Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Have been looking at the cost of rebuilding the 3.5 in my '85 4 speed 110 and the possible alternative of a simple engine conversion - I dont want bulk power or even fuel injection, just a simple and reliable engine with a bit more power/torque than a 3.5

Mark's adaptors do the 253/308 conversion kit for under a grand
http://www.marks4wd.com/RR-Holden-V8.html
which includes engine mounts and leaves the gearbox in the original position. Given that a 253/308 is cheap, carbed and similar size to a rover V8, I cant see too many issues with this conversion. I dont have a/c and am guessing I could use a holden power steering pump with the 110 box.

From what I can find, the cast iron holden engines are about 40-50 kg heavier which can be corrected with heavier front springs, (probably about the same weight as an Isuzu 3.9) and shouldnt make a major difference to the handling - its not a sports car.

Even a red or blue 253 makes a fair bit more torque and hp than a 3.5 and is cheap to buy, rebuild and modify.

What are your thoughts - am I missing something obvious here which means this wouldnt be a cheap and simple conversion?

You will probably have to run a black motor as most states won't let you put in a motor older that the car it is going into due to pollution equipment.

Other than that, you may need to change the radiator and you will probably need custom headers as from memory most of the stock Holden ones want the exhaust to go thru the middle of the chassis rail, or that may be chevs.

Mark2 wrote:Have been looking at the cost of rebuilding the 3.5 in my '85 4 speed 110 and the possible alternative of a simple engine conversion - I dont want bulk power or even fuel injection, just a simple and reliable engine with a bit more power/torque than a 3.5

Mark's adaptors do the 253/308 conversion kit for under a grand
http://www.marks4wd.com/RR-Holden-V8.html
which includes engine mounts and leaves the gearbox in the original position. Given that a 253/308 is cheap, carbed and similar size to a rover V8, I cant see too many issues with this conversion. I dont have a/c and am guessing I could use a holden power steering pump with the 110 box.

From what I can find, the cast iron holden engines are about 40-50 kg heavier which can be corrected with heavier front springs, (probably about the same weight as an Isuzu 3.9) and shouldnt make a major difference to the handling - its not a sports car.

Even a red or blue 253 makes a fair bit more torque and hp than a 3.5 and is cheap to buy, rebuild and modify.

What are your thoughts - am I missing something obvious here which means this wouldnt be a cheap and simple conversion?

Something to read>

http://www.aulro.com/modules.php?name=F ... 9f384eeab2

Michael.

A blue 253/ 308 will be ok, they were available up to 85'.

=
Something to read>

http://www.aulro.com/modules.php?name=F ... 9f384eeab2

Michael.

Thanks - enjoyed the read.

My conversion would be far simpler due to using a non injected engine..
Mark's sell block hugging headers for about the same price as it will cost me to replace the rusty ones on my 3.5 so thats OK.

But, I DONT want to have to massage my 110 firewall - would there be more clearance for a distributor here than on a rangie?

What is the space like behind the 3.5 ? and is there room above the rear of the inlet manifold for the holden dizzy, there are low profile electronic dizzy's for the holden v8 that will help with the clearance.

just move the engine forward 15-25mm solves all issues.

redrill engine and gearbax mounts with hole relocated.

I would probaly move forward 20mm

Michael.

i had a red motor holden V8 in my Rangie (painted black) and put a blue motor polution inlet manifold on it , it passed engineering

I have some extractors to suit that should fit you defender that were out of my Rangie (holden V8) that you can have for a slab.

Have you thought of fitting a 4BD1 Isuzu diesel?. I can hear all the (Here he goes again about the bloody 4BD1 again!!!)

They came out in countys and are an easy fit.

JC

Loanrangie wrote:What is the space like behind the 3.5 ? and is there room above the rear of the inlet manifold for the holden dizzy, there are low profile electronic dizzy's for the holden v8 that will help with the clearance.

The firewall is off at the moment and the engine/box are out. I recall there being a fair bit of space as the large Donaldson type air cleaner sat behind the manifold and above the bell housing

just move the engine forward 15-25mm solves all issues.

redrill engine and gearbax mounts with hole relocated.

I would probaly move forward 20mm

Michael.

My chassis has just been galvanised and I dont want to touch it with a drill or a welder, nor deal with the need for altered length drive shafts
I suspect the 110's have a fair bit more space behind the motor but I will have to verify this
Looked at some prices of 253's today (trading post) quite a few around in apparently good condition for <$500.

Have thought about 4BD1's however I think unless I find a wrecked 110 with one already fitted the bits are going to be hard to find and still a lot more expensive than a 253 which is quieter, smoother, has way more power and similar torque. Dont get me wrong, if it had a 4BD1 in it, I'd leave it there! I've also heard the chassis engine mounts are different but this might just be a rumor......

I've also got a 85 county v8 and there is heaps of room behined the engine (at least 200 mm) I don't know if the Holden v8 is any longer but my rover v8 is a tight fit at the front with the thermo fans fitted,but the dizzy at the back should not be an issue.

Cheers Jon.

crackajack wrote:I've also got a 85 county v8 and there is heaps of room behined the engine (at least 200 mm) I don't know if the Holden v8 is any longer but my rover v8 is a tight fit at the front with the thermo fans fitted,but the dizzy at the back should not be an issue.

Cheers Jon.

Thanks - I had a feeling there was a bit of room back there (I need to start reassembling this thing) I dont know if the holden engine is longer than a 3.5 but I think it is wider hence the need for the tight extractors

Don't know why you'd bother with a 253 underpowered bits o crud, cubic inches are your friend 350chev can be had for not alot more and alot more worthwhile than the gain of a 253, ATLEAST opt for a 308

cloughy wrote:Don't know why you'd bother with a 253 underpowered bits o crud, cubic inches are your friend 350chev can be had for not alot more and alot more worthwhile than the gain of a 253, ATLEAST opt for a 308

I know the 253 is not that highly thought of but its still a lot better than a 3.5!

I was thinking better economy and probably easier to get the conversion approved but most people I talk to are saying go the 308 for better bottom end torque. If I can get it approved in QLD I wont take much convincing....... However I think a 350 chev is overkill for a 110 or at least my needs - I dont want to start an endless cycle of drivetrain replacements. Still, the LT95, salisbury rear diff and front County CV's which I already have should be up to a 308 at least.

Does anyone know if a 253/308 is taller than a 3.5? - I dont want to be doing a body lift just to get bonnet clearance..........

Spoke to QLD transport today -they said I can put up to a 5 litre petrol motor into an '85 county - looks like a 308 it will be.
Sourced the following dimensions - looks like there wont be any drama's in this regard.
Width: 560 mm
Height (crank centerline to top of aircleaner) : 470 mm
Length: 737 mm
Weight : 213 kg