Ryano's "Project Trading Post" - Tell him he's dreaming!

[Twisty]

As some of you would know I have been on a never ending quest for performance for most of this year, with my truck only spending about 3 months on the road all year.

Originally I spent quite a bit of money to get ready to turbo my standard V6, but after installing engine management and getting a dodgy tune my V6 has died. So I've just about sold most of the turbo stuff off as the plan has now changed to dropping in a Lexus 4.0l V8 (1UZ-FE).

The stats on these motors are amazing, they put most V8's to shame with how strong they are. Here is a bit of a history write up about the 1UZ.
http://www.itplanet.net.au/Cressida/1UZ_history.htm

I have decieded to scrap the WOLF engine management and run the 1UZ on the std. ECU. The main reason for this is you get a motor that runs like factory as soon as you hook everything up. With engine management it's a long and expensive process to get a it running like a factory running engine.

The main problem with running a Std. ECU is with the vehickles that the 1UZ's come out of the whole cars wiring system is built into the engine loom. Which can be a real pain to try and sort out what's what. But a company in Brisbane called Venom will modify the loom so all you have to do is supply power, and hook up some fuel pump wires etc... then turn the key. It's cost $700 for venom to do this, but it is deffinetly money well spent, and will look a lot neater in the end.

So heres the costs so far.
$1200 Front Sump 1UZ-FE V8 from Venom
(includes AC Comp, Starter, Alt etc....)
(Hopefully the front sump will fit with no sump modifcations, the 2" bodylift will also help this)
$1000 Crown ECU and Modified Loom from Venom
$350 for Air Flow Meter and Igniters.
$330 flywheel from Venom (my std. V6 Daikin Safari Clutch will bolt to this)
$550 Bellhousing, Pilot Bearing & Pivot Ball from Dellows Automotive (to mate to my std. 5speed manual)
$85 Clutch Fork & Clip from Dellows
$25 Push Rod (adjustable) from Dellows
$85 Thrust Race and Carrier from Dellows

Which totals $3295 for a running motor bolted up to my std. gearbox

I should have all the stuff from Dellows next week some time, and I'll pick up the motor, loom etc.. in about 2 weeks (waiting for some funds). But venom is currently setting the loom up and is going to test run my engine to make sure it's all ok.

The Upcoming Costs

$100approx. to get my clutch pressure tested and maybe modified for more pressure by Direct Clutches
$500 for Widowmaker Race Egines, to install the V8 and Gearbox and make custom engine mounts and modify the gearbox crossmember.
$200 Exhuast Modiciations - I already have a 3" mandrel exhaust with a 3" Cat, but I will need to get it modified to suit the V8.
$??? A thermo fan that will fit as there isn't much room.
$70 Modification Plate
Carton of XXXX for my mate to modify my Radiator
$??? powersteering and aircon hookup.

I'm hoping to have it finished for under $5000. I attach pics and do more writeups as it comes along.

So the plans for this weekend are to install my new Ball joint lift which will increase the suspension lift on the 4Runner to 3". Drop my 3" bodylift back to 2" (legal reasons, bugger). Then start to remove my motor, gearbox etc.. and clean up the engine bay.

[Reddo]

Good Stuff Twisty ;D I look foward to the up dates ;D

Are there any legal problems with this conversion?

Jimmy 8)

[Twisty]

Nah not really, it's possible to still go a bit bigger in capacity and be legal but I can't remember how big the egineer said, think it might be 5.0L. Emission is the biggest part of the approval. All emission controls that are on my truck now have to remain in place, and any extra emissions that the V8 has, needs to be in place too. Which is no real drama.

The engineer took a look at my truck and said "I can see that your bodylift is illegal, and your rims and tyres are too" and I was crapping myself thinking it would have to be stock to get approved. But then it said that doesn't effect the approval at all as he's not worried about that stuff. As long as the installtion is neat and there is no dodgy stuff, and all emission stuff is met, it's fine.

But since a 3" bodylift is illegal in QLD I'm going to drop that back to 2" so atleast I know the engine fits with a legal bodylift. But I'm lifted my suspension to make up for the lost height. The 3" bodylift will probably go back in next time i need tyres so I can stick some 35" rubber on it.

[Nemesis]

Bastard....................................... ;)
I'm not jealous........ noooooooooo not me............

sounds good Dave, look forward to seeing the pics.

[Twisty]

Bastard....................................... ;)
I'm not jealous........ noooooooooo not me............


It's ok Bryan, just sell that XR8 Ute of yours and bite the bullet and do it, it's only money ;D

Bastard....................................... ;)
I'm not jealous........ noooooooooo not me............


It's ok Bryan, just sell that XR8 Ute of yours and bite the bullet and do it, it's only money ;D
or rip the motor out of it and stick it in the 4 runner ;D

[Twisty]

or rip the motor out of it and stick it in the 4 runner ;D


LMAO, nice idea HiluxMad!! ;D

[HellRazer]

Twisty you need to move to Tas for a couple of months.Down here you can run up to a 4.4 litre engine in a hilux/4runner,and the only extra requirement is heavy duty shocks front and rear,then take it along to your local transport dep approved inspection station and they just do a full check to basically see if the car is roadworthy,ie,engine mounts,tyres,headlights etc.when i had mine done all they wanted changed was the fuel filter moved{too close to exhaust manifold} and do my swivel hub bearings{on my list anyway,just moved the job forward a bit}.
$1000 bucks for V8 conversion,$30 for inspection and an extra $21 to upgrade from 4cyl to V8 rego,too easy :D

[kitch76]

According to a bloke I know the 5l holden motor is an accepted swap without rake upgrades, you just have to comply to emmisions standards for the motor or car , whichever is better and have it blue plated. By the way dave is the v6 buggered, repairable, still avaliable, how much ect.

Mick

[Twisty]

The V6 is rebuildable, at the moment it has very low compression in No.6 but thats as far as I've looked into exactly whats wrong. It still does drive but runs pretty crappy and is down on power.

I'm open to offers for the V6 complete with Bellhousing, ECU, Clutch, Engine Mounts etc...not too sure what it'd be worth.

I was going to look into wrecking the motor as I'd probably get more money that way, but it'd be easier to sell the whole lot.

[goldy]

Twisty

Sounds very interesting putting the V8 in :o. I wonder if it would work with a 90 series Prado 8)?? 8)

I have a 98 model RV Prado with the slightly underpowered 2.7L petrol motor :-[. This is a fantastic little motor, BUT would be a lot better in a 1200kg car rather than a close to 2 Tonne 4wd. Have often wondered about transplanting the V6 from a likeminded Prado, but your ideas on the V8 sounds very good :D.

Let us know how you go, am very interested to see the outcome or pitfalls that you may come up against.

Cheers

[Bundy]

Good to see its all underway twisty look forward to seeing you on the road round here in the not too distant future. What have you been driving whilst the 4runners been off the road ???

[Twisty]

Good to see its all underway twisty look forward to seeing you on the road round here in the not too distant future. What have you been driving whilst the 4runners been off the road ???


Yeah I can't wait!!

I've been driving the missus's lowlux when she's not using it and also riding my Kick Arse Mountain Bike to work most days. I bought from KMart for $130, bargain! It has Suspension front and rear ang all the tricky stuff!!

[Twisty]

Twisty
Sounds very interesting putting the V8 in :o. I wonder if it would work with a 90 series Prado 8)?? 8)
I have a 98 model RV Prado with the slightly underpowered 2.7L petrol motor :-[. This is a fantastic little motor, BUT would be a lot better in a 1200kg car rather than a close to 2 Tonne 4wd. Have often wondered about transplanting the V6 from a likeminded Prado, but your ideas on the V8 sounds very good :D.
Let us know how you go, am very interested to see the outcome or pitfalls that you may come up against.
Cheers


A 1UZ would be very nice under the bonnet of the prado, and probbaly wouldn't cost that much as you'd be able to get decent money for your motor. A V6 transplant from another prado could almost be more expensive than a V8.

I wonder if anyone has dropped one in a Prado yet??

[Bundy]

Good to see its all underway twisty look forward to seeing you on the road round here in the not too distant future. What have you been driving whilst the 4runners been off the road ???


Yeah I can't wait!!

I've been driving the missus's lowlux when she's not using it and also riding my Kick Arse Mountain Bike to work most days. I bought from KMart for $130, bargain! It has Suspension front and rear ang all the tricky stuff!!


Lucky for you the weather has been so good with not much rain :D

[kitch76]

I'll give ya a couple of bottles of bundy rum for it other than that i got no idea. give us a bell

[LANDCRUSHER]

Saw one of those motors in an unlimited jet sprint boat a few years ago, twin superchargers, water to air intercooler,aftermarket pistons ,kawasaki motorbike valve springs and twin predator carbs being the only mods. Good for over 1000hp with the standard crank.

