3.8 V6 into 2wd hilux

[Sam H]

Hey guys I am located in New Zealand and am keen on placing a 3.8 v6 from a vn commodore (possibly vp but I see more chance of finding a vn) into a 1990-1996 double cab hilux LN60/LN61 (not sure of exact code).
I want to use a manual box with this set up, and it will all be going into a 2wd hilux, sorry Im not into the 4wd at the moment just want a cool work ute. Most likely a diesel ute, as they are more common. I have come accross one at the moment that I am considering getting as it has done a few k's on the deisel and needs a respray, but its cheap which allows me the funds to do the v6 conversion.


This is why I am keen to swap the v6 over, I have seen kits for sale that have all the parts you need for the conversion.
Marks 4WD Adapters being one, is there any others?

I think the best way to do it would be to buy a crashed vn donor vehicle to take the engine out of and any other bits needed. I have read through some threads and one or two sites but none have mentioned using the commodore manual gearbox is this possible? Also have read that the factory toyota gearbox and diff are usable with this conversion but have to be treated carefully. What would the diff and gearbox ratios be like in a 2wd hilux as compared to a 4wd much different for the rear? is it suited for the v6? This will be town driven and highway driven.

Would the commodore fuel pump be able to be swapped over? I would probally look at getting a fuel tank out of a petrol hilux and new fuel lines.

Basically what I am after Is someone to explain to me what bits would be needed for the conversion that I cant get from the donor vehicle. Just electronics interface and mounts/brackets? I cant really make much sence of marks site seems a bit muddled.

Has anyone done this conversion using manual box from a commodore, or what about using the v6 box out of a surf? Supra gearbox maybe?

Any tips for doing the conversion would be greatly appreciated. I have a mechanic to do the work for me if I go through with it but we are both just trying to research it as much as possible first.

Would love the 1UZ-FE in it but alas it would blow my budget.

[mattsluxtruck]

2wd is too easy. If you really want a five speed i would suggest tracking down a complete shitter with five speed in it and just swap motor and box over. Too keep costs down if you can or know someone who can fabricate a set of mounts and gearbox crossmember and just get the tailshaft modified to suit. I would leave standard tank and run an external low pressure pump running to the high pressure efi pump. Just need to fit a fuel return line to tank. Any auto sparky worth their salt should be able to hook up the wiring for it all to run for you. Running a commodore box also allows easy fitment of required speed sensors for the ecu. Some may disagree but i think in your case a conversion kit is a waste of hard earned. Another place for kits but is dellow automotive in sydney and castlemaine rod shop in victoria. All in all but it should be a piece of piss. If you need any other help or ideas drop me a line.
Cheers Matt

[RUFF]

It can be done and you could use the Commodore 5spd. Setting up the clutch would take a little thought but is possible.

This company specialises in V6 conversions http://www.v6conversions.com.au/index.html

[Sam H]

Thanks guys any one out there done the conversion using the commodore 5 speed box?

With this conversion I would like to use the bigger front calipers from a 4wd hilux or surf. Are these able to swap straight over to the front discs on a 2wd hilux? machining required at all? or would I have to swap over the disc/hubs aswell?

[Sam H]

Also what will the hilux diesel diff ratios be like for open road driving and around town driving using the commy 5speed. can anyone estimate how many revs I will be doing at 100km?

[I.M.P.O.S.E]

Also what will the hilux diesel diff ratios be like for open road driving and around town driving using the commy 5speed. can anyone estimate how many revs I will be doing at 100km?

I have a VR commodore with 5 speed. At 100 in 5th it is doing about 1850rpm! That is with 3.08 gears so maybe work it out of there, hope that gives you an idea.

[Sam H]

So pretty straight foward aye heres what I have come up with so far if I miss anything out let me know. This would be the way I plan to do it, I am not the most mechanicaly minded but I am just helping my mechanic mate out to do as much researching as possible. My area of expertise would probally be the way the ute looks.

Get a crashed vn or shitter vn with 3.8 and a 5 speed
Rebuild engine with new rings, bearings, gaskets and seals, new oil for gearbox
New engine mounts/brackets
New gearbox mount/brackets
Get tailshaft modified to suit
Run an aftermarket external fuel pump and get new fuel lines, return line
Use interface's from a conversion kit to wire up to hilux tacho, speedo etc
Set up of clutch (heavy duty) having a whole vn car should be able to use the master and slave cylinders from there if needed along with piping however may need some custom work there.

Also plan to use the 4 piston brakes off a surf

[Hybrid]

Try get a shitter vp. The motor out of em is better and over here a vn or vp bomb are pretty much the same price. Dunno about NZ.

