So, we had all day Sunday building the engine back up. By 5PM engine was complete with the exception of the flywheel and reluctor ring as it needed to come off the engine stand to get access to the rear end.

Monday morning (well actually a 10:30 start as had to pop into work first) & fitted the reluctor ring with the JLR tool and fitted the flywheel, locked it in place with the locking tool and torqued up. Final item was front crankshaft bolt, that's proper, proper tight!

Dragged it out of the garage towards it's home. (note the JLR patented bonnet stay )

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Here's a list of the 'special tooling' required to complete the rebuild, whilst some are probably not critical, I'd prefer to go by the book, then when it doesn't work, I can hand on heart say I've done my absolute best!

Laser 7676 TDV8 Timing tool set
JLR-310-246 F.I.P. Timing Tool
JLR-310-248 Guide Pins F.I.P.
JLR-310-247 Setting Tool F.I.P.
303-1244 Aligner Cam Cover
303-1237 Installer - CKP Sensor
303-1121 Front Seal Installer
303-1122 Front Seal Sleeve

I'll probably keep hold of all the tooling so if anyone in the future ever needs a loan of it, I'm sure we can sort something out. L405 SV Autobiography LWB SDV8, finished in Aston Martin China Grey by ETO division.

Oh yeah sorry, it started up just fine and sounds nice and smooth. Hopefully get it finished off in a few days as I have work committments, but once finished and the cars actaully cleaned, I'll post up some pics.

Thanks all - it's been a blast! L405 SV Autobiography LWB SDV8, finished in Aston Martin China Grey by ETO division.

Wow you didn’t hang about! 😳 well done 👏🏻

Just to close this out, 2 thousand miles in and running perfectly!
Keeping my fingers crossed that's it's going to behave this time!

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That is some work well done.

Man I wish I were able to do something like that, excellent job!

Well, hat of to you sir, that is an outstanding job

I have to say I like the number plates, very swish

I find myself in a very similar position with a 2012 L322 4.4 TDV8 .. I'm going to pull the engine to inspect what has actually failed but i might be your first " Please can i hire you tools " customer .. Pray for me

If you need any info or have any queries, happy to help. If you decide to rebuild, we can sort out the tool hire. I've also a spare block, rods and pistons, but lets hope it doesn't come to that! L405 SV Autobiography LWB SDV8, finished in Aston Martin China Grey by ETO division.

*** duplicate post ***

If you need any info or have any queries, happy to help. If you decide to rebuild, we can sort out the tool hire. I've also a spare block, rods and pistons, but lets hope it doesn't come to that! L405 SV Autobiography LWB SDV8, finished in Aston Martin China Grey by ETO division.

Just a final update - 15K in and 3 oil changes and all running perfectly, dpf is behaving and getting good distances between regens (anything from 250 to 750 miles). Think I'm finally starting to trust it again!

And here's the funny thing - the short block I've had on order from December 23, I finally got an update on, it should be avialable in the next month! Buddy at LR has found out that due to the amount of buy backs LR has had to do on the 4.4, they have commisisoned Ford to manufacture some more units, apparently they are going through final bench testing now. Question is, do I buy it as there are only a certain amount being produced, just in case....

Mike L405 SV Autobiography LWB SDV8, finished in Aston Martin China Grey by ETO division.

If it were me I would. It won't be a bad investment either way.

I'd done the man maths and come to the same conclusion, better to have it sitting for a rainy day. When I move on from the SDV8, I'm sure there will be a market for a genuine crated short block. The fact that the short block is not based on an exchange core is also in my favour.

You never know, you may see it in the 'For Sale' section on here! L405 SV Autobiography LWB SDV8, finished in Aston Martin China Grey by ETO division.