Driving the LS Swap Discovery 2! Fuel Mileage?

Today we put some miles on the LS Disco!
www.TheLostCauseRanch.com
The kit utilizes many of the factory Land Rover accessories and we assemble all of that onto the GM V8.
Previous Video going through the contents of the kit: • LS swap kit for our La...
Prepping the Engine with the Land Rover Front Drive: • LS swap Land Rover Dis...
This kit came from Alternative Conversion Engineering or ACE. Link below to them. This kit uses the factory Discovery transmission.
www.alternativ...
It seems like a fairly complete kit compared to most I have seen for various other makes.

[@jonatday]

Three amigos usually caused by ABS shuttle valve fault can mostly be fixed in 30mins with £60 wabco part with no disconnection of brake pipes, just lift it all up gently to get access to the little screws to change part, hope you fixed it all, good luck

[@hammyh1165]

You're needing to try what we do in the UK BMW M57 3L diesel 300bhp and 40mpg possible , some good drop in fitting kits available. Look at Juice motors on here they just fitted one to a Defender.

[@LostCauseRanch]

I love me some Juice motors. I’m not opposed to trying a M57 sometime. The BMW diesel stuff is far less common over here.

[@frglee]

A lovely vehicle. Sure there are lots of fans of it, and it well deserves looking after and a wash after dealing with salted roads. Nice shots in the snow btw. Hope to see more.

[@LostCauseRanch]

It does make quite a difference. I love Discos either way so not going to shy away from owning stock ones either. Thanks for the comment and we will definitely have some more Rover content on its way.

[@hubabuba3916]

I watching this video over and over,since you posted.Disco looks so good ,sounds too.Thats my dream,Discovery’s used to be my dream since when I was watching Camel Trophy in 80’s when I was a kid.Hopefully one day I’ll be able to pull to your garage in Discovery and say…dude can I have LS swap please!!!:D

[@stevenmoran4060]

You have built a serious beast! All it needs is a camper bolting on the back like the Range Rover. Well done for hitting 5000 subscribers, people are getting educated into your wacky world, you deserve many more.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Maybe we need to swap the camper haha. Appreciate the kind words. Thanks as always.

[@jmarsh2039]

Thanks for the LS Swap series. I’ve been on the fence with this project, would like to see periodic updates on how many gremlins surface after driving 5k plus miles and the next year or so. Put me in the drawing for a shirt

[@LostCauseRanch]

It is with its new owner but he is local and we will be keeping an eye on it as time goes on. We made a couple tweaks on some things already and I’ll have a video up on that in the next week or two.

[@stevenrudy9926]

I can't wait for the next video I got a 2000 discovery 2with a blown motor sitting there right now and I don't want to put another factory motor in it . I'm just not one for electrical but I did pay attention to your video you said that Ace would would do you a wiring harness so hopefully that will be plugging play for a little extra money I just did all the suspension on it before it blew up and I and I just can't get rid of it because I won't because I want to do an LS swapThe thing is too cool and I think it's been the Texas and California so it's pretty clean underneath

[@LostCauseRanch]

I think there is still a small amount of wiring you would have to do if ace does the wiring but far less than what we had to. The whole swap is time consuming but I think it is a worthwhile upgrade.

[@tjmill1517]

Awesome. Following your videos to start my LS swap.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Awesome. Good luck, thanks for watching.

[@ryanjewell9832]

Man, I've been wanting a discovery but didn't want to deal with head gaskets and engine sleeve problems. This is awesome!!

[@LostCauseRanch]

It is a good solution. It is labor intensive and somewhat involved. But it transforms how it drives that is for sure. But either way even if you want to stay with the rover engine platform there is some options out there as well to minimize some of the potential downfalls.

[@taemian]

@@LostCauseRanch I've got two LR3s, but have stayed away from D2s because of sleeving. How can you minimize those issues??

[@listinglosangeles7245]

I like the swap and the lift. I have the exact same Land Rover Discovery and it's a cool to see it with the upgrades.

[@LostCauseRanch]

I appreciate a nice stock one as well.

[@derelict_wanderer]

New sub. Not a LR owner, but have a Grand Wagoneer that I recently dropped a 4.8 into. 275hp and about 285lb/ft torque. Double the hp over stock. Like you, I kept the stock transmission (727) and case (229, now swapped for a 242) so driveshafts were retained along with the speedo connections. No overdrive and 2.72 stock gearing. My mileage ranges from 15.5-20 depending on where I drive. The biggest issue is definitely aerodynamics (or lack thereof). A windy day or kayaks on the roof will kill any hope for better than 16-17mpg. Have about 5k on mine now.