[Sam H]

Thanks for the advise,

Anyone else have any comments on the conversion into a 2wd hilux?
Is what I am thinking pretty much along the lines of the work to be done? I also plan on using a different diff in the future, to strengthen things up. Not sure what sort of diff to custom fit in though.

[Hybrid]

Thanks for the advise,

Anyone else have any comments on the conversion into a 2wd hilux?
Is what I am thinking pretty much along the lines of the work to be done? I also plan on using a different diff in the future, to strengthen things up. Not sure what sort of diff to custom fit in though.

I've been doing this conversion into a 4wd lux for ages now so I've read and looked into a lot of different options. What you've listed seems pretty spot on. Be sure to allow for other things that will need changing but you've got the bulk of it sorted. As for the diff I think you'll find the lux diff to be fine. Guys over here do bust them in 4wds but thats a lot different to the kind of strains put on a pure street diff. These guys run large diameter grippy tyres and mainy only break when the wheels lift and spin then come to an abrupt halt when they land. Many people have mentioned on here how the lux diffs are often put into drag cars no worries. I assume the 2wd lux runs stronger ratios too.

John

[RUFF]

Thanks for the advise,

Anyone else have any comments on the conversion into a 2wd hilux?
Is what I am thinking pretty much along the lines of the work to be done? I also plan on using a different diff in the future, to strengthen things up. Not sure what sort of diff to custom fit in though.

The only thing i dont think you have realised by reading your posts is that the Commodore runs a Cable Clutch and the hilux runs a Hydrolic clutch. So there is a bit of work involved in getting this to work but it could be done.

[Sam H]

Ahh thanks for pointing that out I am not familiar with vn commodores, is vp still cable clutch? What options do I have?

make the hilux run a cable clutch I guess? Prehaps get cable clutch stuff out of an older hilux if older utes came with a cable clutch?

Use a manual gearbox from something else (ford? supra?) that utelises a hydrolic clutch

or use the diesel 5 speed and get bellhousing kit?

[Roctoy]

you have pm

[Mytqik]

Thanks for the advise,

Anyone else have any comments on the conversion into a 2wd hilux?
Is what I am thinking pretty much along the lines of the work to be done? I also plan on using a different diff in the future, to strengthen things up. Not sure what sort of diff to custom fit in though.

Since you are using a 2wd hilux, you will find they have a 5 stud lug pattern, not the 6 studs that the 4x4 use. You will also find that the hubs/discs are smaller on the 2wd, so the larger calipers from the 4x4 may or may not fit.

The 5 stud pattern, is exactly the same as the metric falcon pattern, so you will have a wide range of mags available to you.

As for a diff, I would look for a slipery diff out of a XF model wagon. These will have disc brakes, limited slip centre & also have leaf spring mounts on it. It will also be cheap as.

Hope this helps.

[eed-250]

from what i have experienced the holden/buick/ecotech v6 is a peice of shit. Nothing but problem after problem..
are there any other engines suitable?
How about an RB30 from a VL/Skyline?

[Roctoy]

from what i have experienced the holden/buick/ecotech v6 is a peice of shit. Nothing but problem after problem..
are there any other engines suitable?
How about an RB30 from a VL/Skyline?

i'm sorry you feel that way.

[Hybrid]

from what i have experienced the holden/buick/ecotech v6 is a peice of shit. Nothing but problem after problem..
are there any other engines suitable?
How about an RB30 from a VL/Skyline?

Can you share the problems you had. A fair few guys on here are running these or in the process including me. Would be helpful if we knew what others have had to deal with. I've never really heard of any major dramas.

[I.M.P.O.S.E]

from what i have experienced the holden/buick/ecotech v6 is a peice of shit. Nothing but problem after problem..
are there any other engines suitable?
How about an RB30 from a VL/Skyline?

Can you share the problems you had. A fair few guys on here are running these or in the process including me. Would be helpful if we knew what others have had to deal with. I've never really heard of any major dramas.

Me too! Please explain!

[Dane]

Your radiator is not compatable with the V6 as standard. You will need to run the 3 core diesel radiator as a minimum, with modified inlet and/or (can't remember) outlet ports and a thermo fan. You will also need a hilux to v6 wiring interface kit. I used the one from marks and found it very good. Stick with the commodore g/box as it allows easy use of the factory Vehicle Speed Sensor, which caused me the most trouble when I did my conversion. Other things to consider are power steering and air con. The series II motor from late VNs and VP are far better than the series I.