Sam77's Build Thread

[Sam77]

Hi guys, thought I would start a thread to showcase the modifications i've done and plan to do with my D2 TD% Metropolis! For those of you that know me and my car from on and off the Forums/Facebook pages, you'll know that my Metropolis doesn't go near any serious off-road conditions, i just can't bring myself to take it up anything more than a mild green-lane in fear that i damage a reasonably clean example of the D2. Yes, you guessed it, the most despised combination of words to describe a Landy... SHOW PONY. KERB CRAWLER.

As i was warned prior to purchasing my D2 just over a year ago now, temperamental... This absolutely applies to my one, which severely dropped roadworks in my plans to carry out some improvements.

1. Hunting for revs on idle. This ended up being my fuel pressure regulator.
2. Top end knocking. Probably the most expensive repair i've had to for out for so far... A tappet decided it would rather be shrapnel and destroy the majority of the cylinder head.
3. Loss of power steering. Burst power steering hose and seized PS pump.
4. ABS Light. Shuttle valve within the ABS module.
5. Knocking at the rear of the car. Rear axel bushes.

Since these repairs i've carried out a few small modifications to keep temptation at bay until i have funds to make some more substantial upgrades.

1. Rear window limo tints
2. White LED interior bulbs
3. EGR delete
4. Genuine Landrover cruise control
5. Dinitrol 3 stage treatment to the underbody
6. Mid silencer delete
7. Brass differential plugs
8. Limo tint wind deflectors

And the most recent event... An oil leak from the centrifugal oil filter housing. Great timing as always, upon recovery of a friends car after being in an RTC.

Like every other Disco owner i know, i have two lists... Jobs that NEED done and things i'd like to do...

1. Windscreen seal
2. Repair OEM DVD player and CD player
3. Replace rear mudflap brackets
4. Replace rear step + tow socket bracket
5. Refurbish and Powdercoat alloys
6. Repair headliner
7. Replace OEM spotlights (my passenger side one has interior rust issues)

And of course, the list I can never get close to due to repairs eating up all the money!

1. Snorkell
2. 2" Terrafirma suspension lift
3. 2" Body lift
4. Defender 140mm extended arches
5. 15"x10J ET-32 Tuff Torque modular steel wheels
6. 33/12.50/R15 Maxxis Bighorns
7. 4" extended brake lines
8. Dixon Fabrication bumpers and rocksliders

 

[sierrafery]

Nice one... keep up the good job... though i can't see any connection between your last list and the following part of your first statement:

... my Metropolis doesn't go near any serious off-road conditions, i just can't bring myself to take it up anything more than a mild green-lane....

IMO better spend the money dedicated for those off-road enhancements on invisible but more efficient things like a larger intercooler, a remap and eventually an uprated billet turbo core like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HOOK-TOW.../253655415273?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c1 ... these things will bring the smile on your face when you'll touch the throttle while those from the last list are for more serious off road driving and even though the vehicle will have better ground clearance the on-road capabilities and safety will be inversely affected... Good luck

 

[Sam77]

Nice one... keep up the good job... though i can't see any connection between your last list and the following part of your first statement:
IMO better spend the money dedicated for those off-road enhancements on invisible but more efficient things like a larger intercooler, a remap and eventually an uprated billet turbo core like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HOOK-TOW.../253655415273?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c1 ... these things will bring the smile on your face when you'll touch the throttle while those from the last list are for more serious off road driving and even though the vehicle will have better ground clearance the on-road capabilities and safety will be inversely affected... Good luck

Ah! I should have added i plan to go for a stage 2 map from Storm tuning in the coming months as i've been told it makes a great difference when towing, hence the EGR delete and exhaust changes. I see where you're coming from though, and i'm sure i'll have an army of purists after my head on a stick for saying this but i'm quite set on form over function and good aesthetics. Reliability and preventative measures are more a priority obviously, if i get my way with 33's preventative measures may mean Ashcroft half shafts and re-gearing of the autobox on the other hand will look in to the uprated core as that's the first D2 specific one i've seen an ad for!

 

[sierrafery]

For stage 2 map you deffinitely need at least the bigger intercooler but it doesnt reach it's full benefits without a turbo upgrade too... and with this kind of tuning consider an EGT gauge as compulsory(coolant temp gauge also a winner) if you want to keep the engine on the safe side

 

[Sam77]

For stage 2 map you deffinitely need at least the bigger intercooler but it doesnt reach it's full benefits without a turbo upgrade too... and with this kind of tuning consider an EGT gauge as compulsory(coolant temp gauge also a winner) if you want to keep the engine on the safe side

Noted! Any recommended manufacturers for vehicle specific intercoolers that wont break the bank? I had toyed with the idea of fitting an EGT gauge also, would be good to find a well fitting gauge pod

 

[sierrafery]

The cheapest i found at my time was the Britpart one about 9 years ago and it's still going strong, for auto is this one: https://www.island-4x4.co.uk/discov...mance-intercooler-britpart-da4631-p-2953.html for my EGT nd ECT gauges i used a universal double A pillar pod and looks like this(neglect the mud on the windscreen :

this kind of gauge pod needs very little trimming with the angle grinder inside and at the bottom edge to fit like you can see, it's completely empty inside so no probs if you have speaker on the pillar, important is to get 52mm gauges, mine is the exact LHD version of this https://www.ebay.ie/itm/2-52mm-Pill...425718?hash=item41bae4b7f6:g:-FUAAOSwUKxYZnfZ

 

[Sam77]

They look like a great fit! Especially being a universal one! Saved that intercooler for pay day haha, thanks @sierrafery!