[Twisty]

I'll give ya a couple of bottles of bundy rum for it other than that i got no idea. give us a bell


That's about what I thought, maybe $200.

Kinda need to get the heads off and actually see what the damage is.

If ya keen we can sort something out.

[kitch76]

I'll be up in a couple of weeks, if you are back in time from ashleys opening I'll catch up with you before I head home

[Twisty]

I'll be up in a couple of weeks, if you are back in time from ashleys opening I'll catch up with you before I head home


Sounds good Mick, I hoping to have the V6 out by then and opened up a bit to have a peak at what the damage is. So feel free to call around :) At this stage it'll be just a day trip up to the opening as I have too much to do to my truck.

[kitch76]

Sweet I'll try and get up Sunday morning before u go to church ;D and before I go to my god-daughters 1st birthday

[Twisty]

A bit of update and some pics...

My motor, loom and flywheel have which is coming from Venom has been delayed for another week as he had problems with is race car. Which is kinda ok as it gives me more time to prepare the truck and get the money together.

The bellhousing kit from Dellows arrived 5 days after ordering which is great service. I installed it onto my gearbox on the weekend and it all fits and the clutch fork seems to operate properly.

I also stripped the engine on the weekend so the motor can be pulled out tonight with some help from a mate who is brining an engine crane home from work. I think my auto elec side of things just got a little more expensive as I didn't relize how much the engine loom is interconnected to the rest of the trucks wiring. But I might try and work it out myself yet.

Anyway heres some pics.....

The kit from Dellows, Bellhousing, Clutch Fork, Pivot Ball, Thrust Carrier, Thrust Bearing and Pilot Bearing
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aaa.sized.jpg

The new bellhousing and clutch stuff installed.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aab.sized.jpg
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aac.sized.jpg

The engine ready to be pulled out tonight.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aad.sized.jpg

Looking at the back of the old V6.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aae.sized.jpg

[Reddo]

good stuff mate ;D
Are you going to spray the g-box while its out?

And you'll have to change that V6 badge to V8 :P ;D

looking good Dave it should be a weapon when its finished, keep the pics coming

gettin there mate!! won't be long now ;D

[Twisty]

good stuff mate ;D
Are you going to spray the g-box while its out?
And you'll have to change that V6 badge to V8 :P ;D


I wasn't going to spray the gearbox, but it's probably not a bad idea.

And yep it'll be getting V8 badges. I hope I can get one the right size for the grill, but it will be getting the V8 badges that are on the cruiser on each front guard and one on the tailgate. The sh!t thing about my model 4runner is the tacky RV6 stickers on the side. The go all crusty and you cant get them off without sanding them back and a respray of that area.

good stuff mate ;D
Are you going to spray the g-box while its out?

And you'll have to change that V6 badge to V8 :P ;D
why spray it while its out, im sure it will get sprayed with mud when its finished

[Reddo]

good stuff mate ;D
Are you going to spray the g-box while its out?

And you'll have to change that V6 badge to V8 :P ;D
why spray it while its out, im sure it will get sprayed with mud when its finished


So it looks good when ya put it over ;D
The way i see it, if your going to do somwthing like this, you might as well splash a little paint around..............

good stuff mate ;D
Are you going to spray the g-box while its out?

And you'll have to change that V6 badge to V8 :P ;D
why spray it while its out, im sure it will get sprayed with mud when its finished


So it looks good when ya put it over ;D
The way i see it, if your going to do somwthing like this, you might as well splash a little paint around..............
bah, painting the under carriage is for gheys that dont go off road

[4runner]

Hey
Why did you choose a lexus motor over another motor, like a 350 Gen 3 or something?
Cheers
From someone who should put his 350 from his ski boat into his 4runner.

[Nemesis]

I think you'll find a GenIII would require extensive mods to fit in the 4Runner.
The lexus motor on the other hand is actually a quite small block at only 4L capacity so fitting would be relatively simple. It's a very very strong block, capable of twin turbo's or with massive potential naturally aspirated, along with Toyota reliability which far surpasses the notoriously problematic GenIII.
The 1UZ is an excellent choice, I wish i had of thought of it ;)

[Twisty]

Exactly what Nemesis said, they a bulletproof. The price is another big factor, the conversion should cost under $5000 and you could make it cheaper than that too!!. I don't think you'd get a Gen III in there for that much.

[Reddo]

bah, painting the under carriage is for gheys that dont go off road


Mine's painted, and i flog the crap out of it off RD ;)

[Nemesis]

Probably couldn't even get a GenIII long assembly with all the parts for under $5k.

When you've done it all Dave i'll pay ya a grand to come and put one in mine ;)

[Twisty]

Sounds good Bryan....mgiht need a little more for expenses but?

[Nemesis]

$1000 all up, I thought that was fair ;)

;D

[kitch76]

good stuff mate ;D
Are you going to spray the g-box while its out?
And you'll have to change that V6 badge to V8 :P ;D


I wasn't going to spray the gearbox, but it's probably not a bad idea.

And yep it'll be getting V8 badges. I hope I can get one the right size for the grill, but it will be getting the V8 badges that are on the cruiser on each front guard and one on the tailgate. The sh!t thing about my model 4runner is the tacky RV6 stickers on the side. The go all crusty and you cant get them off without sanding them back and a respray of that area.


I could try making some RV8 stickers to cover?? email me a pic and sizes like u did on the ranchos

[HellRazer]

bah, painting the under carriage is for gheys that dont go off road


Mine's painted, and i flog the crap out of it off RD ;)

Bling,Bling,Bling,Bling and Bling.sell the 40 and buy a gemini you little Bling fiend ;D

[taziiy]

looks good keep the pics coming :D

[Twisty]

I could try making some RV8 stickers to cover?? email me a pic and sizes like u did on the ranchos


Cool, I'll send you a pic sometime and see what you can do!!!

You still calling around on sunday to check out my V6? or have you givin up on that idea??

[Reddo]

bah, painting the under carriage is for gheys that dont go off road


Mine's painted, and i flog the crap out of it off RD ;)

Bling,Bling,Bling,Bling and Bling.sell the 40 and buy a gemini you little Bling fiend ;D


Germani, nahhhhhh, POS. I'll keep the 40 thanks ;D
Someone's got to have something to challange that lowlux ;D

[Twisty]

Just found this info on a guys website with comparing the Lexus 1UZ V8 to Chevs.

http://users.tpg.com.au/adsl08w4/edzeh1.htm

The motor is a Lexus/Soarer 4 litre quad cam V8 from a 1990 japanese crown. Stock it puts out 195 Kw (about 200 rwhp). It weighs 100kg less than a standard chev/holden V8 and 10kg less than the current alloy dinosaur Gen 3. What it loses in capacity it makes up for in technology. The beauty of these motors is that you can pick up a front cut (front of car cutoff just behind the gearbox with an oxy) for about $1800 from jap importers. It has 4 cams (Gen3 holden's have one), 6 bolt mains (Tough chevs have 4, standard motors have 2) and a 70mm throttle body (you hotup a warm holden V8 by fitting a 65mm one!).

Jeez I cant wait to have this thing up and runningin my runner!

[Nemesis]

Dam you! You got me thinking and crunching numbers again :(



Heheh hope it keeps going smooth. At least you can be the test dummy. I might give the SAS idea the ass and go back to my plan A ;D

[kitch76]

I could try making some RV8 stickers to cover?? email me a pic and sizes like u did on the ranchos


Cool, I'll send you a pic sometime and see what you can do!!!

You still calling around on sunday to check out my V6? or have you givin up on that idea??

Gunna try, dont know about the V6 though a V8 looks good to me ;D

[nice_surf]

I know a bloke down here in Vic who was goin to do the same conversion in his Surf but couldn't find an engineer to approve it but go figure as they all said they would (so long as it's done properly) pass a Holden 5ltr conversion. :-\
So now he's doing the 5ltr conversion after he has already sold every thing for the 1UZFE conversion including motor. :'(

Travis

[Nemesis]

Yeah thats strange, I thought the capacity was the only guideline, being smaller than a Holden motor it should have been sweet.

[Twisty]

That's very strange, the lexus 1UZ would probably have better emissions than the holden too!!

[nice_surf]

Sooooooooooooooooooo hows the conversion going.
If posible could you do a write up with pix and suppliers of parts so if anyone else wants to do the same or simmilar conversion it'll porbbley help.

Travis

[Bundy]

So how did you go getting the V6 out??? All go good any probs

[Twisty]

Sooooooooooooooooooo hows the conversion going.
If posible could you do a write up with pix and suppliers of parts so if anyone else wants to do the same or simmilar conversion it'll porbbley help.
Travis


It's going pretty slow, still waiting on Venom to finsih the loom and flywheel, which I will hopefully pic up this week. Then things will start moving quickly.

There will be a full write up and list of suppliers etc.. on my website when its all done. There is a bit of info on my website now with costs etc.. but it will be updated soon.