[@LostCauseRanch]

That sounds like a nice setup, a little more modern, road friendly. Yes these boxes on wheels don’t help, but small price to pay for fun. Being able to put it in 2wd helps some, the the Land Rover transfer case is full time awd/4wd.

[@jamesrathbone4270]

Tastefully modified sir, running a standard 2003 myself, lift looks great 👍

[@LostCauseRanch]

Appreciate that, nothing over the top on this one even though it does have a pretty large tire. Enjoy your 03!

[@lunamaria1048]

That swap looks pretty clean.. I have seen a few messy looking swaps!

[@LostCauseRanch]

Appreciate that, we put some extra time into making everything tidy along the way.

[@lunamaria1048]

@@LostCauseRanch My father did an LS swap, and is part of a Disco 2 owners club that has seasonal events.. I have seen under the hood of some ugly swaps lol

[@ryandickinson3331]

My ACE LS swapped disco averaged 13.5 with 31" tires on a road trip from Omaha to Yellowstone and back.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Sounds good, so in line or maybe a little better than a stock Disco. We did 10ish in the Range Rover camper on the way back from Yellowstone but that’s not a good comparison being it has a camper hung on it and 5.13s haha.

[@aaronjohnston6625]

Nice summary, and glad to hear its running good. The used LS in mine also had a bad set of injectors and a bad PCV valve from sitting in the junkyard that had to get sorted after install. The old engine got around 11 mpg with the tires/rack/etc, 5.3 is closer to 15. I’ve heard of stock-ish LS Disco setups getting more than that. I think you are loosing a bit because of the tires, but maybe consider getting a tuner to optimize the tune for you. The Silverado 2wd tune is okay, but can be improved for the LR driving all the wheels all the time.

[@ryandickinson3331]

Put the new PVC in mine yesterday!

[@LostCauseRanch]

Nice to hear the 15. That’s kind of what I was thinking it might do. Yes, the large tires are definitely dragging the mileage down some. We run into various issues like the injectors and coils/sensors a fair amount on used engines, the yard like to pressure wash them off then stuff them on the shelf. Usually swap the electronics with what was on the car but we didn’t have that luxury since we were dumping the 4.6 out of it haha. How is your swap doing?

[@aaronjohnston6625]

@@LostCauseRanch I hear you on the used engines. Generally I’ve been pretty lucky. For the mpg, I’ve noticed if that because of the aerodynamics, especially after a lift, the mpg substantially decreases for every mph over 60. My 5.3 has been going for around 3 years now. Its a weekend car for me and I don’t drive it a ton, but since it was dialed in it’s been smooth sailing.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Nice, good to hear it’s been going well for that period of time.

[@michaelnoyes4817]

Turned out sweet as, Happy New year

[@LostCauseRanch]

Thanks, Happy New Year to you as well.

[@geraldo009]

ive put 1500 miles on my LS Disco brother. I am getting 13mpg and im on 32" with 2" OME. I still cant get the M/S lights to stop flashing. I also have 3 amigos on. havent gone over them yet since truck runs great otherwise. Can you send me pics of your LR crank sensor setup. Ive adjusted mine several times but never got M/S lights to go away.

[@LostCauseRanch]

I just emailed a picture of how ours is sitting. Eddie’s the M/S how are you liking it?

[@jambam6176]

3:28 You sure the ABS works❓ I need one of these swapped machines now. 😁😁😁

[@LostCauseRanch]

Haha that’s part of it intermittent three amigos, not swap related though, it has an issue with a shuttle valve in the abs pump itself haha. But yeah it makes a world of difference in how it drives over a stock one.

[@Tidder007]

Looking for a shop out here in west Texas to do this ACE swap for me. Thanks a ton for your videos tracking your process, I may work up the courage to just do it myself! All the other ACE swap videos on KZbin don't go anywhere near into the depth you have on your swap. Awesome stuff! You ended up using the same engine I wanted to use as well, excited to see what you end up doing with the air intake.

[@LostCauseRanch]

No problem. It is a bit of an undertaking but if you are somewhat mechanically inclined it is doable. It took longer than I was planning but part of that was other projects and stuff we needed to take care of during it so we hoped on and off of this quite a bit. Glad we can help and I’ll definitely post up a video when we sort out an intake. Thanks for watching!

[@chrispclimbs]

I’m starting mine next month! In El Paso, tx. We are a campervan conversion company, but currently working on a lightweight off-road 4season travel trailer which the LS Landrover will be pulling.

[@Tidder007]

@@chrispclimbs Awesome! Planning on the same ACE kit?

[@chrispclimbs]

Yes, I got my ACE kit last year, still working on sourcing an engine, but now leaning towards a remanufactured one with a warranty.

