SpudH
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You sure about that Spud? I thought both were as bad as each other given that the 4.6 is just a stroked 4.0, but the 4.6 has the benefit of being more powerful and slightly more economical (although it's all a bit relative with these).
Guy
Can't say for certain Guy,
I'm working from memory of poring over all the threads here and on RR.net back before I took the plunge on my P38 DSE. One of them had problems with porous block and the other slipped liners. Just can't remember when the top hat liners came in to solve the slipped liner probs.
IIRC the 4.0 is essentially a 3.9 with GEMS instead of Lucas engine management, they're the same capacity at 3950cc whereas there was more substantial work done to create the 4.6 (I think its not simply stroked). Therefore when they came out in 1995 the early 4.0's had a longer track record than the 4.6's and as a result were probably more reliable. By 2000 when they switched to Thor EMS the 4.6 should have been up to scratch.
If I were in the market for a petrol one, my choice would be simple, a 2000 on 4.6. They've 4 wheel TC with uprated front axle, the Gearbox is matched perfectly to the increased torque, as a 4.6 it will automatically be top spec inside as they were all HSE spec or higher. 2000 brings more reliable electrics (Note I said more, not reliable) and an updated stereo.
As regards the auto/manual debate maybe its an age thing but as a hard charging, tyre squeling 'young' fella a few years back I would have found the thought of me ever driving an auto pitifully laughable. Now, 5 years later, I have 3 autos outside the door and I won't be buying a manual ever again if I can help it (I may be forced to change the wifes Prius for something manual as auto people carriers are like hens teeth and maybe too under-engined to run an auto). The RR driving experience lends itself perfectly to what is a superb auto transmission. Especially with a torquey, silky smooth V8 pushing it around.
BTW those that accuse the DSE of being a noisy slug are doing it a grave disservice. As the pinnacle of indirect diesel injection development, that straight 6 is one of the smoothest and sweetest sounding diesels on the road with an engine note far ahead of any DI engine save maybe the TDV8. Its just not a petrol