[Twisty]

So how did you go getting the V6 out??? All go good any probs


Yeah piece of cake. Mick (kitch76)came around with his son Zane and give me a hand. Had it out in about 15mins. Then I spent the rest of the day with a scrubbing brush and degreaser cleaning the engine bay, Wilesy would be proud!!

So it's already to drop in now, which will hopefully happen next week.

[Bundy]

Good to hear

[zook37]

Bloody oath. shoul be more impressive on the travel ramp than the lowlux eh twisty? ;)

[Twisty]

Bloody oath. shoul be more impressive on the travel ramp than the lowlux eh twisty? ;)


Yeah should be, I would have loved to have seen the 4runner on the travel ramp, as the rear flexes really well, and I'm not sure how good the front IFS is now with the extra travel from the balljoint lift...

Maybe when Ash has his 1 year birthday sale at his shop I'll be able to bring it up and try it out then.

[Twisty]

Though I'd post a bit of an update, nothing too exciting yet. I'm still being held back by Venom who is really busy at the moment and hasn't had a chance to do my flywheel and loom, hopefully I'll pick the motor up this friday now!! as I'm really starting to get sick of waiting.

Anyway the motor is out, and the I sorted out the loom on saturday. I had to get 6 wires and some plugs sorted out of 500, which was about 4 and half hours of fun. I got the sh!ts near the end and just ended up cutting the loom to pieces except for the bits I needed, so the guy who is buying my V6 is going to have a lot of soldering to do. The wires in the bottom of the pics are what I kept out of all the crap in the top of the pic.

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aaf.sized.jpg

Heres a pic of the nice and clean empty engine bay with the new TJM torsion bars installed, which I painted red. I would have hated to have to replace the torsion bars with the motor and gearbox in, specially since I had to grind the old tosion bars bolts off. There is so much room to move under there with all the lift and engine and gearbox out.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aaj.sized.jpg

And finally I put some V8 badges on off a 100series Cruiser, which are a little bit pricey at $30 a pop, but I think its $90 well spent.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aag.sized.jpg
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aak.sized.jpg
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aal.sized.jpg

Just got a phone call then, Venom has got my motor running on the loom and ecu and everything is done!! STOKED!!! So I'll be heading down to pick it up on wednesday!!!

looking good Dave, what did the torsion bars cost you?

[Twisty]

Swapped them for an old set of 15x8 white wheels I had lying around.

Swapped them for an old set of 15x8 white wheels I had lying around.
BARGAIN!! ;D

now the fun begins :) what ever you budgeted.. add a third ;)

[kitch76]

Hows that photo comming along ???

[taziiy]

looking great even better when the engine is in :)

[Twisty]

Hows that photo comming along ???


Whoops, totally forget about that Mick...I'll be taking some photos of the V8 when I pick it up on wednesday so I'll get some for you then.

[Reddo]

Top work with the V8 badges ;D cant wait for further updates and piccies ;D

[Bundy]

Even Wilesy would be proud of the effort on that enguine bay ;D

[BushTuckerNed]

Im liking them V8 badges

[Twisty]

Well I had a sickie from work yesterday and went down to Scott's (Venom) to hear my motor run and pic it up. The motor runs beutifully, starts instantly and just runs so smooth.

So after loading the motor into the missus's lowlux I dropped my new flywheel and std. V6 Safari Clutch in at Direct Clutches. They are going to machine the flywheel and increase the clamping pressure for me.

I'll be doing the timing belt and idlers on the weekend, as well as just giving the motor a complete tidy up. I still havem't dropped my 3" bodylift out yet, so that is another thing that has to be done before it can go in, but it should deffiently be installed in about 2 weeks.

Heres a phew pics....
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aam.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aan.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aao.sized.jpg

I'll get more close up pictures of the motor this weekend after I have done the timing belt and cleaned everythign up.

[Reddo]

Very nice ;D

Very nice ;D
ID HAVE TO AGREE

[Bundy]

I think I know what youll be doing for the next few weekends

[4runner]

Hey twisty
How much have you spent on your car all up roughly?
From another 4runner owner have you ever wished you spent all that cash on another truck?
Cheers

will be good when ya get it fitted ;D nice loud exhaust 8) should sound great!!

[Twisty]

Hey twisty
How much have you spent on your car all up roughly?
From another 4runner owner have you ever wished you spent all that cash on another truck?
Cheers


Something I don't really like to think about. After the V8 conversion is complete it will be over $30,000.

Do I wish I spent it on another truck, probably not, there isn't much I'd change about my 4runner. Sure its got IFS, but that isn't too much of a hinderance to me, and the IFS and weak front diff is about the only thing I could bag about the whole truck.

After the V8 the only things left to do is enjoy the truck (it hasn't been a good year for her) and then get some diff locks and dual battery's. Then probably keep it for another 5 or so years to get my moneys worth.

[hwystar]

Hey there Dave I have been reading with a lot interest your conversion to the 1UZFE V8. I have a 94 IFS SR5 Hilux and it suits me down to the ground but is just to slow (22R). Your conversions makes more sense than the obvious V6 commodore conversion and according to your figures runs at around half the price. But the biggest gain is you still keep the feeling and in my view the toyota 1UZFE motor is a more reliable and stronger motor.

Have you got any figures on what sort of milage the motor in stock form will achieve??? Is the 1UZFE ok to take gas??? How much harder will the conversion be with my rig remembering that it is the 22R carby motor at the moment???

Keep the pics and info coming......

hwystar

[crankycruiser]

Nice work Twisty.. Looking good

[Twisty]

Have you got any figures on what sort of milage the motor in stock form will achieve???

Is the 1UZFE ok to take gas???

How much harder will the conversion be with my rig remembering that it is the 22R carby motor at the moment???

hwystar


From what I have been told by a phew people the fuel consumption is excellent for a V8. Highway runs can get as good as 10l/100km, but most average between 15-20l/100km, depending on how hard you drive it. But this is still better than my original V6, and I'd say not too much worse that your current 22R.

Not to sure about running it on LPG, I think I seen a thread on the lexextreme forum, so maybe have a peak on there.
http://www.lextreme.com/forums/

The only thing that will make you conversion harder with regards to your current motor being carby is you will need a high pressure fuel pump, and some minor mods to the fuel lines. Which wouldn't cost a great deal.

I think with the amount of people doing 1UZ V8 swaps into hilux's at the moment, dropping a commodore V6 in is going to become a thing of the past.

[kitch76]

WHERE"S THE PHOTO ??? U know Dave ;)

[Twisty]

WHERE"S THE PHOTO ??? U know Dave ;)


Finally sent it mate!!

[Bundy]

So hows the enguine going is it in yet ???

[Twisty]

I don't really want to talk about it, am not very happy at the moment, but I will.

Direct Clutches in Albion have been screwing me around for the last 3 weeks with my clutch and flywheel. Everytime I ring and ask where the hell it is they say they are doing at the moment and they'll send it tomorrow. I dropped it off the day I picked the motor up to have the flywheel machined and the clamp pressure increased, which I paid for on the day (maybe I should have paid once it was done?). I was told I would have it possibly by friday but most likely monday. Which was over 3 weeks ago. If its not here tomorrow (they said it would be on the phone this morning) I'm going to get really sh#tty.

Anyway now I've had my little rant and I feel a little bit better I'll let you know how the rest is going, which isn't much.

The motor is all cleaned up and details (not as good as I had hoped, but looks much better) and I've done the timing belt and idler bearings. Timing Belt was $60, and the idlers were $120 and $210 :o ouch!!

I also got my new 16" thermo fan and temp switch, which was $280 at cost price, and am sorting out the re-routing of the fuel lines this weekend.

The motor should finally be going in next week, depending on Direct Clutches, I'd probably be up and running if it wasn't for them.

[nice_surf]

Were due for an update arnt we ;D

[kitch76]

Got the stickers ready to cut, will pop them in at Chrissy when I'm up. U gunna be home or are u comming to toowoomba, if so We'll go for a bash if ya got the time.

[Twisty]

Cool thanks Mick, will be around most of christmas, am down at Ippy for xmas day, possibly in toowoomba for boxing day. When will you be up this way?

As for an update, I'll take some pics tonight and post an update tomorrow, nothing too interesting has progressed yet. It goes in tuesday week (8th dec) to finally get the motor fitted.

[kitch76]

B4 xmas, If your up boxing day u will have to drop in for a brew or 3

[Nemesis]

And then bring it down to Red Rock (Coffs) between the 1st and 14th of Jan ;)

[Twisty]

I wont have time to get down there then Bryan, but a trip down that way is planned one day.

[Twisty]

And now I finally have had some progress and can post a bit of an update.

The truck finally went in to Widowmaker yesterday to have the motor fitted. We loaded the truck up on the tralier tuesday night, it was such a tight fit on the tralier becuase of my big offset 15x10 wheels and 33's, but we squeezed it on. My mate took it back to his place for the night then I met him there the next morning in the missus's lowlux with all the bits in pieces in the back then it was off to widowmaker.

