The Range Rover Rover V8 3.9L is a 3,947 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1995. It features a pushrod OHV valvetrain, two valves per cylinder, and Lucas electronic fuel injection. In standard form it delivers 130 kW (177 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, providing smooth, linear power delivery suited to luxury off‑road touring.
Fitted to the Classic Range Rover (LWB and CSK variants) and early Discovery Series I, the 3.9L V8 was engineered for robustness, refinement, and effortless torque at low engine speeds. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and closed‑loop fuel control, allowing Euro 1 compliance across European markets.
One documented concern is head gasket failure due to thermal stress in the original wet‑liner aluminum block design, highlighted in Land Rover Service Bulletin LR‑SB‑92‑08. This issue stems from uneven cylinder head clamping force under repeated thermal cycling. From 1993, Land Rover introduced a multi‑layer steel (MLS) head gasket and revised coolant routing to mitigate failures.
All production years 1989–1995 meet Euro 1 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0452).
The Range Rover Rover V8 3.9L is a 3,947 cc pushrod V8 petrol engineered for full‑size luxury SUVs (1989–1995). It combines Lucas electronic fuel injection with a durable OHV architecture to deliver smooth, torque‑rich performance. Designed to meet Euro 1 standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability over high specific output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,947 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 71.0 mm | |
| Power output | 130 kW (177 PS) @ 4,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Lucas 14CUX electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.35:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with mechanical fan and viscous coupling | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, non‑interference) | |
| Oil type | ACEA A3/B3 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The OHV V8 delivers smooth, torque-rich performance ideal for off-road and highway use but requires attention to cooling system integrity to prevent head gasket failure. Use of correct 10W‑40 oil meeting ACEA A3/B3 is essential for lifter and cam lubrication. Vehicles used for frequent short trips or towing without adequate warm-up are at higher risk of thermal stress—ensure full warm-up cycles and inspect for coolant contamination in oil. Post-1993 engines feature MLS head gaskets per LR‑SB‑92‑08, significantly improving reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 (10W‑40) specification (Land Rover Owner Handbook LWB‑1990). Not compatible with modern low-viscosity oils.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1989–1995 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0452). Confirmed compliance across EU/UK markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on Range Rover Classic LWB and Discovery I (Land Rover PT‑1994).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V8‑3900, LR‑SB‑92‑08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0452)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover Rover V8 3.9L was used across Land Rover's Classic and Discovery I platforms with longitudinal mounting and no third‑party licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Discovery and updated cooling ducting in the Range Rover LWB—and from 1993 the MLS head gasket upgrade per Land Rover Service Bulletin, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (Land Rover TIS V8‑3900). The engine ID plate reads "3.9 V8" followed by production sequence. All 3.9L units feature a black plastic air cleaner housing and Lucas 14CUX ECU mounted on the firewall. Critical differentiation from 3.5L V8: 3.9L has larger bore (94.0 mm vs 90.5 mm) and unique intake manifold casting number (AMR5787). Pre-1993 units use composite head gasket (part V839‑11010‑AA); post-1993 uses MLS gasket (V839‑11010‑AB) per LR‑SB‑92‑08.
The Rover V8 3.9L's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure due to thermal stress in the original wet-liner aluminum block, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips, towing, or cooling system neglect. Land Rover internal quality reports from 1994 indicated a measurable uptick in head gasket claims before 120,000 km in pre-1993 builds, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to basic catalyst design. Inadequate warm-up cycles increase thermal gradients across the head, making coolant maintenance and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1989–1995) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1989–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER ROVER-V8-3-9L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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