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Hilux 3.8 conversion

Tech Talk for Cruiser owners.

Moderators: toaddog, Elmo, DUDELUX

Posts: 17
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:56 am
Location: noosa

Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by chiso92 »

Hi guys. Just wondering how much work is involved an a rough price on a commo 3.8 conversion into a 1990 diesel hilux. Cheers
Posts: 49
Joined: Sun Sep 21, 2008 5:54 pm
Location: Traralgon,Vic

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by bracar80 »

your best bet is to watch the classified's on here and wait for someone to sell one second hand! otherwise that is a never ending question depending on year of motor, what gear box you are going to run, how much work you can do yourself, if you get it enginered, and not to mention the wiring side of thing's.
If you still want to go ahead with it check out marks 4x4 or pats v6 conversions, both have there ups and downs.
Posts: 1167
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:42 am
Location: campbelltown

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by MogLux »

It is the easiest conversion to do in a lux.... If you can throw a spanner and read a wiring diagram peice of piss.
You can either fab everything yourself or Mark's adaptors can supply just about everything for you to do it. (engine mounts, wiring, g/box adaptor)
My suggestion would be to use an ecotec engine not a VN, VP one you will be dissapointed with power and ecomony.
Hell Raiser 4 seat social buggy..
Thanks to RDG Engineering, OverKill Engineering, Locktup 4x4 and C&D Automotive
drr
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2010 8:19 am

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by drr »

macarthur 4x4 wrote:It is the easiest conversion to do in a lux.... If you can throw a spanner and read a wiring diagram peice of piss.
You can either fab everything yourself or Mark's adaptors can supply just about everything for you to do it. (engine mounts, wiring, g/box adaptor)
My suggestion would be to use an ecotec engine not a VN, VP one you will be dissapointed with power and ecomony.
Even with the ecotec the economy won't be great (terrible), right Brad? Problem is they are designed to be efficient pushing a 1500kg sedan, not a lifted, big wheeled 4wd.
Posts: 1167
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:42 am
Location: campbelltown

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by MogLux »

drr wrote:
macarthur 4x4 wrote:It is the easiest conversion to do in a lux.... If you can throw a spanner and read a wiring diagram peice of piss.
You can either fab everything yourself or Mark's adaptors can supply just about everything for you to do it. (engine mounts, wiring, g/box adaptor)
My suggestion would be to use an ecotec engine not a VN, VP one you will be dissapointed with power and ecomony.
Even with the ecotec the economy won't be great (terrible), right Brad? Problem is they are designed to be efficient pushing a 1500kg sedan, not a lifted, big wheeled 4wd.
I use to get 450-500kms out of mine pushing 38.5 boggers with a 5 speed and 4.88 diffs, so to me thats not that bad
Hell Raiser 4 seat social buggy..
Thanks to RDG Engineering, OverKill Engineering, Locktup 4x4 and C&D Automotive
Posts: 410
Joined: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:30 pm
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by craz3d »

Either do it the right way (3RZ) or the real mans way (v8).


The ecotec, imo, is one of the worst motors ever made for a production car.

Not quite as bad as the starfire though..
Posts: 5256
Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2006 6:49 pm
Location: Melbourne

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by Struth »

I didn't want to be a broken record either, but you should get similar economy and more useable power out of an EFI V8.

Both are engineerable so spend the extra few bucks on the V8.

That is providing you have to upgrade the gearbox anyway.

Cheers
Posts: 228
Joined: Sat Jun 06, 2009 11:22 am
Location: GLADSTONE QUEENSLAND

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by YN67highlux »

craz3d wrote:Either do it the right way (3RZ) or the real mans way (v8).


The ecotec, imo, is one of the worst motors ever made for a production car.

Not quite as bad as the starfire though..
x2
88 hilux - 3rz+ locked
04 prado - that has a second home called toyota service dept
94 comp truck hilux - in the making....
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Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:45 am
Location: Vanuatu/ QLD

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by thrashlux »

YN67highlux wrote:
craz3d wrote:Either do it the right way (3RZ) or the real mans way (v8).


The ecotec, imo, is one of the worst motors ever made for a production car.