Widowmaker will set up the clutch, make custom mounts for the motor (and gearbox if necessary) and modify sump and oil pickup where needed, then I pick it up. Which all going well will be this friday, but if not sometime next week. It all depends on how much hassle they have. Then a phew days should see it all up and running.

Other bits and pieces that have happened is the metal tube fuel lines on the motor were modified. They used to exit under the passenger side exhuast manifold, but with some very careful bending, and a little cutting and welding they now exit on the drivers side at the top rear of the motor. The old V6 lines will just clamp on perfectly now. A custom battery tray has been made to relocate the battery from the drivers side to the passenger side. Once the engine is fitted I will then know if I can fit an airbox up on the guard more so I can then run a dual battery in the std. position.

Most of the wiring is ready to go, the alternator wiring was just shortened back to the drivers side, and the power wires extended to the passenger side.

I bought a 16" Ice thermo fan, which should hopefully keep eveything cool using the std. V6 radiator. Decent thermo fans aren't cheap, was $280 at cost price, but that is including the thermo switch that will automaticlly turn the thermo on and off according to water temp.

Heres a phew piccies.

The V8 all cleaned up and ready to go in.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aaw.sized.jpg

All the bits loaded into the missus's lowlux.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aax.sized.jpg

Loaded up on the trailer ready to go.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aay.sized.jpg
(And yes I did get towed by a Nissan, so don't start ;D)

I also put a chrome grill on for a little more bling.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aav.sized.jpg

[Twisty]

And just another pic of it on the trailer. It still looks pretty high with the bodylift dropped back to 2". Which is kinda good as my lift is legal now, just not my rims.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/aaz.sized.jpg

[Bundy]

So does this mean you will have it before chrissy or is it a 05 date?

[Twisty]

I'm hoping so, it's going to be tight but, I was hoping to get to Fraser for New Years, but I don't think it'll be wise to take a fresh engine conversion up there straight away.

[Troopy93]

Lookin Good Twisty, should be awesome when it's finished ;)

[haycait]

I'm hoping so, it's going to be tight but, I was hoping to get to Fraser for New Years, but I don't think it'll be wise to take a fresh engine conversion up there straight away.


Why???

[Twisty]

Why???


Well it would probably be the first real test of the cooling system, that would be my only main concern. It'd be sh!t to get on the beach and have the thing overheating badly and have a shit time watching the guage the whole time.

Hopefully I'll get to do a double island day trip in before hand to give it a flogging and see how it holds up.

[slowlux]

you wouldve looked tough as towin that rig around ;D

be hell 8) style!

[Twisty]

Yeah, it looked huge on the trailer, specially front on, you could see the 4runner roof like 2ft above the Patrol's.

[taziiy]

looking good hope its back real soon :D

[Bundy]

Hope it all goes to plan. And I agree with you I wouldnt want an overheating prob when your trying to relax it would really piss me off. id end up wanting to go home or just be really pissed off for my hols

[kitch76]

Bring it to my place on boxing day there is a few easy tracks down the road we can test it on. I will be up the coast this weekend so I will try and get the stickers over to u. If not I will be back up the 2nd week of Jan?? I think. Definatly some time around then not to sure exactly, but hopeing for a week off work fingers crossed.

[Twisty]

Some good news!!

Widowmaker have mounted the motor and gearbox. No sump modifications were needed to clear the front diff (front sump, IFS) and a small oil filter should fit on with no problems.

The gearbox did move back (not sure how much yet) so my driveshafts might need modyfing (the front deffinetly, I'm hoping the rear will be ok becuase of the lift).

They are just mucking around with the slave cylinder for the clutch, then I can bring it home and get it running!!

I'll get some pics tonight and post them tomo!! stoked!!!! ;D

good stuff mate!! will be good to see some pics of the beast!!

[Bundy]

Thats a bonus Dave. Might be an early christmas afterall

looks good, should sound good

hope it all goes together with no problems

good to see some pics soon

[Twisty]

Ok, heres the pics.... 8)

I'm absolutely stoked with the install, very professional job, looks like it came out the factory like this....It took them 4 full days work to do it all, but deffiently looks the piece. I haven't got my bill yet, but I think its going to be a little more than expected. I find out tomorrow so I will let you's know.

Now for the kool bit, some pic's of my truck finally sporting a 1UZFE V8 under thr bonnet. ;D ;D The photos a little dodgy becuase of the sunlight, but it's enough to start you's drooling.

Front on shot.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abc.sized.jpg

Looking down from the drivers side.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abd.sized.jpg

From the passenger side.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abe.sized.jpg

You can kinda see the drivers side engine mount in this shot.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abf.sized.jpg

And now the passenger side engine mount.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abg.sized.jpg

The sump clearance over the IFS and steering arms. No mods were needed to clear anything as the extra room height wise from the bodylift was fully used with the motor being mounted higher above the chassis rails.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abh.sized.jpg

Can't see much in this pic, but it shows there isn't much room at all for a thermo fan between the radiator and motor. I will be removing the air conditioning condensor which will allow the thermo fan to be installed in front of the radiator. The aircon condensor will be mounted at the rear where the spare tire usally is.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abi.sized.jpg

[taziiy]

That looks excellant must be getting itchy feet to drive it now ;D

[Nemesis]

Nup, don't care... It sucks............. Not jealous................

[Bundy]

Looks great

[Twisty]

Widowmaker just rang and told my the final price for fitting the V8.

$2225....a little more than the budgeted $1000, yet I did allow $1500.

That was to make custom mounts off the 1UZ Block, two engine mounts, flywheel bolts, bolts to attach the gearbox to the 1UZ, modify the gearbox cross member, recondition the slave cylinder for the clutch and setup the clutch so it is all working properly. Plus over 30 hrs labour.

So its about right, and the job is excellent, just a little more $$$ than I had hoped.

[Bundy]

Bit of a bugger but you dont mind paying extra when its done properly

[2 BRUTAL]

nothing is cheap doing these conversions Dave, but it will all be worth it in the end, power to burn. ;D
still a pretty good price for all the work required.

[Nemesis]

Like they always say, work out how much it will cost..... Then double it....

[taziiy]

It still sounds like a reasonable price for all that they have done and hopefully they will back up there workmanship if it is needed ;)

[stocksofar]

How did you go compared to the $8k that Venom quoted drive in drive out?


Widowmaker just rang and told my the final price for fitting the V8.

$2225....a little more than the budgeted $1000, yet I did allow $1500.

That was to make custom mounts off the 1UZ Block, two engine mounts, flywheel bolts, bolts to attach the gearbox to the 1UZ, modify the gearbox cross member, recondition the slave cylinder for the clutch and setup the clutch so it is all working properly. Plus over 30 hrs labour.

So its about right, and the job is excellent, just a little more $$$ than I had hoped.

[Twisty]

How did you go compared to the $8k that Venom quoted drive in drive out?


I think I will end up just under $6k.....the exhaust cost me $550 to get modified yesterday, and the driveshaft is getting shortened today for $110...after that theres not too much left to purchase.

Once its all done I will work out the final figure.

[kitch76]

Ya stickers are done will try catching up on the weekend

It's coming together well, be a ripsnorter in action :D

[slowlux]

Can i pleeeeaaaaaaaaassssseeeeee have yer 4runner :'(

Come on, I'll be your friend ::)

[nice_surf]

Sounds good
Would luv to see some pix of the stickers on the car and
the looks on the faces of people who see them
hahahahahahahahaha
Hope it all goes well and would luv to see some pix of the finished product
eg:- smokin them rear tyres to prove its all running
hahahahahaha

Travis

[jackroov6]

That looks great,well worth the money. ;D
Now all you need is a fully programble ECU.

One with a his and hers setting ;D

[Twisty]

I finally finished the wiring up last night, well I should say this morning at 1am....And it kinda started first try....I didn't have the airflow meter on it as the guy who is doing the airbox has it, but it did run in short bursts so with the AFM on it should fire up perfect!!

I get the radiator and airbox back tonight, so I just have to hook all that up and I can take it for its first drive, hopefully tonight!!

It's booked in for thursday morning to get the mod plate done, then I'm all legal!!!

[Bundy]

Its good when a plan comes together

[Twisty]

Its good when a plan comes together



yeah I'm stoked with how quickly it has all come together after the delays at the start. None of my mates thought i'd have it going for xmas......I'm looking forward to not working on trucks for a while too!!

[taziiy]

Well there is your chrissy present ;D

[kitch76]

Iwas up at daves on sunday and the v8 looks a treat in there. A bit of a tight fit but it looks like it should be there.

Hey dave if ya come up boxing day I can fit the stickers if you dont want to do it

[Bundy]

So did you get to take it for a drive???

[Twisty]

I'm on the road!! Holy sh!t is it awesome, sounds and goes like a V8 supercar!! Its awesome!!!

