Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi all, Just a thought I want to put out there for all the kia people. I was thinking that the V6 commodore motor would be a good fit into a sportage. Physically it would fit no probs and since a commodore ute uses the same type of gearbox ( getrag , different bellhousing pattern obviously) I was wondering if anyone else has had the same thoughts. All that extra grunt would take care of any gearing issues from bigger rubber. What do you think ???

I have a V6 auto and Hilux tcase to go in mine. (settling into a new house ATM, but this will be next years project)

Would need stronger diffs, I've broken 2 front diffs with the 2 litre engine.

Ideally a SAS using GQ diffs, or Bundera front/Surf or Hilux or Prado rear to get the right clearances to chassis.

Also need to think about your options for tcases, not all will bolt up to the getrag gearbox and the OE Kia one isn't strong enough anyway.

G'day damkia, your the second person thats told me that the oe getrag isnt that strong. Maybe Im not going hard enough to break it ( good and bad ) but ive never heard of one breaking. Even the getrags in BMW's that ive worked on for 13 years never break. They get a bit rattly in the idlers but never break,and these are in everything from 318's to M5's. The commodore getrag doesnt look any bigger physically and ive never heard of them breaking. Maybe I need my ears cleaned out eh.

The tcase is NOT Getrag, and I've stripped the chain gears on one of them (as have a few other ppl I have been in contact with).

Do you intend on running only 2wd? If so then you should be OK, but if you want 4WD then you must start looking at other parts of the equation other than the gearbox itself.

I seriously doubt there is an adapter made for the Commo Getrag to anything resembling a tcase, and a divorced case will limit your options as well as make the drivetrain too long (driveshaft angles, etc).

The Alloytec engine is too long to fit in the engine bay, so we are stuck with the Ecotec.

I spoke to the guys at marks 4wd adaptors and they said they dont do a kit and would not be up for a one off job. Where is the commitment I ask myself. Anyway, I know this is bit nitpicky but the transfer case is not the gearbox so If peeps out there are stripping transfers this to me idicates that the gearbox is ok. It doesnt solve any problems though eh. If you could get a kit for a v6, and the t/case cant hack it, whats the point. Unless , hilux auto and t/case + V6 commodore ecotech. Marks have gotta do a bellhousing kit for those you would think. Is this what you were thinking for your hilux bits?

People have been stripping both transmission and transfer case, along with front diffs.

Marks have gotta do a bellhousing kit for those you would think. Is this what you were thinking for your hilux bits?

Yes they do (an adapter kit for 4L60 transmission to Hilux or to GQ tcase), and yes I have...

Ecotec (have) - 4L60E (have) - adapter (have) - Hilux tcase (have) - GQ diffs (not sourced yet).

A LOT of work, and the project WILL NEED ENGINEERING INPUT FROM THE BEGINNING if you want it streetable.

this might help make some decisions easier for you


if you want to put the 3.8 into the jack (or any vehicle) and you have an auto then the the comodore 3.8 will bolt straight up to the auto bellhousing but you will need to modify the jack torque converter (or just the feet so it will bolt up to the v6 flex plate) and then do the engine mounts and wiring and your all set to go but remember this only works on the automatic transmission as it is a slightly different pattern to the manual bellhousing i hope this helps others out there

this also works with any vehicle with an asin warner auto g/box as the 94 jackeroo/rodeo auto bellhousing will bolt to this g/box and these g/boxes are found in a variety of cars including toyota's so if you have a car with an asin warner auto then all you need is a bellhousing from a 94 jackaroo/rodeo and a slightly modified converter and your in buisiness without having to spend $$$$$$ for a marks addaptor

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thanks for the info mate. I reckon the commo motor is the way to go for any V6 transplant. Its soooooo simple, strong ,reliable,cheap, no timing belt, cheap to repair etc... Get a front cut and use the complete harness and ecu. sweet as. I know i keep harping on about the getrag thing but have they broken while doing hardcore stuff or normal/moderate/beach wheelin. I'm just concerned because i give mine a right flogging on road but dont really do the full on stuff offroad, mostly trail driving and beach(fraser,moreton,double island) but I know the car is pretty capable and have never been stuck anywhere. But if I push it harder am I gonna break it or will I have to be going mental to break it.