mu to 3.8

[gtblair]

HI, It looks like my 4JB1 powered MU has turned to custard.

Im thinking of repowering it with a 3.8 litre V6 from a commodore. Does anyone know of this being done? Also any ideas where I could get a conversion kit (if any) from.

Would the auto handle it? Any other ideas for an engine? I thought about a 4 litre toyota V8 but I thought the V6 would fit in better.

Thanks
Blair

[superturbocompound]

the toyota v8 is a solid engine but it does lack some torque,the auto that comes with is a bit sluggish,my cousins had one isntalled in his cruiser and he had to up grade the trans for more bite.

[geeves]

There is no kit as such but it has been done quite easily by useing both the v6 and auto that comes with it. Then fit a hilux transfer case to the back of the holden auto. The hilux transfer case is separate from the box and has the output shafts in pretty much the right place. Then just mod the driveshafts fit the new computer rewire everything and it will go. The latter ecotech motor is the better one to get as it is more powerfull and ecconomical but it also has antitheft built into the computer Without the original key and lock it wont start. A computer wiz can get round this but its not simple.
How did you get on with the old engine?

[gtblair]

Thanks for the help. I got the old motor going but its not healthy, been overheated a few too many times I think. Thats good info about the ecotech engine, Ill price one up. yeah, dont think Ill go the V8.

[geeves]

Where are you ?

[gtblair]

chch. Thanks

[geeves]

I dont know anyone in the engine conversion game down there but theres bound to be a few shops in the know A good place to start is the hot rod shops.
Remember that an engine swap is a majour project and you should talk to a Low Volume certifier before you start. This can save a lot of headaches later. LTSA website will help you find one in your area.
Before you start the current going rate for good 4jb1 engines is around $2500 + fitting. The cheapest way to get the Holden v6 and trans would be by buying a wreck for a little less than this but by the time youve had new mounts and other machining done the cost could easily be double the cost of a second hand diesel. The comadoor v6 makes them go nicly though.

[caffa]

we have it a little easier over here ... no WOF or whatever it is and a good 3.8 V6 with 4sp slushbox is $1100 bucks including hisux tsfr case from the wreckers with a warranty.
Let us know how you go blair, this is an interesting thread ...

[geeves]

Wof is a 6 monthly inspection by your local friendly mechanic to make sure the car is safe according to a set of arbitary rules set down by the powers that be. I know you dont have a similar inspection in Aus but how do you get on if a mechanical fault causes a serious accident

[caffa]

Depending on the nature of the accident and also the type of vehicle, you can be in the poop, void of insurance etc. We have a COI (certificate of inspection) for anything over 4.5t GVM but this is an annual event. Taxis and Limousines have a 6 monthly COI. They make sure the commercial vehicles are safe but do little for the private cars. This is in QLD, not sure about the southern states.

[Vineboy]

caffa said:

Depending on the nature of the accident and also the type of vehicle, you can be in the poop, void of insurance etc. We have a COI (certificate of inspection) for anything over 4.5t GVM but this is an annual event. Taxis and Limousines have a 6 monthly COI. They make sure the commercial vehicles are safe but do little for the private cars. This is in QLD, not sure about the southern states.

Hell you guys have it tough up there, move to Gods country! As long as an engineer gives there approval your right to go. Best advice I have is consult with an engineer along the way and listen to his (or hers) advice. I know they don't like it when you turn up out of the blue with some fire breathing monster truck and expect to get a RWC without dramas.

[caffa]

vineboy said:

Hell you guys have it tough up there, move to Gods country! As long as an engineer gives there approval your right to go. Best advice I have is consult with an engineer along the way and listen to his (or hers) advice. I know they don't like it when you turn up out of the blue with some fire breathing monster truck and expect to get a RWC without dramas.

ROFL ... Funny that ;D

[offrd]

I heard.... The MU transfer box can easily be fitted to the back of the commodore auto... Very easily.....

Just got myself a MU and am rebuilding it offroad only...

Will advise when we find out more!

[geeves]

A far as I know the manual isuzu box and transfer case cannot be used separatly. Dont know for sure about the auto. Most people in NZ use the hilux transfer case behind the commadoor v6 and auto. It is a separate unit and all the axles line up reasonably ok although the splines are different

[offrd]

Ok... Could be the auto one in the picture i have.

[caffa]

Keep us informed either way ey ... that would be good.

[offrd]

Well i now own a holden 3.8 V6 with TH700 auto trans and isuzu transfer box on the end of it, Ran it up today and pick it up next weekend once its out of the current vehicle.

It can be done! May strip it down and have more adapters made and sell as kits if enough interest.

[caffa]

Good stuff. That could be good too

[JustinW]

Marks Adaptors in Aussie do a replacement tail shaft for the end of the Commodore auto the means it can mate to the hilux transfer case. Also the thing to watch is if you buy an engine without a computer you need to buy a computer that matches the gearbox. That is a computer from an engine that had an auto behind it will not work with a engine that had a manual behind it.

[geeves]

It gets even harder once you get to the new ecotech engine as it had anti theft stuff in the computer. You also need the original key and ignition lock and wireingloom. Either that or a computer guru who can set up a control box to trick the computer. It can be done