I didn't pass the enginner this morning, but only for little crappy things, ecu not mounted (it's just on the passenger floor) and no steering dampner (it hits the sump). So I'll sort that out of the xmas break and I'll be all sorted. He did say it was one of the neatest conversions he's seen but, and was very impressed with the fit.

I'm on the road!! Holy sh!t is it awesome, sounds and goes like a V8 supercar!! Its awesome!!!

I didn't pass the enginner this morning, but only for little crappy things, ecu not mounted (it's just on the passenger floor) and no steering dampner (it hits the sump). So I'll sort that out of the xmas break and I'll be all sorted. He did say it was one of the neatest conversions he's seen but, and was very impressed with the fit.


Sounds good sounds like a big xmas present

that must suck not passing the enginner aye

around how much more power do u think it has

[Twisty]

I don't know, on paper it has 100% more, and probably feels like that, the brakes certianly need upgrading!!! I jsut can't belivieve how awesome it sounds!!

I can still drive it around legally as you are allowed to for 7 days with no approval, and I have the enginner report which says what little things have to be fixed for the approval, so it should be fine....

[Nemesis]

Whre do you live? Are you home at night? Do you lock your garage? ::) ::) ::)




Hehe you lucky bastard..... Good to see it was worth the effort. Did you know them motors are easily able to handle twin hairdryers? ;D

[Twisty]

yeah, some boost would be nice, I'll leave that for later down the track at the moment....

[nice_surf]

MORE POWER, MORE POWER
hehehehehehehehehehehehe

Good to here it's ALMOST THERE 8)

Merry x-mas and a Happy safe new year
Travis

[Twisty]

Just fill you's in on how its going, done 600kms over xmas, all trouble free. Tempreture guage doesn't move, and its a totally different vehicle to drive.

Went up the Toowoomba range in 4th gear at 90km/hr, didn't hesitate at all, it so cool!!

Fuel figures so far are 330kms our of 60l's on the first tank (lots of revving out on this tank as I'm still loving the power and sound). My second tank is on par to clear 400kms, so it is about on par with the fuel consumption of the V6, better on the highway worse around town!!

[taziiy]

excellant so its like a new truck again ;D

good to see it's finally come together :) now you can get on with enjoying it and taking it off-road and getting it dirty and scratched ;D

[stocksofar]

;D
Now you need to upgrade your login piccie with a piccie of the LEXLUX with four huge rooster tails up over the roof!

Sounds like you may be slightly chuffed with the whole job eh! I wish that I had a spare $8500 to play with now. :-\

;D
Now you need to upgrade your login piccie with a piccie of the LEXLUX with four huge rooster tails up over the roof!

Sounds like you may be slightly chuffed with the whole job eh! I wish that I had a spare $8500 to play with now. :-\


don't we all!!! :-[

[stocksofar]

Well after I win Lotto this Friday I will be able to do a twin turbo version of Twistys toy. Hmm may even do a red one then :D...............


............Well come on dreams are free. ::)

Hell, may even splash out of some nice wheels then.

[kitch76]

I can vouch for Twisty, he came to my place on tuesday and his rig sound and goes real sweet. He even let me drive!!! Its a bit doughy when u first take off but that is to be expected as its lugging 2.5t and mnakes its power at 4000rpm. Never the less it still rips up the 33's out of 1st and chirps 2nd which is a far cry from the V6 let alone my 4cyl. i have now started saving for one of my own

[taziiy]

I can vouch for Twisty, he came to my place on tuesday and his rig sound and goes real sweet. He even let me drive!!! Its a bit doughy when u first take off but that is to be expected as its lugging 2.5t and mnakes its power at 4000rpm. Never the less it still rips up the 33's out of 1st and chirps 2nd which is a far cry from the V6 let alone my 4cyl. i have now started saving for one of my own


so there might be 2 of you running around by the end of the year :o

[Twisty]

Some decent piccies will come, I haven't got a rubber boot for where the clutch fork goes through the bellhousing yet, so haven't been game to go offroad yet.....am itching to get out in some mud and on the beach....

My cousing is also looking into putting one into his 75 series Cruiser, which will be interesting to see.

[slowlux]

nice as! gotta be happy with the final result!

I'd just love to see the looks of fellow other fourbyers when you pull up at the lights and give it bit of a squirt!!

[stocksofar]

Roll on that Lotto win and there could be a couple more running around shortely after Id say, mine will be the one with the driver thats hard to see behind the grin, as Im sure twisties smile has been doing so for the past week. ;D

[taziiy]

I bet he has too ;D

[kitch76]

I can vouch for Twisty, he came to my place on tuesday and his rig sound and goes real sweet. He even let me drive!!! Its a bit doughy when u first take off but that is to be expected as its lugging 2.5t and mnakes its power at 4000rpm. Never the less it still rips up the 33's out of 1st and chirps 2nd which is a far cry from the V6 let alone my 4cyl. i have now started saving for one of my own


so there might be 2 of you running around by the end of the year :o


r u paying

[taziiy]

no your lotto ticket is ;D

Hey twisty your trucks a beast and it sounds awesome i heard it on the beach on sunday at least i think it was your truck.


Did you follow a white landcrusier up rainbow beach???

[Twisty]

I was up at Double Island/Rainbow on the weekend, was that up at the point that I was following you? I was with a big Dark Blue 75 series cruiser...

The V8 was so awesome on the beach!! I've never had so much fun!! Don't even need 4wd anymore, and the soft sand doesn't even slow it down!!

Yeh that was you it sounded awesome and the 75 looked like a beast aswell

[Twisty]

Thanks, I'm pretty stoked with the exhuast note.....I had a phew people come up and ask what was in it when I was up the beach. They were amazed to see a Lexus V8 in there. There first asumption is always a 5.0L Holden.

Fuel figures for the beach trip were 21.8l/100km not too bad for a couple of high tide soft sand runs and a fair bit of fun in fisrt and second gear ;D

[2 BRUTAL]

sounds good Dave. glad to hear it's all working out for you, ;)

It certainly sounds like the Lexus V8 was worth it. :)
Now it seems like this is THE engine conversion to have. ;D
People are even putting them into GQ Patrols ;D ;D ;D

[Twisty]

sounds good Dave. glad to hear it's all working out for you, ;)


Yeah its going great, got some clutch issues starting to happen but, which I'm a little worried about. The clutch is getting really sticky, as in you can let it out smoothly, it sticks at different sections and suddely releases out. It's a barstard to drive without stalling it, or spinning the tyres and I haven't been able to work out what's causing it yet.

The clutch worked fine for the first 1000kms, and has just slowly gotten worse.

I'm thinking its the sleeve that the thrust bearing is attached to binding on the input shaft from not enough grease or wrong type of grease, ie: not high enough temp or something.

or The bellhousing isn't square making the input shaft & clutch not square to the flywheel (I've heard that some conversion bellhousing are like this), causing some wierd stuff to happen in there.

I also thought the thermo fan was hitting the radiator as well, so I took that out and spaced it off the radiator and the noise was still there. It turns out the noise is coming from the clutch as well, so something deffiently isn't right. Which I guess means a gearbox out mission, which I really don't feel like doing.

Heres a pic of my cousins 75 Series Cruiser and my truck from the weekend up the beach.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album49/acf.sized.jpg

[Twisty]

It certainly sounds like the Lexus V8 was worth it. :)
Now it seems like this is THE engine conversion to have. ;D
People are even putting them into GQ Patrols ;D ;D ;D


Yeah I've seen that on Outerlimits......you just can't beat the price of them.....My cousin is looking into putting one into the Cruiser above which will be intersting to see.

sounds good Dave. glad to hear it's all working out for you, ;)


Yeah its going great, got some clutch issues starting to happen but, which I'm a little worried about. The clutch is getting really sticky, as in you can let it out smoothly, it sticks at different sections and suddely releases out. It's a barstard to drive without stalling it, or spinning the tyres and I haven't been able to work out what's causing it yet.

The clutch worked fine for the first 1000kms, and has just slowly gotten worse.

I'm thinking its the sleeve that the thrust bearing is attached to binding on the input shaft from not enough grease or wrong type of grease, ie: not high enough temp or something.

or The bellhousing isn't square making the input shaft & clutch not square to the flywheel (I've heard that some conversion bellhousing are like this), causing some wierd stuff to happen in there.

I also thought the thermo fan was hitting the radiator as well, so I took that out and spaced it off the radiator and the noise was still there. It turns out the noise is coming from the clutch as well, so something deffiently isn't right. Which I guess means a gearbox out mission, which I really don't feel like doing.

Heres a pic of my cousins 75 Series Cruiser and my truck from the weekend up the beach.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album49/acf.sized.jpg






Yeh those are the trucks i saw and i think your cosuin followed us back. Your 4runner wasn't even stuggling coming of the beach at the end where as we were a little. You got to love v8 power :D

bad news about the clutch aye

[Bundy]

Good to see its all up and running now and apart from the clutch troubles sounds like you are stocked with the finished product.