Not quite as bad as the starfire though..
x2
haha starfire 4 i had nearly forgotten about them :D :D :D :D :D :D
what a piece of crap to think toyota ever put them in a car with their name on it oh the shame :oops: :oops:
now that would be a great conversion you could get a dellow bellhousing for a red six and bolt one straight in :finger: :finger: :finger:
80 series 1980 hilux cab supra twin turbo engine
1hdfte 80 series
LHD fz 80 series GX
drr
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2010 8:19 am

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by drr »

macarthur 4x4 wrote:
drr wrote:
macarthur 4x4 wrote:It is the easiest conversion to do in a lux.... If you can throw a spanner and read a wiring diagram peice of piss.
You can either fab everything yourself or Mark's adaptors can supply just about everything for you to do it. (engine mounts, wiring, g/box adaptor)
My suggestion would be to use an ecotec engine not a VN, VP one you will be dissapointed with power and ecomony.
Even with the ecotec the economy won't be great (terrible), right Brad? Problem is they are designed to be efficient pushing a 1500kg sedan, not a lifted, big wheeled 4wd.
I use to get 450-500kms out of mine pushing 38.5 boggers with a 5 speed and 4.88 diffs, so to me thats not that bad
Wow, not often you get that sort of economy out of one. I'm sure a lot of blokes would like to know how. Maybe you can help with my FZJ105, I can just crack 1000km's using 140l of unleaded and 70l of LPG, standard tyres, auto. Fuel economy is overrated ;)
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Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:42 am
Location: campbelltown

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by MogLux »

drr wrote:
macarthur 4x4 wrote:
drr wrote:
macarthur 4x4 wrote:It is the easiest conversion to do in a lux.... If you can throw a spanner and read a wiring diagram peice of piss.
You can either fab everything yourself or Mark's adaptors can supply just about everything for you to do it. (engine mounts, wiring, g/box adaptor)
My suggestion would be to use an ecotec engine not a VN, VP one you will be dissapointed with power and ecomony.
Even with the ecotec the economy won't be great (terrible), right Brad? Problem is they are designed to be efficient pushing a 1500kg sedan, not a lifted, big wheeled 4wd.
I use to get 450-500kms out of mine pushing 38.5 boggers with a 5 speed and 4.88 diffs, so to me thats not that bad
Wow, not often you get that sort of economy out of one. I'm sure a lot of blokes would like to know how. Maybe you can help with my FZJ105, I can just crack 1000km's using 140l of unleaded and 70l of LPG, standard tyres, auto. Fuel economy is overrated ;)

I now have a 4lt petrol pathfinder current shape and i get about 16lt/100 its farked.....but a great tow car and thats what i bought it for ,,,.....as it i would ever have a Nissan for going 4wd .. :D

And Yes fuel economy is overrated... :armsup:
Hell Raiser 4 seat social buggy..
Thanks to RDG Engineering, OverKill Engineering, Locktup 4x4 and C&D Automotive
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2010 11:18 am

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by trustyrusty60 »

i wasnt aware the starfire 4 engine was fitted to a toyota from factory .it was a sunbird motor from the uc torana range i thought
Posts: 5256
Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2006 6:49 pm
Location: Melbourne

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by Struth »

trustyrusty60 wrote:i wasnt aware the starfire 4 engine was fitted to a toyota from factory .it was a sunbird motor from the uc torana range i thought
And in the VK commodore :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:45 am
Location: Vanuatu/ QLD

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by thrashlux »

Struth wrote:
trustyrusty60 wrote:i wasnt aware the starfire 4 engine was fitted to a toyota from factory .it was a sunbird motor from the uc torana range i thought
And in the VK commodore :lol: :lol: :lol:
yep TOYOTA :shock:
corona as well :cry:

my mate had one we used to call it the "missfire four" :D :D :D
80 series 1980 hilux cab supra twin turbo engine
1hdfte 80 series
LHD fz 80 series GX
Posts: 616
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Location: Gympie

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by Zookified »

hey mate, have you considered any other engines or are you set on a commo?
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Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by bj on roids »

3RZ

or rebuild the diesel.
hands and mums dont count!!!
Posts: 586
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: brisbane

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by banks001 »

