D90 Engine Overhaul

[Landyfun1]

Hello. I am a long time Series truck owner getting ready to purchase my first D90 and had a question about engine overhauls. Most of the Series vehicles I have owned over the years at one point or another have needed an engine overhaul. However given that they were all very simple 4 cylinder trucks it was easy and relatively inexpensive.

One of my main concerns with moving into a Defender is having the engine overhauled. Most of the 94/95 year D90’s out there now have some years and mileage on them. What can someone expect to pay to have the 3.9/4.0 re-built? (Or replaced depending) Are there any companies in the US that do this type of work?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[jstrong98]

check east coast rovers, they do all kinds of engine overhauls.

I think they will put a disco engine in also.

http://www.eastcoastrover.com/

[rover4x4]

I think it would be as easy to get your motor repaired/replace/overhauled as it would be for just about any other automobil.

[kellymoe]

If your lucky it will be years before that is something you will have to do. I have 140k on my Disco and no problems, just oil changes and routine stuff. I have had a few series trucks also andd there was always somthing to work on or needed to be fixed, thats just the nature of the beast of owning a car that old. Find a 90 that has good service records or find one that already had an overhaul.

[Landyfun1]

Good call on East Coast Rover. It looks like they are a one stop shop with regard to major Rover repairs.

I am hoping to get a few years out of the truck before MOH however I do want to know exactly what I am in for before I make the step. And it is very fair to point out that all Rovers need little things now and again! My 1971 109 needs a little TLC every weekend.

[Eric Siepmann]

Bart,

Just be aware that East Coast Rover will be very expensive. Phil hit it on the head. Find a good local engine builder. Blocks run around 1400 USD for a 4.0 I saw Rovers Down South had a few of them.

EwS

[Doug]

I'm having West Coast British buy and referbish a 4.2 for me (220 hp stock) with high performance cam, new lifters, rockers and mains, for around $3500 to $3700. I'll then sell my 3.9. Anyone interested in the 3.9? Runs good but probably suffers from a flat camshaft (power fades at higher rpm). 100K miles.

DW

[Art Vigil]

Doug, I'm curious. Why not a 4.6 or 5.2 since you're replacing the block anyway?


Thanks,

[Doug]

The 4.2 makes 10% more hp than the 4.6 stock (220 vs. 200), and the 4.2 is 100% plug and play with the 110's ignition, fuel and electronics which = saved $$. I'm more interested in improving top end hp than low-end torque which seems sufficient even on my 3.9. Also, a used 4.2 is considerably less money than a 4.6.

I figure I'll be at about 245 hp when the mods are done, which should be totally adequate for my needs. Don't know much about the 5.2.

DW

[evilfij]

Treasured motor cars in owings mills can help you.

If you change the oil frequently and the coolant every 30k or two years you should be fine with the 3.9 for a long time.

Ron

[pangaea]

Bart,
If you get your 3.9 (or 4.0) rebuilt, you'll have at least $1200-1500 into it for new gaskets, rings, bearings, machine work etc. Why not spend a few extra bucks for a big upgrade?

When time comes for the engine swap, give the guys over at Rover Tracks... sorry, RT Designs a call. Keith is in the process of designing a 4.8 upgrade that should cost between $2K and 2,500. It should be plug and play with the standard Rover set up, but with a bunch more power....

[Landyfun1]

Pangaea:

Where is RT Designs located? I did a search online and couldn’t find them?


Ron:

I have not dealt with Treasured Motor cars; however Owings Mills is really close. Do they specialize in British stuff? I also have a MINI that I am needing work on.

[Glenn_Guinto]

Originally posted by Landyfun1
Where is RT Designs located? I did a search online and couldn’t find them?


Ron:

I have not dealt with Treasured Motor cars; however Owings Mills is really close. Do they specialize in British stuff? I also have a MINI that I am needing work on.

Bart,

RT Designs (a.k.a. Rover Tracks (http://www.rovertracks.com) ) is based in CO. I believe the owner is Keith, also a member of this community.

Treasured Motor Cars (http://www.treasuredmotorcars.com) is owned by Trevor Griffiths, another member of this community. As far as I know, they only worked on Rovers but I could be wrong. I'm sure if they can work on rovers, your mini wouldn't be to "big" of an issue :grin

Good luck!

[evilfij]

Not sure if TMS does mini, the rover is sort of the low end for them. They are a ferrari, lambo, jag place mainly.

Ron

[pangaea]

Bart,

There here in Colorado. Check 'em out at:

http://www.rovertracks.com

nathan

[wicks]

I'm in for the rovertracks upgrade. Been wondering who is going to address this burgeoning market.

[Mike Hippert]

Treasured Motor Cars is owned by Trevor Griffiths

I met him over the weekend, Very COOL guy. He did everything he could to try and help me with my waterpump. They do great work even on Rovers.:thumbs

[Doug]

Just FYI. The 4.2 project was scrapped in favor of a brand-new modified 5.0 generating 340hp and about 350ft/lbs torque. Hope the rest of the truck can stand it! More news in a few weeks after the install is done.

DW

[Mike Hippert]

SWEET! You will be breaking Rover drive line in no time!

[Abrooks]

Treasured Motorcars does excellent work on a variety of cars, certainly rovers, but they are true enthusiasts and I'm sure would contemplate a Mini. Failing them, drop me a note and I can get you in touch with some other local mini enthusiasts.

Best,

Tony