[2 BRUTAL]

thats not good news Dave, hope it is an easy fix for you.
do you have an inspection plate on the bell housing where you can get a look inside at the clutch, does it feel like it's sticky without the motor running.

[Twisty]

thats not good news Dave, hope it is an easy fix for you.
do you have an inspection plate on the bell housing where you can get a look inside at the clutch, does it feel like it's sticky without the motor running.


There is a plate on the motor side of the flywheel that will allow some kind of inspection, so I'm going to have a look in there on the weekend. I will also try and get in and have a look through the hole where the clutch fork goes through.

And no, it doesn't feel sticky without the motor running, its smooth as, which I thought was wierd.

It took it down to Widowmaker yesterday arve to see what they thought the problem is, but he's stumped. I've got to speak to Dellows who did the Bellhousing etc... and to Direct CLutches who increased the clamping pressure and see what they say. Then go from there.

i know it sounds simple, but it happens........ is the clutch on the right way around?? :-[ I changed the clutch in my hilux years ago, and accidently put it in backwards....... it lasted about 3 weeks before it died on me.... so i had to pull it out again and put a NEW clutch in...... worked great the second time!!

[Twisty]

I did question widowmaker about that Roe, but they insisted they did it the right way. They do them every day so they are more likely to get it right, me on the other hand, I'd probably get it wrong.

Both Dellows and Widowmaker suggested to buy some Litium Spray Grease and try to lube up the pivot ball, and input shaft before going to the trouble of dropping the box out.

I did this last night, spraying a bit on the pivot ball, and a tiny bit up onto the input shaft through the hole that the clutch fork goes through...I didn't have one of those little plastic director thingy's that you get with WD40 etc.. so I couldn't go too nuts with it as it was going everywhere and I didn't want to get it on the clutch, can't see that being good for it.

Anyway the clutch has deffiently improved. I will drive it a bit more today, and maybe spray some more grease in there tonight. (with one of those little plastic thingys so the grease spray direction is a little more direct).

[LTDSR5]

Hi guys,
I just logged on for the first time today as I have been doing some research into putting the Lexus V8 into my Extra Cab Hilux SR5 and the guys at Mark's adaptors suggested I have a look.
I am currently looking at a front cut from Japan that has computer, loom and everything. It also has an auto box behing it.
I noticed that you used a front sump motor. The one I am looking at has a rear sump. Which do you think will be better, I thought rear as the deisel that is currently in my lux has a rear, was there a reason you went for a front sump motor?
What hassles did you have with engine mounts as I need to find someone in Melbourne to make some up?
Anyway, it is great to read that you have it up and running. The pics look great.

[Twisty]

I got the front sump since Scott at Venom Fabrications new it would fit with no modifications. By looking at mine I would say the rear sump would fit too, but you may need to lower the diff a little. I have lowered mine with some spacers to reduce the CV Angles after installing a ball joint lift.

Mid sumps will not fit without modifications.

How much is the half cut costing you? and what car is it from?

The engine mounts aren't a drama for any metal fabrication type person. On mine the std. v6 engine mounts are used and just new brackets made from the block to the existing mounts out of thick alloy plate.

[2 BRUTAL]

Dave if the nozzle on your spray can doesn't suit for 1 of those little red hoses like the WD40 can, just use a normal drinking straw, you will need to hold it in place with your other hand but it will stop it going everywhere, even if it's to just dribble a bit of lube down onto the shaft. ;)
lets hope this is all you need to do, will save a lot of swearing ;D

[Twisty]

I didn't bother putting more grease in there over the weekend, and it has now gone back to sh!t again. So I will get a straw and try that tonight, which will hopefully work...thanks for the tip Ash....

[LTDSR5]

$1500 for the front cut, it is off a Soarer. Am going start the motor this week and check the comp etc before I buy it. The importer says it is fine and only that cheap because they have had it for a while.
If it is no good I will be putting off the project for a while due to financial constraints.

[Twisty]

$1500 is the going rate, you can get them for that price off a guy in Qld all day everyday. Good luck with it all.

[Twisty]

Heres a couple new pics....

First one is my truck with a mates set of 31's on it for when I had to take the truck down to Qld Transport, looks so stupid!!
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abt.sized.jpg

And the custom brackets to mount the steering dampner. I'll be get a bash plate done soon to protect it as it's a lot more vunerable to getting damaged offroad now.

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abq.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abr.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album285/abs.sized.jpg

[stocksofar]

Hmm the sunraisers dont do it any justice whatsoever eh. take much to fry the 31's?

How did you go with the clutch issues?

[Twisty]

There wasn't the difference I thought there'd be with the 31's on. I couldn't fry them too much since they are a mates and only new, but I've sparked up the 33's a few times.

The clutch is still being a bitch...its a gearbox out issue, and I've been to lazy to spend a weekend doing it. It is deffiently not enough grease inside the sleeve that runs on the input shaft but. A quick spray of Litium grease up in there makes it good for a day or so.

I'll be getting some real burnout photos soon, a mate has got a brand new hilux that is getting some mags and decent rubber, so the cheese cutters have been donated to me for some fun ;D ;D

[stocksofar]

Excellent stuff!! Always keen to witness a burnout or two. Do ya think that the front diff is strong enough for a Colin McRea style burnout?

(Ie: Full lock to one direction and flooring it so that it spins the car on the front wheels axis, fantastic to watch being done and Ive only ever got to do it on wet grass.)

[stocksofar]

And when are ya updating ya website to Daves8runner?

:D

[kitch76]

U got them stickers on yet >:(

[Twisty]

Excellent stuff!! Always keen to witness a burnout or two. Do ya think that the front diff is strong enough for a Colin McRea style burnout?

(Ie: Full lock to one direction and flooring it so that it spins the car on the front wheels axis, fantastic to watch being done and Ive only ever got to do it on wet grass.)


Nah I don't think it would cope, would be good to see but...

A mate does my website for me, and he's currently overseas...but it should be all updated in a couple of months or so....I won't be changing the address but....you never know, one day it might have boost ;D ;D

[Twisty]

U got them stickers on yet >:(


Nah Mick, I'm a slackass, I had a go at getting the existing RV6 stickers off and it was very painful, but will get it done soon...

[Twisty]

Well I thought I'd turn this into a bit of a build up thread since I've got a heap of mods coming in the next couple of months.

A mate is making me up a custom radiator to keep the Lexus V8 cool, and also a custom alloy auxillary tank (will go where the spare tyre used to) in exchange for my 33" BFG Muds. This will be getting underway next week.

Tomorrow some 33x12.5 R15 Mickey Thompson Radial Claws are being fitted. Bob Jane at Caloundra are fitting these for $305 a tyre.

Other things coming are:-
4 new Rancho 9000X Shocks (to suit the Ball Joint Lift & Coil Spaver recently fitted)
Tough Dog Digital In-Cab Kit.
3" Tube Sidesteps
Twin Snorkel
Front Locker

and some other bits and pieces. I will post some pics of the new rubber tomo!! ;D

[LTDSR5]

How does the V8 handle the hilly stuff offraod? Does it supply nough engine breaking for a down hill rocky crawl?

Looking forward to seeing the pics with the new rubber.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm claws

heep us updated

[Twisty]

How does the V8 handle the hilly stuff offraod? Does it supply nough engine breaking for a down hill rocky crawl?

Looking forward to seeing the pics with the new rubber.


I haven't had it in hilly offroad yet so can't comment on engine braking. (Mud and Sand is awesome!!) I'm off to Landcruiser Park next weekend so I'll be able to let you know after that. I still haven't sorted out the speed sensor connection to the ECU (think I've hooked up the wrong wire), so it surges when using the engine braking when pulling up at lights. So I will have to sort that before LCMP.

[Twisty]

The claws got fitted this morning, $1220 all up for 4. Bob Jane said they were a lot easier to balance than the old BFG's and used heaps less weight. (I don't let them put weight on the outside of the rim, so it takes a fair bit of led to get them balanced). They joked that next time they will charge me by the kg for balancing.

They are slightly louder than the half worn BFG Muds I had on, but it's still not intrusive at all. They are a lot stickier on the black top too, they wont arch up as easy when doing a U-Turn. But they don't corner as well, the front seems to keep going straight for a while (understeer, I think its called).

I can't wait to get them offroad but, the Lugs are HUGE!!! ;D ;D

I also missed the white writing on the sidewalls to begin with too.....but now I'm starting to think it looks better with no writing.



http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aaa.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aab.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aac.jpg

thats awesome :o

u have to change ur sig line now



Gee there cant be much more to do to it then

[Twisty]

thats awesome :o
u have to change ur sig line now
Gee there cant be much more to do to it then


Thanks hazza!! I forgot about the sig, will do it now......

