v8 engines & conversion info required

[fatassgq]

Hey all,
Just wondering if there is anyone on the board with experience with chev 454's in particular the multipoint fuel injected variety.

Am thinking this may be a good way to go for the patrol. I know that "Antman" from 4wd monthly was puting one in his patrol but have not seen any articles on progress for a long time. I will be putting infront of the nissan 5 speed.

Marks does all the adaptors etc but what else would cause major headaches over say using a gen 3? [am still not sold on these motors]

I am still undecided on which way to go so all info good and bad on the motors and conversion would be unreal.

Thanks for any info
Brian

[Bartso]

hey mate i cant really see a problem with the conversion there is only a problem with the auto behind it should be bolt in one bit of advice i wish i did was keep the standard nissan power steer pump

i know on my 5L the pump sits above the steer box only clears it by 5mm recently engine mount broke and pump is damaged due to it hitting the box now its leaking

[bigbluemav]

I reckon a big block would be perfect!! Heaps of torque way down low.

The problem I see with smaller V8's is that the power, which is huge, doesn't come on 'til late. Big block = heaps of torque way down low =

Regards

[fatassgq]

ok been talking to a mate of mine who is right into motors etc and he reckons that for the money it might be an option to just get a VN onwards 304 v8 and supercharge it.

They get gobs of torque way down low and just the standard motor with low boost. Could pick a motor up for a lot cheaper and the holden conversions are a lot more popular (therefore easier to get info).

Cool factor would be right up there with big block too I reckon.

Will have to get some specs on power and torque and at how many revs.

I think the charger cost would put it out of price range though personally.

[adam.s]

supercharging that old engine is a lot easier too if it's still carby

[ozy1]

supercharging that old engine is a lot easier too if it's still carby

VN's are injected.

[shakes]

forced induction + carby's = many headaches and annoying bugs

[jessie928]

mayte if you want a engine with GOBS of torque and POWER on tap down low and up high

if you also want reliability, dependability and something that you dont have to modify for extra power, then stick the big block 454 ( go 502 if u ask me )
straight in your vehicle.

Its no different than a smallblock in the patrol, just a little bigger, there is heaps of room....

Cheers,
JEs

[Bartso]

yes supercharging the VN V8 this is what is also on my list of things to come

[BowTieGQ]

I'm currently doing my homework on a LPG 383 Chev into my GQ. A healthy, torquey motor will cost less than a rebuilt big block. But yes, I am trying to find out options for a 454. There is no substitute for cubes. Cooling isn't a problem. In fact, I havn't found one yet except expense.

[BowTieGQ]

I'm currently doing my homework on a LPG 383 Chev into my GQ. A healthy, torquey motor will cost less than a rebuilt big block. But yes, I am trying to find out options for a 454. There is no substitute for cubes. Cooling isn't a problem. In fact, I havn't found one yet except expense.

[bru21]

gen 3 is 214 kgs. i would hate to know what a big block is. the way i look at it is that few on the comp scene care about weight. it is a place to look for serious competitive advantage. i have saved 115kg on my motor swap - its like a fat c^&t just hopped out of you engine bay. reducing weight increases effective torque. i went the gen 3 and dual transfers. high hp high reving for the open stuff and as much crawl as i need.

cheers bru

[fatassgq]

Thanks bru21 I was hoping to hear from you at some stage.
for interest sake I think the big block (ls7?) is almost double the weight of the gen3

I do think the gen 3 would be plenty of power I am just concerned as it has not been done much before. I guess if you didn't mind then you are a good one to talk to to find out what is needed.

I have also heard so many horror stories on the gen3 motors. I know that a lot of it is prolly shit but it still gets ya thinking.

The motor that I do go with will have to be injected and I don't want to touch lpg as it is just another headache. Gas only is not an option. A 383 would be a sweet thing but I don't know enough about putting late model heads and injection on a stroker motor.

