ECR 4.6 liter V-8 upgrade, opinions?

[VQ-1]

Does anyone have any experience with the East Coast Rover 4.6liter V-8 upgrade to their NAS defender? My 3.9liter has a lot of miles on it (200k miles) and looking at options.
price?
ECR vs local independent shop?
thanks in advance

Defender 90 4.6 install

 

[rocky]

Aren’t you in California?

 

[Angus]

By reputation ECR does great work, with a price that goes with it. How is the compression? When I rebuilt my 3.9 (168k) the biggest issue affecting performance was a very worn (nylon) timing set.

I went through the engine swap decision tree on getting a 4.6, or LS, but after talking to the folks at Turner Engineering, decided to go with a rebuilt 3.9 (with top hat liners) and some upgrades (cam, high flow heads), and a double row timing set. Long block from Turner, and did the engine build up and install myself. I have been very happy with how the engine runs and did not require a lot of other changes to support it. I too have a NAS truck, and wanted to keep it near stock.

 

[MountainD]

I will just say that the advantage of ECR is that they know all the ins/outs of the engine and SPECIFICALLY what to look for and check when assembling engines. But yeah, the $$. If the $$ isn't as big a concern, then definitely.

That all said, building an engine, using your block and pressing in top hat liners and all that is not rocket science and is quite doable. Many of us have done it. A local shop could do it, just need to give them proper direction. The thing is ECR knows exactly what gaskets to use, which sealant makes most sense and will most likely have one in stock and/or get it out to you quickly.

My leaning is ECR if money just isn't that big a concern. If it is, then a shop. If time is no concern, then I would do it myself along with my local machine shop.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I don’t think ECR is an option even if you have the cash. From their site…

We have a lot of Defenders to get ready for long standing customers.
To that end, we are placing a hold on any new work or new project discussion until we get caught up.
So currently our books are closed.

 

[1of40]

I doubt ECR is a machine shop. They probably outsource it and put a stamp on it like they do bumpers and sliders. Rebuilt engines are a gamble, full stop.

 

[VQ-1]

Yes, I am based out of California.
3.9l rebuild might be the only option, thanks California

 

[jymmiejamz]

Yes, I am based out of California.
3.9l rebuild might be the only option, thanks California

As long as you aren’t building some crazy high compression motor, it shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t think there is any way to tell that it is a 4.6 without looking at the crank. I know a bunch of people in LA that have done 4.6 swaps in Land Rovers and never had an issue. It’s not like you’re dropping in a diesel or an LS.

 

[VQ-1]

As long as you aren’t building some crazy high compression motor, it shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t think there is any way to tell that it is a 4.6 without looking at the crank. I know a bunch of people in LA that have done 4.6 swaps in Land Rovers and never had an issue. It’s not like you’re dropping in a diesel or an LS.

Awesome thanks

 

[VQ-1]

I got a quick reply from ECR:
Good afternoon,
We offer a couple of versions of the 4.6 V8. A stock motor that is a new factory engine and a new factory engine that has been improved for performance (more power). These are about 210 hp and 275 hp respectively.
Install costs vary depending on the condition of your 90 and what is good and what needs to be replaced.
There are quite a few examples of the 4.6 swaps on our web site and Facebook page for you to peruse.
The engines alone start at about 10K and up, then install and any parts that need replacing (radiators, water pumps, exhausts, etc). So the typical on a low miles NAS 90 is usually mid 20s.
Sadly, there is a wait list due to the number of projects we have ahead of you, sorry.
Thank you,
ECR

 

[evilfij]

Every ECR truck I have seen is extremely nice and well done.

That being said, I don’t see the value in using them for just an engine swap.

I mean, why is everyone having V8 problems these days? And you can tell a 4.6 from a 3.9 from the outside, but you have to know what you are looking for (cross bolts and obviously engine number to being with) but it would take a rivet counter to notice, or even know to look.

 

[jymmiejamz]

And you can tell a 4.6 from a 3.9 from the outside, but you have to know what you are looking for (cross bolts and obviously engine number to being with) but it would take a rivet counter to notice, or even know to look.

That is true, but it could just as easily be a 4.0 based on appearance. No one doing a smog check is going to be able to tell the difference.

 

[mgreenspan]

The visual inspection in Cali is primarily concerned with intake and exhaust bits that don’t have the “paid high fees to Cali for approval” stickers on them.

 

[expanse]

I've had one of these through the shop. besides the anodized red/blue earl fittings for the oil cooler lines it looks like a stock 3.9.

my suggestion; go find another v8 and send it out to a machine shop. swap it in, keep your old engine to send out in 200k miles.

 

[evilfij]

That is true, but it could just as easily be a 4.0 based on appearance. No one doing a smog check is going to be able to tell the difference.

Yes, but a 3.9 you can tell externally (engine number, cross bolts and the 3.9 v belt crank is shorter so you would have a spacer). You could use a 4.0 block and 4.6 crank and pistons and you one would be able to tell unless they did a displacement measurement.

 

[Dan kemper]

I swapped a 4.6 with top hats into my 97 d90. It is definitely an improvement in power and looks stock. Budget in a ecu as well.

 

[Napalm00]

I think we have a local guy here in the Bay area that has a 42 or 46 in his '97 NAS and just runs the 3.9 plenum cover. He passes smog easily

 

[jymmiejamz]

I think we have a local guy here in the Bay area that has a 42 or 46 in his '97 NAS and just runs the 3.9 plenum cover. He passes smog easily

If it’s a 97, he probably has a 4.6 with a 4.0 plenum.

I put a 4.6 in a ‘97 D90 when I was in LA. We decided to keep the 4.0 plenum, but I’m pretty confident it wouldn’t be an issue even if you had the 4.6 plenum

 

[Napalm00]

That may be it , haven't seen it Ina while

 

[Dan kemper]

Emissions are not an issue but needs to have stock plenum and ecu