Universally_Challenged
Active Member
evening all. easy question. i 'm going to take the plunge and get a year 2000 or so range, so here it is, 4.0 or 4.6?? are the 4.6's really that bad?
nathan5346
Well-Known Member
no worse than the 4.0's i believe
nathan5346
Well-Known Member
dont let gavbriggs hear ya say thatthe 4.0 is supposedly an uprated 3950 engine ie 3.9-personally I'd go for the 4.0 as you hear less disaster stories
classic kev
Well-Known Member
The 4.0l is generally considered to be a bit more spritely than the 4.6 but I suppose if you're going to go for it you may as well go all the way. As long as you understand what the potential pitfalls are who cares if it is 4.0 or 4.6.
The 4.0 lump is drived from the 3.9 which was indeed a variation of the 3.5. This could be good, there is a long pedigree to the lump and lots known about it - where and how it goes wrong - they are not invincible but are very robust if you have a good one and you look after it.
That's my two pennoth.
The 4.0 lump is drived from the 3.9 which was indeed a variation of the 3.5. This could be good, there is a long pedigree to the lump and lots known about it - where and how it goes wrong - they are not invincible but are very robust if you have a good one and you look after it.
That's my two pennoth.
j the range
New Member
i think both have same probs the. with the 4.6 you will get better spec, i got 4.0 and am happy with it, depends what you want just take your time and if poss take some body with you who knows about v8s and r/r goodluck. j
norseman
Well-Known Member
The 4.0 lump is drived from the 3.9 which was indeed a variation of the 3.5. This could be good, there is a long pedigree to the lump and lots known about it - where and how it goes wrong - they are not invincible but are very robust if you have a good one and you look after it.
That's my two pennoth.[/quote]
Any of the 94mm bore engines (3.9/4.0/4.2/4.6) can slip a liner, my 3.9 did & so did my mate's, both after a year running on LPG, co-incidence? The original 3.5 is the stronger lump by far, but if you want a P38 then you have to accept the weaker blocks, the 4.6 reputed to be the worst offender.
That's my two pennoth.[/quote]
Any of the 94mm bore engines (3.9/4.0/4.2/4.6) can slip a liner, my 3.9 did & so did my mate's, both after a year running on LPG, co-incidence? The original 3.5 is the stronger lump by far, but if you want a P38 then you have to accept the weaker blocks, the 4.6 reputed to be the worst offender.
as said they are all 94mm bore so the blocks, the bit that hold the liners IS EXACTLY THE FCUKING SAME on each engine. the difference is the stroke length and piston size. which in turn alters the compression ratio, higher in the 4.6 i believe. but dont let this cloud yer judgement, theyre both crap blocks!!!
the 4.6 has more horse power, round about 220bhp than the 4.0's 190 bhp, but niether car is ever gonna win the traffic light grand prix but if you can keep level with yer oponent hope for ballards to slow him and make him cut in behind you cos he deffo isnt gonna intimidate you!!!
i love em, would buy another tomorrow even with tha hassle!!
the 4.6 has more horse power, round about 220bhp than the 4.0's 190 bhp, but niether car is ever gonna win the traffic light grand prix but if you can keep level with yer oponent hope for ballards to slow him and make him cut in behind you cos he deffo isnt gonna intimidate you!!!
i love em, would buy another tomorrow even with tha hassle!!
Beast o Bodmin
Banned
eightinavee
Well-Known Member
Neither the 4.0 or 4.6 are much good for long life,but I reckon the 4.0 is a smoother unit to use.150,000m and they are pretty tired - thats if the block hasnt cracked ! Shame really,as the p38 is not a rust bucket like the later classics were,but if an engine lets go so many are not worth repairing.
with a new block they can go on for quite a while, assuming the block is replaced, and regulae stuff is done like air bags, servicing etc then theres no reason why the p38 wont become a cherished icon!! get one now and get it into good condition before they end up sought after!
j the range
New Member
thats right soon you will all see error of your way and want p38 run on petrol. you just waiting till petrol is £1 a gallon again lol
j the range
New Member
i only used £20 worth then son took it off me and used the rest have to go to mother in law and ask for more
P38_love/hatething
New Member
"go wash yer mouth out with libfralmilch crout driver "
Love it beast!
I bought a 4.0 HSE a year and a half ago, done about 18k in it, all since getting it converted myself to gas. runs a dream, and i absolutely love it. (at the minute until the next thing goes wrong) reckon its cost a about a grand to keep it going between rear airbags, new compressor, new leads, exhaust gasket, servicing, radius arm bushes, steering damper, etc. It has even overheated about four times, but each time i've cut the engine and had no long term problems. Somewhere (i think in the gas system pipelines) its losing the water, so i just have to keep a good eye on the level. The blend motors need replacing (dist. motor stuck), but like i say i love it, and would have another one any day...
Just try and find a good one!!
"Love it beast!
I bought a 4.0 HSE a year and a half ago, done about 18k in it, all since getting it converted myself to gas. runs a dream, and i absolutely love it. (at the minute until the next thing goes wrong) reckon its cost a about a grand to keep it going between rear airbags, new compressor, new leads, exhaust gasket, servicing, radius arm bushes, steering damper, etc. It has even overheated about four times, but each time i've cut the engine and had no long term problems. Somewhere (i think in the gas system pipelines) its losing the water, so i just have to keep a good eye on the level. The blend motors need replacing (dist. motor stuck), but like i say i love it, and would have another one any day...
Just try and find a good one!!
P38 DUB
New Member
dont know much about the engine them selves had a 99 4.6 for about 6 months now an nothing (touch wood) has gone wrong with the engine. It did need new heater matrix cause the O rings corroded an the cruise control pump is gone but thats about it.
an the 4.6 can hold its own on the lights considering the size of it!
an the 4.6 can hold its own on the lights considering the size of it!