Keep the info flowing it is good.

Cheers
Brian

[BowTieGQ]

Cheapest option would then be to get a TPI 350. The 383 option is only a little more than a reground crank, but only if you get a cast crank. Forged will be lots more (try about $2G!). About $2G for a rebuilder TPI or $1G for the EFI setup alone. Either will come with loom and ECU. Heaps of hot rod places can supply wiring looms, about $1G. A Scat 383 cast crank about $350 - $450. Maybe Corvette aluminium heads at about $1G second hand. Equivalant to a mild set of fuellies in cost and performance at half the weight. Might even find a Corvette TPI 350! I prefer straight LPG for comparable perfomance, if built to suit, but cheaper running costs. Having said all that, everyone is different.

[fatassgq]

Yeah that sounds good bowtie GQ

Spoke to a engine guy the other day and he said big blocks are a nightmare and VERY heavy. Although the diesel in there at the moment is prolly still just as heavy or more so. A lot of tow trucks use big blocks so I reckon they would be pretty good. I would still like to be able to tow another vehicle if need be and the low down grunt would be great. By the time ya stroke out a 350 to 383 it may end up similar cost and still prolly not as much grunt.

Only reason I don't want gas only is cause I still want to be able to fill the tank with a jerry can if need be.

I will start hunting up tpi motors and shit and start doing some sums.

Anyone with contacts to good motors/mechanics etc in brisbane area chime in please. Will prolly just get a motor from one of the big mobs down south and go from there

Cheers for all the comments

Brian

[Bartso]

already mentioned barsby spares mate
told them i was doing a conversion and they sent everything needed to do it

[adam.s]

supercharging that old engine is a lot easier too if it's still carby

VN's are injected.

isn't he doing it to a patrol ?

[adam.s]

forced induction + carby's = many headaches and annoying bugs

not from what I have read.

if it's setup to suck through the carby, it's really not that hard.

you obviously can't intercool it, but s/c's don't really need an intercooler anyway.

when I attempt supercharging my L28 I will let you guys know how it goes.

[MKPatrolGuy]

forced induction + carby's = many headaches and annoying bugs

not from what I have read.

if it's setup to suck through the carby, it's really not that hard.

you obviously can't intercool it, but s/c's don't really need an intercooler anyway.

when I attempt supercharging my L28 I will let you guys know how it goes.

Carbys on forced induction engines need to be boost referenced.

[bru21]

Thanks bru21 I was hoping to hear from you at some stage.

Cheers
Brian

you have my number.

it is true that gen 3 use some oil but all similar high compression shortish stroke motors do. especially when wankers don't let them run in, show off to their mates before the motor has its first build up of oil pressure out the driveway of the dealer and wonder why it uses oil after 2000klms. the amount is always being argued about but i am not at all concerned if it is not affecting power, smoking noticebly or a real (not people talking shit) relialbility issue. i got a 2002 vx, the newer the better i have been told - they have the bigger injectors too. i got a 6mth warrenty too. if they were a terrible motor the tabloids would have milked it by now
2 mates have 300kw plus (f/w k/w) and their's are still a1. 1 even has over 100 000 on it.

it hasen't been done lots yet cause its dearer and harder than a 5lt etc. you have to make your own chassis and engine mounts, build headers as no aftermarket ones fit, get a camaro rear drop sump and dipstick etc so there is a lot to it. but i have seen motors go for $3500 so price wise its getting there.

dusty had one at the last winch challange and it went hard. only thing is the firing order is different to the old chevs and they tend to break up when you back off and sound a bit average - like a 253.

i nearly bought 1 of the last 3 crate tpi 350 chevs in aus from f truck spares. but they wanted $4500 with no computer (look at $1500 plus) and they are heavy so i could not justify it. and little things too made the decision more sound like i needed flywheel bolts - $12 from holden in stock.

give us a ring if you need more info or want a geeze

cheers bru