80 Series Engine Conversion

[Mike Amen]

I've got a petrol 80 series cruiser with a manual trans. Can anybody help me with a few engine conversion questions. ???
I'm thinking of replacing the 4.5L petrol with a V8 petrol of some sort. But am not sure if I should go for a Chev or Holden motor? Or if I should use a UCF20R*Toyota V8? What sort of fuel economy to expect?
Any other advice will be appreciated

I have just read the Gold edition 4WD customisers handbook. In there is a Surf with a Toyota quad-cam V8. The picture of it includes the name "Rodney Street Engine Conversions" Does anybody know the contact details of this company? Or if they have ever fitted one of these to an 80 series?

[60]

Depending on what you use the 80 for, have you thought about a Chev V8 diesel? Either the baby 6.2, the 6.5, or the turboed 6.5? Great economy, awesome grunt and good power.

[Mike Amen]

Thanks. I had thought about the V8 Deisels but was scared off by the prices around 18K to do the conversion.

[HSV Rangie]

Hi,
Either option is worth while.

EFI I used a holden HSV 215 in my RR.
Specs below:

Engine Code: XY2
Engine Location: Front
Engine Orientation: Longitudinal
Engine Description:
Eight cylinders, V-formation, OHV/pushrods, cast-iron, cross-flow heads.
Capacity (Cm3): 5737cm3
Fuel System Type: PFI
Maximum Power: 215kW @ 4800rpm
Maximum Torque:
475Nm @ 3600rpm Over 400Nm is available at 1200rpm
Cylinders: V8
Valve Train: OHV
Valves Per Cylinder: 2v
Block Material: Cast-iron
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Fuel Type: 91 RON ULP
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
City: 17.4
Highway: 10

Details on this web site:
http://www.cmr.uq.edu.au/~rotor/the_shed/mike_harris_rangie/

You will have to fit an engine from the same year or later to comlpy with emission regs. unless you go gas all the way.

Vortec 350 chev would be an ideal choice i almost went with it untill I found a HSV new crate engines at a reasonable price.

DO NOT FIT AN ALLOY GEN 3 LS1: Torque to far up rev range to be of any use in a 4x4.

If you need any info let me know be gald to help in any way possible.
Regards
Michael.

[Mike Amen]

Thanks for the advice Michael.
The photos on the web site say a thousand words.

[me xcarcraft]

I've got a petrol 80 series cruiser with a manual trans. Can anybody help me with a few engine conversion questions. ???
I'm thinking of replacing the 4.5L petrol with a V8 petrol of some sort. But am not sure if I should go for a Chev or Holden motor? Or if I should use a UCF20R Toyota V8? What sort of fuel economy to expect?
Any other advice will be appreciated

I have just read the Gold edition 4WD customisers handbook. In there is a Surf with a Toyota quad-cam V8. The picture of it includes the name "Rodney Street Engine Conversions" Does anybody know the contact details of this company? Or if they have ever fitted one of these to an 80 series?
I'd ike to know who RSE conversion are too! or any info about this conversion in general esp the wiring? :)

[SCROUNGA]

Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.

[jim0001]

Stuart, I am interested in talking to you on this, have sent you a pm.

Thanks

Jim



Hi, I put a chev Vortec 350 in my Cruiser. Would be more than happy to dicuss potential problems with you and send pics if you are serious about going ahead with the converssion. Why the change? If it's because the old 4.5 is stuffed then just get it recoed, it's a lot less hassle. If you want more power and want to keep your car then read on. If your not reasonably handy then get the pro's to do it like LinQuip. If you are fitting it yourself expect to spend 9-10 thousand. If someone else is doing it then 15-18K is about right. There isn't that much difference in the price of the engines. About 5k for the Vortec (Complete new crate motor NOT recoed) and 7-9k for a V8 oiler. As said earlier don't use the Gen 3 engines but go for the Vortec. Gen 3's also drive the water pump with the cam shaft so you can't use the original fan. As for the toyota V8 good luck! Try pricing parts or sourcing them in rural areas. The one's I have seen have the starter motor mounted under the inlet manifold in the valley. That would be fun to change. At least with Chev or Ford you can source parts in a day or two from a range of suppliers thoughout Aus. The Chev is a better fit than the Holden as they are only 72 deg in the "V" as against the Holden's wider 90 deg "V". This makes them able to sit lower in the engine bay and gives more room around the engine. I had a 308 in my old cruiser so I am not biased, in fact I cut my teeth on 308's but as they say, "there's no substitiute for cubic inches". Marks adaptors are the ONLY way to go. They supplied me with everything I needed such as 1: Gearbox adaptor kit including engine mounts. 2: Front end kit. This gives everything to mount the Air con, Alt, P/Steer AND fan in their original spots, belts, hoses and pullies. Tacho adaptor. Changes it to read form a 6cyl to a V8. A slave cylinder needed to get the clutch throw right. They also supply an interface for your Toyota computer to talk to the Chev computer if required.
It's a lot of work but since putting it in I have never regretted it. It has so much torque that even with our 900kg camper on the back I can go through a town at 60km's and then accellerate back up to 110 without changing out of 5th gear. Economy is as good as the 4.5 and much better the the 3F we replaced. Mines a 91 model. Like I said if you want to talk to someone that has done it than I am willing to help as much as I can. My conversion cost $8500 complete including engineering. Cheers Stuart.