Got heaps more to do but!! ;D

Like what?

[Nemesis]

First he steals my conversion idea, now the tyres.................... :P ;D





;)

First he steals my conversion idea, now the tyres.................... :P ;D





;)


But his looks better ;D

[426]

there is something about the claws they just look awesome :)


now i want some ;D

[Twisty]

Like what?


New longer shocks to suit the extra lift recently installed.
Rancho In Cab Kit
Lockers
Extractors
Racing Seats
GPS
Air Tank
Sidesteps
Towbar
Duel Snorkel
SAS
New Model Extra Cab on my Chassis

see....HEAPS!!!

[Twisty]

First he steals my conversion idea, now the tyres.................... :P ;D
;)


Sorry Bryan... ;D

Like what?



SAS
New Model Extra Cab on my Chassis

see....HEAPS!!!


Me likes that :o

but keep the 4runner body and buy a extra cab and do that up

[Twisty]

Me likes that :o
but keep the 4runner body and buy a extra cab and do that up


Nah, I've spent so much money on the motor and rebuilding gearbox, diffs etc...It'll be heaps cheaper to sell my 4Runner body to a minitruckin kid to put on his 2wd hilux chassis and put a new model extra cab on mine. It'll be a SWB Extra Cab then....with coils!!

Me likes that :o
but keep the 4runner body and buy a extra cab and do that up


Nah, I've spent so much money on the motor and rebuilding gearbox, diffs etc...It'll be heaps cheaper to sell my 4Runner body to a minitruckin kid to put on his 2wd hilux chassis and put a new model extra cab on mine. It'll be a SWB Extra Cab then....with coils!!


That doesnt sound so bad ;)

[426]

Me likes that :o
but keep the 4runner body and buy a extra cab and do that up


Nah, I've spent so much money on the motor and rebuilding gearbox, diffs etc...It'll be heaps cheaper to sell my 4Runner body to a minitruckin kid to put on his 2wd hilux chassis and put a new model extra cab on mine. It'll be a SWB Extra Cab then....with coils!!



that sounds like an awesome idea ;D

hope you go ahead with the idea will be interesting to see the transformation

[LTDSR5]

there is something about the claws they just look awesome :)


now i want some ;D
If you think the claws look tuff, Check out the Mudzilla at
www.maxxis.com

[BLU-125]

Poor comparison, you should compare the M/T Baja Claw with the Bias Ply Mudzilla. The Radial Claw is a properly approved, radial road tyre, not a specialised bias ply off road tyre. (BTW DOT approval doesn't mean they can be used legally on Australian roads.)

[stocksofar]

Like what?


New longer shocks to suit the extra lift recently installed.
Rancho In Cab Kit
Lockers
Extractors
Racing Seats
GPS
Air Tank
Sidesteps
Towbar
Duel Snorkel
SAS
New Model Extra Cab on my Chassis

see....HEAPS!!!


Dave, what condition are ya old Ranchos? Are they stuffed. Ive run almost outta cash and my shockies are rooted, keen to take em off ya hands if they are still okay. Up your way in two weeks time.

[Twisty]

The shocks are already sold, the guy that bought my old BFG muds got them. With lifted his 4Runner 4 inches on the weekend and fitted my old muds on new alloy rims. Totally transformed his truck, looks awesome!!

[Twisty]

Thought I'd show you how chucky the claws actually are Roothy Style...

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aaa.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aab.sized.jpg

[Twisty]

I ordered my new shocks from Ashley today. I measured the minimum and maximum lengths the front and rear shocks need to be on the weekend, by flexing the truck up with no shocks or swaybar. The increase in travel, mainly noticble in the rear was amazing. Hopefully with the new shocks fitted it will flex like this all the time.

Here it is with the shocks and swaybars fitted.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aae.sized.jpg
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aaf.sized.jpg

And with the shocks and swaybars removed.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aac.sized.jpg
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aad.sized.jpg

[taziiy]

looks pretty impressive without the shocks and swaybars added :D :o

[Twisty]

Ashley (2Brutal) ordered the shocks today. These shocks will suit a 4Runner with 3" lift in the rear, and wound up tosion bars with 1" ball joint spacers in the front and give you maximum travel.

My measured lengths were

Front 280mm-390mm
Rear 400mm-700mm


The Rancho Lengths are:

Front 284mm-388mm

Rear 427mm-683mm
or 430mm-705mm

I went with the 430mm-705mm for the rear and I will just extend the bumpstops to stop the shock topping out. The rear shocks will need a bush conversion kit, which is available when you order the shocks.

[stocksofar]

Thought I'd show you how chucky the claws actually are Roothy Style...

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aaa.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/twisty/aab.sized.jpg


Excuse my ignorance but isnt this tyre on back to front??

Are the water grooves spose to face point first into the ground?

[Twisty]

Thats the drivers side rear, so nope...

[Nemesis]

How are you going to extend the bumpstops?

[Twisty]

How are you going to extend the bumpstops?


Not sure yet....???

If your after some long travel rears for a 4Runner there is some of the 427-683 ones for sale on Outerlimits for $100 a pair brand new. They would suit a 2" lift good.

[Nemesis]

Hmm, i'll check it out. I'm still contemplating the balljoint lift rigth now though. $100 is dam cheap though

[Twisty]

Link to Rancho's for sale on Outerlimits
http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=35967

[2 BRUTAL]

I lengthened the rear bump stops on my MQ by walking the wreckers yard and finding some longer stops and chopping my old ones off the steel mounting plate and then welding these 1's in place, do a good job and no body would know, when they have a bit of dirt on them.
I didn't do mine to stop the shocks topping out but more to stop any sudden hit the rear might cop from bending the shock compressing it too far too quickly.

[Nemesis]

Dave, is that minimum lenght measurement of 400mm with the axle on the bumpstop?
If so 2Brutal, are there RS9000's or even 5000's that match this measurement, whilst still maintaining long downtravel? I just wan't as little hassle as possible, but a big improvement in flex over the stupid Pedders shockies in there now.

[2 BRUTAL]

Bryan the best thing is check your individual vehicle as strange as it may be, 2 vehicles the same can have different amounts of travel.
I gave the suppliers the sizes Dave gave me and they came back with the closest lengths available to suit his vehicle. ;)

How are you going to extend the bumpstops?


Not sure yet....???

If your after some long travel rears for a 4Runner there is some of the 427-683 ones for sale on Outerlimits for $100 a pair brand new. They would suit a 2" lift good.
why would you want to lengthen your bump stops, i assume to stop the shocks topping out, lengthening the bump stops will decrease the ammount of flex, i think you might be better off fabricating some new shock mounts

[Twisty]

why would you want to lengthen your bump stops, i assume to stop the shocks topping out, lengthening the bump stops will decrease the ammount of flex, i think you might be better off fabricating some new shock mounts


Yes and no...I don't need any more up travel. In the pics above where I was flexing it with no shocks or swaybars I could not get it to touch the bumpstop. BUT, in the pic below you can see why I don't need any more up travel. I will most likely loose a flare if that tyre was going to come up any more, there wasn't much room left betwen the tyre and the guard.

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aad.jpg

[Bundy]

why would you want to lengthen your bump stops, i assume to stop the shocks topping out, lengthening the bump stops will decrease the ammount of flex, i think you might be better off fabricating some new shock mounts


I will most likely loose a flare



Been there done that. I would deffinately recommend it...fibreglass dont last long with tyres rubbing ;)

[Bundy]

By the way Dave your truck is looking great will have to catch up. Might get out to Cruiser Park on the weekend but have heaps to do so probably wont. But Ill be up early to try and get it all done :D

[Twisty]

By the way Dave your truck is looking great will have to catch up. Might get out to Cruiser Park on the weekend but have heaps to do so probably wont. But Ill be up early to try and get it all done :D


Thanks Andrew, deffiently try and make it out to LCMP. We will be camping with 2 Brutal and Gidget so it should be a good weekend. Leaving bout 8:30 sat morn after the missus gets her hair cut.

Maybe you should go home sick from work now and get it all done this arve, then your right for tomo ;D

[Bundy]

Unfortunately have to make a trip to Gympie in the morning to pick up a set of secondhand 35" claws i just bought ;D so thats why ill be a bit later ;)

[Twisty]

And you'll have them on at LCMP hey ;D

They'll look awesome on the Bundy!! ;D

[Bundy]

Unfortunately not Ill have to get them put on my rims which have the BF Muds on them atm(I have to spray them Black or White to get rid of that hideous red). So it will just be the 31s :-[ But yeah cant wait to see what it will look like. Im only going to use them when I go out to cruiser or the like as it would cost me a fortune to rune them all the time

[Twisty]

Anyway I had to go to Brisbane yesterday for seminar on a new release of a program I use at work and I decieded to check out some Asian import places to see what seats they had while I was down that way.

