Mopar 5.9 V8 opinions

[AndySA]

Hi, I have been having endless problems with the engine in my 1998 Land Rover Discovery and have reached the point of getting rid of it despite it costing me a large wad.

To replace it I am considering a 2003 Dodge Durango that comes with a 5.9 Magnum V8 producing 245 hp. 1st of all how reliable is this engine? And second are there any minor mods that can get a bit more power from it?

Lastly is this a good swop from those of you who know both trucks.

Regards

Andrew

[kevinday]

A Discovery goes round corners! IIRC the Durango has cart springs at the rear, therefore is a bit bouncy. Fuel 'economy' will not be good either.

[Fatboy]

kevinday said:

A Discovery goes round corners! IIRC the Durango has cart springs at the rear, therefore is a bit bouncy. Fuel 'economy' will not be good either.

Actually the new gen crysler V8s aren't quite as thirsty as you'd think - the 5.9 magnum V8 can actually return decent fuel economy for a big SUV - probably no worse than a V8 disco unless you drive everywhere pedal to the metal.

You're right about the handling though - it is basically a 1/2 ton pickup with seats in the load bay

[AndySA]

I ended up going for the Dodge. Must admit I loved it from the moment I started it for the test drive. The engine is stunning, noise, power, everything. It really suits the Durango. And yes it does use a lot of fuel, but only slightly more than the Discovery.

The handling is much better than I expected, especially on rutted dirt tracks, for more refined than the Disco.