Revive the old GQ

[ssfabricator]

Hi all i own a 1989 GQ 4.2 diesel NA 410k on the clock. Very reliable but no good for towing the van 2000kg.
Just weighing up weather to rebuild the diesel and add a turbo or go for a fuel injected v8 most likely holden 5.7 or 6.0
Just hoping to get some rough $ figures drive in drive out for both options
or am i flogging a dead horse??

[GUtripper]

Haven't had direct experience, but from talking to people a v8 conversion with late model FI Chevrolet will be somewhere in the range $20-$25k drive in drive out, include the engine. Adaptors, engine mounts, exhaust, radiator, electronics, plus fitting and wiring and getting it all to work.
To fully Rebuild your 4.2 should be about a third of that, maybe less dep on the internals. To add a turbo about 2.5k and another 2k for a decent intercooler, again include all labour etc. Add say $800 for a turbo back exhaust too.

I'd go the diesel, as fun as the v8 sounds.

[SCANAS]

TD all the way!

Get a compression test done on your motor it will probably be ok to turbo without a rebuild, you could always rebuild it later if it needs.

Get your radiator, water pump etc all looked at at the same time.

[ssfabricator]

If

This might be a dumb question but if I put a turbo on and it kills the motor can that damage the
Turbo

[turps]

All depends how much metal it puts into the oil. Or how much of that metal goes out the exhaust ports. Most turbos are rebuildable at a fraction of the cost of replacement if there is any issue.
But if you know the motor and believe it has been well looked after. I would have no issue with fitting a turbo. I was going to turbo mine at 470,000km except I grazed a tree slightly.

really depends how much power you want. If its 200kw's, it aint going to last. If its abit more then go for it.

[nastytroll]

200kw is easy done with bolt ons.

Comp test the engine, drop the sump and fit new big ends and mains, mod the sump for the oil drain while its off.

If a TD42 lets go its usually holed pistons or picked up a piston or more, or rod out the side. They usually stop before killing turboes or the bits are too big

[ssfabricator]

Thanks for the replies im not looking for huge power just want to tow the van a bit easier.
what a fair price for a turbo with installation and a new exhaust?
Also does anyone recommend any mechanics in newcastle or the hunter valley?
Drew

[4WNUT]

I just put an LS1 in my patrol all up the conversion costs $8500. That was me and a mate doin it ourselfs. In that price was his labour also. Im loving the power its crazy.
Paul