Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey guys,

I'm trying to find out some hard facts before I begin throwing money around but cant seem to find definitive info on the early rocky's

I've got a good running 3yc petrol engine but she's needs a little more power to travel at 110k's and drinks too much fuel for the k's she's doing.

I love everything else about the car and don't want to trade up if I can help it.

I was wondering if you guys could shed some light on a few questions I have because the mechanics I've rang have no idea.

Can the 2.8L TD motor be installed straight on to the original transfer case?
Do the engine mounts line up?
Can you use the original petrol tank for diesel?
Do the Air-con lines line up?
Wiring harnesses line up?
What's the actual engine 2.8l TD engine number I need to track down? What other cars is it fitted to?

Is there any other engines out there that are worth thinking about?
I found somewhere a 1.6L applause engine might work?
Would the less capacity but more modern motor produce more power?

Any info would be greatly appreciated I've got the cash now and would like to start sourcing what I need.

First thing that springs to mind, is that the gear ratio (in the diffs I believe) are different from petrol/diesel models. So your gearing will be way out, and you'll end up going slower.

Then the chances of everything lining up, are pretty slim also. At a guess the AC will be differen't, I know the alternator will.

If it where me spending the money, I'd look at rebuilding the current motor or just sorting out whatever is wrong with it, or a v6 commodore transplant if you wan't to go down that road (PM Daihard, i think, off here) he's done it and it goes and sounds awesome. Also said he got better mileage out of it.

If you really are keen on a diesel your best bet would be just to find a diesel Rocky and buy it. I picked up my old NA in good nick for 2k. Should get a TD one for around or under 5k which is prolly close to if not cheaper than what you want to do anyways.


1.6L applause motor???? You must be joking

Or just bite the bullet and buy a real 4wd Thats what I did and as much as I miss my rocky some days, i'd never go back.

Cheers mate,

Well looks like the diesel swap out's more trouble than it's worth by the time I change out the diff's.

Managed to find a little info on the v6 swap, I owned a VN for a year or two so I'm familiar with that engine.

I'm not sure if the bell housing for the mod will fit my transfer case it appears the diesel transfer case may be different.

I'll pm Daihard

Thanks again,

If you want to go down the v6 path i think it would be easier to start with a diesel.They have the gearbox with a detachable bellhousing/taller gearbox ratios and the fuel tank has the return line you will need for fuel injection.
Mine cost about $2400 which included buying a commodore.
And since ROCKY F75 seen it ive fit a speed senor and had it tuned properly and it goes great(it was running in limp mode when i 1st got it running).Ive had it going for about 4 years now and love it i dont thrash it anymore and it nice to drive and good in the bush.

Where are you located elcarter

Diff ratios are different, Diesel 3.36, Petrol 5.?? everything from gearbox back is the same, except you have to change the bellhousing and input shaft on the gearbox.

Heater inputs are on different sides. Wiring harness all wrong from the main connector beside the passenger seat forward. Obviously diesels use different electrics to petrols, especially in the engine bay and dashboard.

I would search around for a F7x Rocky, rather than try to change over an F8x Rocky.