Introduction

What is a Discovery II LS swap? Why do it?

A Discovery II LS swap means replacing the factory Rover V8 with GM LS-series engine. The LS is a family of high-performance engines designed by General Motors and introduced in 1997. These engines are highly desirable due to being powerful, compact, robust, modular, and reliable. They powered many high performance vehicles including several Corvette models and many GM/Chevy brands of cars and trucks. The LS is the most well-documented and understood engine family, with extensive parts availability and aftermarket support.

Compared to a Rover V8, there is no comparison. Even a stock LS is a noticeable power upgrade. The LS is more fuel efficient, and runs on regular gas. But more importantly, it's a major reliability upgrade. No more worrying about blown head gaskets, slipped liners, or cracked blocks. If you need parts, they are readily available and affordable.

What's so special about this swap kit?

This kit is designed the be the fastest and easiest way to put a GM LS engine in a Land Rover Discovery II. Once complete, all the factory gauges and functions work as they should. It runs and drives like a factory vehicle, but better.

We've all heard stories of engine swap projects taking years to complete, requiring custom fabrication, and testing marriages... And when they are finally done, they aren't really "done" because of all the missing functionality, unfinished details, and other flaws people just live with.

With our kit, an enthusiast can complete the swap over the winter week-ends, and be ready for wheeling season in the spring. And when it's done, it's done. We've done all the thinking for you so there's minimal modification and fabrication needed. The only exception is the exhaust, which requires some basic welding to make the connection. A muffler shop can help with this.

How does it work?

This kit retains the factory Rover transmission (4HP22 or 4HP24) and allows you to mate the LS engine to it. This is what makes the swap relatively quick and straightforward. Essentially all you have to do, is take out the Rover VS and put in an LS. The kit provides a transmission adapter, starter, flexplate, and engine mounts so everything bolts right up.

The LS engine runs in standalone mode. Meaning it runs independently from anything on the Rover side. The Rover's computer is on "life support". We feed it with with the bare minimum information it needs to shift the transmission, feed the gauges, and provide traction control.

As for accessories, this kit allows you to upgrade to a GM alternator, GM powersteering pump, but you keep the Rover's AC compressor. That means you never have to mess with AC refrigerant. The kit provides a new serpentine belt that fits, intake tubing, custom intake box lid, and other details.

Tools and skills you need

Aside from that, you will need a full set of ratchets and wrenches, torque wrench, and all the usual tools you need to work on a vehicle. Power tools are nice to speed up the process. You may need some engine specific tools like a crankshaft pulley installer, powersteering pulley installer, water pump pulley holder (for removing fan), etc. You will need an angle grinder with cutting wheels, and a die grinder.

As for skills, you need to be comfortable working on all aspects of a vehicle. You will be removing/installing bolts in tight spaces, torquing to spec, draining/filling fluids, lifting engines in and out of the engine bay, identifying and connecting wires, and much more. You should be comfortable using an angle grinder and a die grinder. You will use these for clearancing parts of the engine and transmission. You don't need to have done an engine swap before. But you should have already done advanced work like replacing head gaskets. This is a great first swap for someone who is ready to take on a new challenge.

Being able to do basic welding is handy if you want to connect the exhaust yourself, but you could take it to an exhaust shop instead.

You will need good troubleshooting skills as inevitably you will encounter unexpected obstacles, and your engine may have issues initially if everything is not buttoned up perfectly.