[@Tidder007]

@@chrispclimbs yep, same. Most rebuilders I've looked at will give at least 3 year warranties, definitely the way I'm gonna go.

[@jerrykoch1207]

I've had a couple of Silverados with the LC9 5.3, was hard to do much better than 18 MPG at highway speeds with that. The LS is a great engine though.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Yes, and the full time all wheel drive doesn’t help the matter. But I’m curious what it sits at after driving it a little more normal.

[@juanaviles7170]

Hi, amazing job..is anybody out there the sell the hornesss conversion for this? the engine is already on the Land rover discovery 2 i just need the diagram for the horness or if someone make the horness convertion i buy it from them..please let me know whenever you guys get a chance..thank you

[@Bobby82568]

Man I’m itching to put mine in. I have the kit and most of the additional parts. It’ll be a game changer in my rover travels, not too worries about the mpg if I get that additional power.

[@LostCauseRanch]

You will love it I’m sure. Hoping everything goes smoothly for you on the swap.

[@Bobby82568]

Thank you I hope so too, if you don’t mind me asking where did you send your GM ecu to get tuned?

[@LostCauseRanch]

I’ll see if I can dig up a link for where we got ours tomorrow when I get to the shop. But we bought a used ecu programmed off eBay.

[@Bobby82568]

No worries, thank you 🙏🏻 🤙🏻

[@jamesray3920]

Dude California gets a ton of snow in donner pass and many other northern California towns 😊

[@chris-qk4je]

Nice work and very informative I look forward to doing this later down the road. I have a question though about the lift which I saw that you replied to earlier and I believe you are right on with what it is, my question to you is I noticed in your other video of building the exhaust system that it had the original radius arms, in your opinion how did it handle at higher speeds? I keep hearing two sides that you need to do castor correction arms and others are saying it isn't necessary. What do you think after driving this one ?

[@LostCauseRanch]

It was on stock arms and bushings. It drove alright, but it had enough lift that it would ultimately benefit from some cranked arms.

[@TK-lj4oq]

Damn, I finished the kit about a month ago, 4" lift on 33's & 17" wheels. It Drives great and I love it, but just logged in 9mpg....

[@LostCauseRanch]

What kind of weather are you in out of curiosity? I’m at 11ish mpg. But it’s near 0 degrees Fahrenheit here though. But all time all wheel drive is definitely going to drag these down some as well.

[@TK-lj4oq]

@@LostCauseRanch Im in Vancouver BC, not that cold out here..been hovering around 0-4°C for the last couple of weeks

[@BrentMB79]

Looks great on 35s making me rething my 33"s

[@LostCauseRanch]

I do like the 35s. But realistically depending on what it is for 33s are my favorite for an all around D2.

[@hubabuba3916]

Amazing build!❤

[@Skagitrover]

That’s a great looking rig! When do we meet the dog? Looking forward to the final tally.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Green collar is Sasha and blue is Honey. Great dogs, I’ll officially introduce them soon haha, I guess I never have.

[@karpo888]

I love the LS swap

[@LostCauseRanch]

Me too!

[@chris-qk4je]

Or did he just replaced with correcting bushings?

[@LostCauseRanch]

Regular non corrected bushings.

[@jonriebe474]

Looks great but those 35’s are WAY too big for that bad boy unless you’re keeping on the pavement. But they look great. Thing sounds amazing too, we’ll done!

[@LostCauseRanch]

Just needs some fender trimming is all to stuff them haha.

[@davidmscott4409]

Savage! Well done!

[@LostCauseRanch]

Appreciate that!

[@fuosdi64]

Need to do this to mine

[@LostCauseRanch]

I’m enjoying it so far, quite a difference.

[@robertatkins272]

Building a LM4 now to swap into my 1999 D2

[@LostCauseRanch]

Nice, the aluminum block is a nice choice if you can go that route.

[@shanew.8784]

Would like to see the parts list, starting my 04 discovery engine swap soon.

[@LostCauseRanch]

I’m compiling everything now. It will be in with the next video.

[@mjms2b]

You mentioned cost on upgrading the old engine, so far I didn't hear the cost of the LS 5.3 swap. Can you share what costs to expect for anyone thinking about doing the swap?

[@LostCauseRanch]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/omfNimqqec9lhdU I have it broken down with some links in the video description on that one. It is just the parts cost and the list was from a couple years ago so some of the parts may be a bit higher now.

[@mjms2b]

@@LostCauseRanch Thanks I did find it after I commented. appreciate you!

[@LostCauseRanch]

@@mjms2b No problem. Happy to help.

