Outer Limits 4x4 Board

hey guys
im looking at doing an engine conversion from the 2.8 td to a commy motor and box into an 88 hilux just wondering if there where any shops that have done this around the newcastle area or is the closest place in sydney? any recomendations on on past experiences or advice of what shops have done a good job or just some names of places would be great.
ive had a search around and cant find any in newcastle and i know there are many in sydney but have no idea where to start.
cheers sam

How good are you swinging a spanner? I'm pretty sure you can buy just about everything to bolt in a V6 these days... You can save thousands DIY

HiTech 4x4 down here in Penrith have done a tonne of these, though not sure how soon they could fit one in.
http://www.hitech4x4.com.au/default.php

Craig at Nova Auto Innovations has done this conversion as far as I am aware.

1 Swan Street
Hamilton, NSW 2303
02 4961 2887

Yerr well I'm currently a 3rd yr plant mechanic I know me way around the tools alright just not having done this before neither any of my mates im not sure about getting started and getting stuck half way through and have no idea wat I'm getting myself into my main concern is fitting a different gearbox to the current low profile cross member will one bolt straight up if soo which one is best and any help with doing it myself like what trouble I could run into would be excellent.
cheers

diy it it a peice of cake you can buy every thing needed check out marks4wd.com heaps of info on it.

Off the top of my head, Adnum Automotives at Heatherbrae, JT Performance in Cardiff (unrelated to the defunct JT Engineering who still owe me money), 4-b-action in Cardiff or 4WD solutions in Singleton.

I'm sure that there are others but I can't think of them right now.

A lot of other places that have done conversions in the past have stopped doing them because there's more money in mundane servicing.

The reality is that most of these conversions are done by the owners, not by a workshop.

Thanks heaps for all the info.
Now I just have to decide if I wanna go for it myself and hope for the best. Also how would the 5 speed toyota box stand up to a commo v6 or would I be better off spending the extra money and getting another box for it?
Cheers

barnsy wrote:...would the 5 speed toyota box stand up to a commo v6...

Why not go V6 Auto onto hilux Transfer ?

You best piece of advice I can give is speak to Athol before you do anything so you know it can be engineered.

I will be using him when i do mine and I am going to use him for some work stuff as well.

Nick

As I have never done this conversion or neither any of my mates I'm unsure as whats best to be done. And at the same time I'm trying to to this as cheap as I can without cutting corners I would rather do it right spend the extra money the first time around rather than having troubles for months afterwards. If someone could point me in the right direction as what box and commo motor would best suit I've heard the vp series 2 would be my best option. But unsure if this is true or what box to use?
Also if I use commo motor and auto how do the sticks line up in the hole and does the gearbox crossmember need to be modified and transfer. Is there Anything else that has to be modified for this to be done and not just bolt up. Im just tryining to find out what I'm getting myself into before I go ahead with it. As much info as you guys could give me on doin the conversion myself would be great.

I will list what I would do and why but I am no god at this.


VN Series 2 or Vp engine. The VN S1's are differant and restricts the options for replacements engine should you blow it up.

V6 to 5 Speed Manual - mine isnt a comp truck and the auto's can get expensive. Serious comp work go auto.

Buy the Marks gearbox to v6 adaptor using hilux clutch and fly wheel.

Use the marks Engine mount kit or make your own ( i got the GQ engine mounts through Ian at Manell, Pick them tomorrow, easy to deal with )

Where possible buy a complete car to use as the transplant.

Try and use the engine with the layout holden have. This will mean relacement parts are easier to get and arent custom every time you need a belt etc.

You will need a surge tank and lift pump to run the efi.
http://www.toymods.net//forums/showthread.php?t=467
The above link give you a good idea of what you need.

Wiring, PM Killalux - http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/profile.p ... file&u=137

And see if he can do a loom. I am using him as he is easy to deal with and helps with any questions I have.

Think about tools you will need, Engine Crane, Welder etc and where you will do it.

Allow your self heaps of time and dont rush it.

If you need any help, think about exaclty what you need to know, take pictures if need be and post them up here with a logical question.
If you think about what you are going to ask and its a sensible question OL will help.

I'll stop this dribble know.

Nick

The commode 4L60 (turbo 700R4) auto, like all GM autos, is assembled mostly from the front. The output shaft, which has to be changed over to the modified one to connect to the hilux transfer case is basically the first piece to go into the trans case during assembly, so changing the shaft means that the entire guts have to come out of the box, swap the shaft then reassemble... That's several hours labour to an auto guy. On top of that, you need a trans cooler, auto shifter and convert the pedals (remove clutch, blank hole in firewall, fit auto brake pedal or fit wide face to original manual brake pedal).

In contrast, the manual bellhousing and flywheel changes are easily done by anyone with basic tools.

While I'd personally prefer an auto, if you're going for the lowest budget, keeping the existing manual box is going to be a lot cheaper than going auto.

With the surge tank and fuel filter mounted under the vehicle, don't forget to mount them as high as possible and fit a bash guard underneath.

Since you're taking out a diesel, don't forget to fit the commode carbon canister. The fuel tank breather has to be extended to the canister, and the 2 other hoses on the canister go to the throttle body as in the commode. The fuel filler cap has to be a non-vented one (most are, but it's not compulsory on diesels as it is for petrol) and you have to have an "unleaded fuel only" label visible when filling (eg sticker near filler or marked on cap).

Unless the exhaust system from the commode is transplanted complete with all the original mufflers and pipe diameter, you'll need a stationary noise test.

Athol wrote:Unless the exhaust system from the commode is transplanted complete with all the original mufflers and pipe diameter, you'll need a stationary noise test.

I found that one out the hard way, failed the first time by 2.8dB

barnsy wrote:hey guys
im looking at doing an engine conversion from the 2.8 td to a commy motor and box into an 88 hilux just wondering if there where any shops that have done this around the newcastle area or is the closest place in sydney? any recomendations on on past experiences or advice of what shops have done a good job or just some names of places would be great.
ive had a search around and cant find any in newcastle and i know there are many in sydney but have no idea where to start.
cheers sam

Jamie Way (BBM Newcastle/Charmhaven) should be able to help you.

sierrajim wrote:Jamie Way (BBM Newcastle/Charmhaven) should be able to help you.

I knew there were others I'd forgotten. Jamie was one of them.

http://www.the4x4specialist.com.au/

being an app spaner spinner you should do it yourself so when i busts shit down the track you know whats where and where to start.i would spend the extra and go auto cause if you give the 5sp half a hard time you will bust more than one and there is nothin worse than busting the same stuff over &over.plus v6 auto is a really nice combo to drive.if you pay someone do not use Kyles conversions as i have heard heaps of bad reports from there.having been involved with a few conversions it'd atack it you can buy everything including wiring from marks but there was a hilux with all this done wrecking in maitland not to long ago on this sight that was cheap enough.