when they were new.
Steve Hedke
British Pacific Land Rover
Team Scrappy
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