3rz for the win, just did one and im really happy with it,
keep it toyota mate
gen 3 hilux :)
3rz, lockers, gears, trail gear, longs, JT2's
Posts: 40
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:10 pm
Location: Sydney

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by samdumbert »

banks001 wrote:3rz for the win, just did one and im really happy with it,
keep it toyota mate
what fuel consumption are you getting with the 3rz?
Posts: 586
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: brisbane

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by banks001 »

you no wat i havent really looked into that yet, probs say around 500 if ur not hitting limiter everywhere like i do :armsup:
gen 3 hilux :)
3rz, lockers, gears, trail gear, longs, JT2's
Posts: 228
Joined: Sat Jun 06, 2009 11:22 am
Location: GLADSTONE QUEENSLAND

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by YN67highlux »

i get 13ltr/100ks.
88 hilux - 3rz+ locked
04 prado - that has a second home called toyota service dept
94 comp truck hilux - in the making....
Posts: 750
Joined: Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:06 am
Location: gold coast

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by johnsy86 »

go a v8 just for the sound, v6s sound like boats and 3rzs sound like shit lol
Lj80 tuff truck "mr Grumpy"
Posts: 305
Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:40 am
Location: mackay

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by mick80 »

how much roughly would u be looking at a 5 litre commy into a 86 lux?
can you fit the air con and power steering as well?
id have to get a mechanic to do the whole job!
cheers mick
Posts: 25
Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:51 pm
Location: sunshine coast

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by lux_kid »

with the 3rz do they come in the 1996-2000 4runners?,
and if your putting one into a series 3 desiel hilux would i use the hilux running gear or the 4runner's
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Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:45 am
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Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by thrashlux »

lux_kid wrote:with the 3rz do they come in the 1996-2000 4runners?,
and if your putting one into a series 3 desiel hilux would i use the hilux running gear or the 4runner's
i thought they were called a prado at that stage

u dont even need to change the gearbox
you can use a 2wd engine with its bellhousing and put it on your 3l diesel gearbox
easier to use your old box with the mech transfer selection
80 series 1980 hilux cab supra twin turbo engine
1hdfte 80 series
LHD fz 80 series GX
Posts: 586
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: brisbane

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by banks001 »

think they are from like 97 - 03 ? correct me if im wrong, out of work mate hilux or prados

3rz's sound mint, no one belives its a hilux motor,

i used a 2wd engine n belhousing,
with my g52 gear box,
excedy sports tough clutch,
used diesel full tank just give it a clean out,
vl external fuel pump
high pressure fuel lines,
a mate to do the wiring and help to get it in,
used original exhaust,
cost me 2 and a half i think if u include oil, fuel filters ect i think cause got a bargin with the engine that came with everything,

but still need it plated that will cost a lill bit more


3rz for the win, easy conversion if you no wat ur doing, n even if u dont no wat ur doing im sure people can help u on here
Last edited by banks001 on Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
gen 3 hilux :)
3rz, lockers, gears, trail gear, longs, JT2's
Posts: 586
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: brisbane

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by banks001 »

any questions post here or pm me
gen 3 hilux :)
3rz, lockers, gears, trail gear, longs, JT2's
Posts: 750
Joined: Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:06 am
Location: gold coast

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by johnsy86 »

banks001 wrote:easy conversion if you no wat ur doing, n even if u dont no wat ur doing im sure people can help u on here
easy conversion if u kno someone else who can do it for ya lol
Lj80 tuff truck "mr Grumpy"
Posts: 586
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: brisbane

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by banks001 »

like who? rory helped me get it in a wired could have done it myself but it would have taken longer, and being my daily car it cant be off the road from months at a time, i mensioned that i got help, then talked on the phone about some problems :finger:
gen 3 hilux :)
3rz, lockers, gears, trail gear, longs, JT2's
Posts: 112
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 4:14 pm
Location: Brisbane Qld

Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by cristian »

lol micks been under that truck all week/weekend.
84lux.rear coiled on suzuki swift coils and nissan pulsar shockies
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Re: Hilux 3.8 conversion

Post by banks001 »

and bulk drinkin :drinking: and listening to tripple J was done, the neighbours love me hahaha
gen 3 hilux :)
3rz, lockers, gears, trail gear, longs, JT2's
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