After a bit of bargaining with the guy at Asian Auto Spares in Slacks Creek I got these Recaro's for $160 for the pair. Stoked!!

Not sure what they are out of, I originally thought a surf, as the mounts looked the same as the 4Runner, but after getting them home, the Recaro mounts aren't wide enough.

So I'll sort the mounts out first, then a mate who is an auto trimmer is going to retrim them for me for $100 a seat. So it works out a bargain at $360 for 2 almost new Recaro's.

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aah.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aai.sized.jpg

[Twisty]

And heres some pics of the new shocks from Ashley.

They were at my door 2 days after being ordered, now that customer service!!

The 4 new shocks as they are out of the box.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aaf.sized.jpg

Old vs. new shocks.
Front
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aae.sized.jpg

Rear
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aag.sized.jpg


It rides so much better now with the front actually having some down travel. Anyone thinking of doing a balljoint lift and they already have rancho's you'll be up for new shocks. A lot of the other brands seem to be long enough but. Wierd??

[Nemesis]

Nup, not jealous :P

[Nemesis]

Get them big a55 shockies in yet mate?

Sort out the bump stop yet?

[Twisty]

Get them big a55 shockies in yet mate?
Sort out the bump stop yet?


Yeah got them in thursday night, and tested them on the weekend out at Landcruiser Park. The travel is awesome, even the front flexed better (for IFS anyway).

Haven't touched the bumpstops yet, but the rear tyres rub the flares pretty bad. I was lucky not to rip them off on the weekend.

Some pics of it with the new shocks on, and swaybars on too!! 8)

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album384/aaa.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aaj.sized.jpg

[Nemesis]

Very nice mate.

I wonder what a mine would sit like with 3" coils in the rear, and 2" raised front. It already looks a little low in the back cos of the shallower rear arches. I'm warey of the ball joint lift, but want max downtravel rear.....

[Twisty]

Very nice mate.

I wonder what a mine would sit like with 3" coils in the rear, and 2" raised front. It already looks a little low in the back cos of the shallower rear arches. I'm warey of the ball joint lift, but want max downtravel rear.....


Mine is probably sitting like that now, its deffiently close to 1" lower in the front. I couldn't wind the front right up after installing the ball joint lift becuase my old rancho's weren't long enough. My upper control arm clears the bumpstop by atleast 1". I'd say go for it....

[Nemesis]

Sounds like a plan, it doesn't stand out a heap does it?

What duty springs are you running back there?

[Twisty]

Sounds like a plan, it doesn't stand out a heap does it?

What duty springs are you running back there?


2" Lift Dobinson, Medium Duty, with 30mm 80 series Coil Spacers. You can't really notice that it sits noes down that much at all.

[Bundy]

Hey Dave saw you drive past last night down Alex, the V8 sounds awesome and the Claws look good too.

[Twisty]

Hey Dave saw you drive past last night down Alex, the V8 sounds awesome and the Claws look good too.


Thanks Andrew, I musta snobbed you sorry....whoops!!

I got a custom throttle cable done yesterday by Suncoast Cable Co. Cost $140 but they had to remove the brake master cylinder to get the old cable out. The throttle is a lot smoother now my dodgy home job has been replaced.

When wierd thing it was doing (and dangerous probably too) when on a track and twisted up the revs on the motor would rise. The problem was when I shortened it myself I made it heaps too short, so when the chassis and that twisted a little from being flexed up it was opening the throttle. It was doing the same in reverse all the time, as the motor must twist the opposite way to going forward.

[2 BRUTAL]

the V8 does sound very nice, so much so that poor old Gidget couldn't control himself. ;D ;D.
it is definately 1 of the nicest looking 4 runners gettting around ;)

[Twisty]

the V8 does sound very nice, so much so that poor old Gidget couldn't control himself. ;D ;D.
it is definately 1 of the nicest looking 4 runners gettting around ;)


Thanks Ashley....Gidget was a classic with me revving it..:D

[Bundy]

Hey Dave saw you drive past last night down Alex, the V8 sounds awesome and the Claws look good too.


Thanks Andrew, I musta snobbed you sorry....whoops!!



Na I was having dinner at the noodle bar and you drove past, my car was parked and very hard to see.

Good to see you are sorting all the teething problems out

[Twisty]

Na I was having dinner at the noodle bar and you drove past, my car was parked and very hard to see.

Good to see you are sorting all the teething problems out


I love that Noodle Bar!!

My mate got some video footage of my truck going up club rally at LCMP on the weekend with his digital video camera, so I will try and get that off him and post it up here for you's all to here.

[Bundy]

Sounds good

[Twisty]

Got my bullbar back yesterday after having the lights and inserts I bought off Ashely (2 Brutal) fitted. They are a 100mm driving lights (can run with normal lights) and come with a rubber insert which goes into the bar.

I should get my new sidesteps/sliders on friday. Then the bullbar and steps will be getting powdercoated in high gloss black.

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aal.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aam.sized.jpg

[taziiy]

nice they look good in there ;D

thats looks awesome

[haycait]

In the best possible (non sexual) way can I say NICE BAR ;)

Theses driving lights...... are they still able to be aimed being as they fit into rubber grommets in the steel???

[fisho64]

you might have misunderstood the bullbar mounting instructions
Or else are a very bad reverser!!
(provided in good humour!!)

Seriously, your thread is always interesting reading

Got my bullbar back yesterday after having the lights and inserts I bought off Ashely (2 Brutal) fitted. They are a 100mm driving lights (can run with normal lights) and come with a rubber insert which goes into the bar.

I should get my new sidesteps/sliders on friday. Then the bullbar and steps will be getting powdercoated in high gloss black.

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aal.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album372/aam.sized.jpg
i think the bar is supposed to go on the front of the 4 runner, first one ive ever seen fitted to the rear ;D ;D lights look good though ;D

[Twisty]

LOL, The bar is getting powdercoated next week, hence why its not on the front....

Haycait, yep the lights can still be adjusted to anywhere you like, the rubber insert just makes the hole in the bullbar look neater.

got some cool clear indicators for the bullbar arriving today like the ones on the missus's lowlux.
http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album187/abe.sized.jpg

The orange ones I had in the bullbar were full of mud and TJM wanted $40 for some new ones, so I tried the lowluz ones, and they fit perfect, and are the same price, they just need a little bracket made for the mounts and they'll be sweet.

[2 BRUTAL]

looking good Dave. did they have much trouble cutting the holes for the lights.

[Twisty]

Nah, they just had to go buy a bigger holesaw....other than that they have fitted great!! 8)

looks good mate!! I'll have to come have a look when i head up to the Gold Coast for a holiday in feb next year

[fisho64]

Hey Twisty you might be able to put the surf in a glass room and charge all the mexicans $5 to look at it like Vic Hislop (the shark hunter) and his 10 meter great white, then you could retire and buy a RAV 4 !!

[Twisty]

RoeDao, you'll have to come another hour and half north, I'm on the sunshine coast....but if your bringing Garth, we could always organise a trip up the beach to Double Island....or Straddie??

If not, I'll just have to have a weekend down the Goldcoast ;D

[Twisty]

I picked up the new idicators last night and made up some brackets to make them fit to the existing mounting holes. This way I can stick the crappy old TJM ones in if I plan on going in some deep mud. As I'm a little suspect on the sealing of the new BLING indicators.

I'll post photos once the bar has been powdercoated and mounted back on the truck...

[Reddo]

kewl. top job mate, looking a treat 8)

[ferremit]

silicone is your friend twisty 8)

[Bundy]

So how is all the bar work going Dave

[Twisty]

Good Andrew, I picked it all up from the powdercoaters at lunch time. I can't believe how much better the powdercoating looks over my home paint job. It looks like I just picked it up brand new from TJM.

I've got the sidesteps all done too, not sure if I like them or not yet when they are on the truck, but they came up really nice.

I'll put it all back together tonight and post pics tomorrow!!

[Twisty]

Oh and Mick (kitch76) I finally pulled the RV6 stickers off a couple of weeks ago. And the paint was stuffed underneath it. Seems there has been a bit of respray around them before. The stickers you made didn't cover them properly, bugger!!

So it's going into the panel beaters over the coming week to get some respraying done. I'm also getting the cam covers on the motor colour coded while the paint is in the gun.

[crack]

sweet ride mate u wanna give it to me? looks like ya gonna have a shit load of fun in it!!!!

bloke i work with put a supercharged v6 commodore engine in his lux cost him ova 15k all up.

have fun!!

RoeDao, you'll have to come another hour and half north, I'm on the sunshine coast....but if your bringing Garth, we could always organise a trip up the beach to Double Island....or Straddie??

If not, I'll just have to have a weekend down the Goldcoast ;D


i'll be going up in the Statesman 8) bit more comfy than the Deo on a long trip... for the kids anyways....... i'll make the effor to get up that way.. will call in and see Ashley as well while i'm there. Maybe we can organise a night out for forumites 8)