[@james10739]

Spending all the money on the kit I'd definitely out like a truck norris cam in before the swap and if it would fir an lsa would be awesome

[@james10739]

I'm not sure if that lm4 has flat top pistons or not but if it doesn't I some like 4.8l flat top pistons and honeing the cylinders and rings would be good all around

[@the1stime]

Are you running Bosch O2 sensors or does the LS prefer a different brand? It’s great to see a disco with some real power!

[@clanforge4466]

Can you feel a major difference? Is it more responsive? I love my Slug, but I want more power

[@LostCauseRanch]

Yes, it is a world difference. In my opinion it just feels right. Feels like it should have had that amount of power from the factory. It’s not fast, but it doesn’t need to be. My favorite part is how much better it handles hills on the highway, doesn’t feel like it is struggling like a stock one.

[@PrinceCharlesist]

Hey man. Say.. if I drove my disco down to you from MN and pay for parts and labor, would you consider taking on the job?

[@LostCauseRanch]

I appreciate you trusting us, at the moment we are not going to be taking any outside work on. We have the next year and a half booked out with our internal builds. I’ll be happy to give some advice if there is something we can help with on that end though.

[@surfish01]

I have a disco 1 and am having misfire issues… can I ask you what code were you getting with your misfires? I’m getting P1313.

[@LostCauseRanch]

Stock engine or swapped?

[@surfish01]

@@LostCauseRanch stock

[@surfish01]

@@LostCauseRanch oh I guess those would be different codes haha

[@bloodxterra7071]

Hey the lt engine fit on the transmission adapter for the disco 2 ???

[@LostCauseRanch]

I believe the bolt pattern on the LS vs LT would work. Not super familiar with the gen v LT though. The ecu/controls wouldn’t jive with this kit though as you need to run early drive by cable throttle body and ecu.

[@leddifer707]

Any update on mpg with normal driving?

[@KangoV]

Nice! I get 32mpg on my LR3 :)

[@LostCauseRanch]

That's a touch better than the 12 mpg I usually saw in my LR3 haha.

[@phillipcarver3843]

Once swapped how do you get it licensed? (emissions testing)

[@LostCauseRanch]

That is something that is state by state. We have zero emissions testing in Iowa so no challenge on a swapped vehicle. In the states that require just a sniffer test this should pass as it has 49 state catalytic converters installed. I’m not exactly up on California laws but I think as long as the engine is the same year or newer and retains all the emissions equipment you can get it inspected after it’s swapped. But you would have to check on that.

[@leapinlizard9487]

I have a 2003 Land Rover Discovery 2. When I try to use the down hill assist it rings & flashes consistently. It doesn't seem to actually be working. Do you have any idea what could be causing this?

[@chadlarson3069]

I think it needs to be in 4 low for down hill assist to work

[@leapinlizard9487]

@@chadlarson3069 Yes, I have it in 4 low prior to pushing the downhill control button, but it just never stops ringing. Have tried to research this issue on many Rover forums, but still haven't found an answer.

[@aaronmurray357]

Are you going to print the intake tube in TPU or ABS?

[@LostCauseRanch]

Was going to do abs but always up for suggestions.

[@walterherron9276]

Do you do this for customers?

[@LostCauseRanch]

Not at the moment. But may take on a couple again sometime in the future. Building a new shop on my property right now so that has to get done first.

[@ParuparoMakina]

That's awesome man!! Sub'd

[@robbennett]

Very cool. Are you running the stock diff gears?

[@robbennett]

Ive had a few people tell me that with 33's on up they got better gass milage with 4.12's

[@LostCauseRanch]

Yes, that is hurting it in this one some, it is on the stock gears as of now.

[@freerunning9z]

What size lift did you go with and what is your suspension setup?

[@LostCauseRanch]

It was on there when I got it. I think it’s about 4” total. 2” Super Gaz/Britpart and 2” spacer.

[@freerunning9z]

@@LostCauseRanch did you upgrade the front half shaft for the lift or was it upgraded?

[@everythingcool101]

love the vid! how high is the lift?

[@LostCauseRanch]

Thanks, it is 4”.

[@tougesubaru420]

hey how much would you want to do this swap for me?

[@jcharlesbayliss]

When America met LandRover ....badass, hee hee

[@LostCauseRanch]

Exactly. I like to kind of think of it as an evolution as the Land Rover engine was originally based off of the old Buick 215 V8.

[@guylishman3209]

Absolutely love it but shame it’s auto

[@LostCauseRanch]

I agree, but it does make the transmission feel much better than stock with the little extra power. Maybe a manual variant in the future, might be in something other than a D2 though.

[@shasha-km9dv]

u talk too much instead of showing the parts

[@LostCauseRanch]

There is seven videos ahead of this one that detail the swap much more. Discovery LS Swap kzbin.info/aero/PLUB-dRzX_nHgVt-BEjEUkrA0-JB7-m1_r