Brunswick Chevy 6.5 V8 Conversions

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 11:08
ThreadID: 100014 Views:13234 Replies:13 FollowUps:28
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Hi All

I am thinking about purchasing a GU from Brunswick Diesel with a 6.5 V8 Intercooled Turbo and a new 4L80E Transmission and am after information from any owners of these vehicles.
What are they like and does the transplant really work?

I am after comments for owners past or present and maybe any future owners.

I am not really interested in what is available as a new vehicle or what may do the job better than these conversions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Geoff

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Reply By: GEMAC Solar and Power - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 11:14

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 11:14
Missed this as well
For those who do not know what this is about, have a look at their web site.

brunswickdiesels.com.au
AnswerID: 502678

Reply By: Member - Dennis F (WA) - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 12:29

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 12:29
Hi Geoff,
You will hear all sorts of opinions regarding this conversion.last year i did all my homework and had the boys at Brunswick Diesel install a 6.5 turbo intercooled motor into my 2002 Patrol.I also went with the auto transmission.I found Greg and his team to be very helpfull through out the whole process.Greg also advised me to have a GVM upgrade done which gave me an extra 500kg payload.The conversion looks like it came out of the factory new.Pulling my 2t van you would not know it was attached.The economy towing the van is better than when i had the 3l motor.I would not hesitate to do the conversion again.
AnswerID: 502684

Follow Up By: Geoff in SA - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 16:48

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 16:48
Thanks Dennis this is what I am looking for,
Some comments either way on the conversion.

I am getting ther GVM raised as well as the towing to 3500

Thankz
Geoff
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FollowupID: 779215

Reply By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 12:58

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 12:58
Well Geoff you ask for no replies about better options and in our circle most
are after more power and suitability for off road use hence they stick to
systems designed to run at servere angles and in water so I will leave those alone
and stick to the major issue I have seen with conversions in general.

This is not a comment on Brunswick.

Overwhelmingly its all the loose ends - noise , cabin heat, sub-standard wiring and importantly lack of documentation sufficent for external servicing and repair.
This is where conversions let you down and I see only one advantage of the Brunswick approach and that is that for a heavy price you get a walk in walk out job.

So please set things up so that you can verify the work and have any issues sorted under clear and accessible warranty terms.
Robin Miller

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AnswerID: 502687

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 13:14

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 13:14
Yes I agree Robin, NVH levels generated after the connversion and with that particular engine would be a deal breaker for me. Geoff doesn't won't to hear opinions so really not sure what he is asking for, other than someone to help convince him perhaps? Personally if you are going to spend $40-50k on a converted vehicle, well there are far better ways to go imo.
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Follow Up By: Member - warren G (VIC) - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 15:25

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 15:25
i read the thread as a pretty simple post to those that owned or have this conversion done if Robin and TerraFirma have owned sutch a veicle then ok .there is no need for the belittling comment from TerraFirma but if it makes you feel superior go for it
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 16:07

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 16:07
No belittling from me Warren, not sure how you came to that conclusion , wasn't my intention. The rest of your comments I think are very silly and inappropriate
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FollowupID: 779205

Follow Up By: Razerback - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 16:16

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 16:16
Warren, I think you need to take a chill pill, not sure where you are coming from. Unfortunately when asking for an opinion on the BD conversions on a GU you will ignite perspectives. Robin for example is very much a GU fanatic and had made various conversions on the GU and I value his opinion as would most. His points are valid Warren. Terrafirma refers to NVH levels with the conversion and they are valid points also.
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Follow Up By: Geoff in SA - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:03

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:03
To Robin and Terrafirma

Thanks for your opinions.
I am very much aware there may be better vehicles out there and that again is a matter of opinion.
Yes I could get a new Tojo twin turbo for about the same price.
So why go with the Chevy?
1if something should break I can get a part verry easily and do my own repair. Have a look at the various threads on service from Tojo and Nissan
3> there is NO Computer to break down. Hence no technician with a laptop etc to make it work again.
4> Ever looked under the bonnet of a tojo twin turbo ect. Not a lot you can see or get to. Broken belt?? mmmmm
And I could go on and on.

Robin. I do take your points in the last paragraph.
I am not silly where it comes to warranties and verified works.
What I ask for and request in writing will always be undertaken and of the best quality.
I am an old school trades person and accept nothing but the best.

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FollowupID: 779217

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:08

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:08
Hi Geoff, They are very valid points and certainly go a long way to explaining your logic. Was it the white GU you are looking at on their website?
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FollowupID: 779219

Follow Up By: Geoff in SA - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:11

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:11
Hi Warran

I am pleased to see you actually read what I had written,
and was able to understand the simplicity of the English Language

Geoff
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FollowupID: 779221

Follow Up By: Geoff in SA - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:13

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:13
Hi Terra

Yes its the one,
Thanks for understanding my logic and comments.
I do not rush headlong into this sort of cost at all.
I have a few pages of pros and cons.

Geoff
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Follow Up By: Member - mechpete - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 22:34

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 22:34
hey guys ,
my two bobs worth ,
when rural ambulance victoria ran a fleet of them 145 vehicles they cost a bloody fortune to keep them on the road , the list of problems .
we , in the ambulance workshops were seeing was mind boggling ,
from broken crankshafts to P/Stg pumps , vacc pumps , harmonic balancers flying to pieces , oil leaks , cylinder heads , injector pumps
fuel solenoid drivers , eg ,electronic pumps ,lift pumps , porous blocks . when I read that BD is fitting these engines to late model vehicles , how they get away with it is behond me , because when the vehicles come into Aust every engine after 95 ' had drive by wire , re computers . the law in victoria states that to meet RWC
the engine that replaces the original must have at minimum be of the same emission control std . eg its ilegal to fit an engine that has lesser emiss controls . BD fit mechanical pumps which clearly cannot comply with emissions in vic , because the reason in the first place for elect eng cont was to meet emissions
wonder what the EPA would say ????
mechpete
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FollowupID: 779356

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 22:41

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 22:41
I might have missed something, but arent Brunswicks in WA?
So why would they give a rats ass what Victoria thinks about it all?
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FollowupID: 779357

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 23:34

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 23:34
Fisho you have missed plenty not just something. Brunswicks sell all over the place and would care no matter where you are.
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FollowupID: 779368

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 00:05

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 00:05
Mmm, didnt miss the bits with your snotty remarks, but might have missed other bits.
How do they get Victorian Registeration on a converted vehicle in Brunswick WA?
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FollowupID: 779369

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:52

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:52
Fisho Ha Ha you can't be serious? They have even sold them into New Zealand. Snotty remarks? You said you must of missed something, I was only agreeing with you. Do yourself a favour and check out their website.
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FollowupID: 779373

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:59

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:59
probably should re-word your replies mate, have a read again
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FollowupID: 779375

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 04:04

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 04:04
Fisho they register cars from all over the world in Australia. I'm sorry if you took offence , I apologise. My last comment on this thread is I have read the Brunswick diesel website and all their happy customers have had problems but raved about the service, one bloke had to get a whole new engine fitted just after the conversion! I would acknowledge the conversion if that's your cup of tea but not for me, I would buy the 200 series TD all day everyday just like the thousands around Australia, you don't have to be a Toyota man it's just common sense. Resale value, reliability and service, or buy a Disco TD whatever tickles your fancy but a conversion is asking for trouble despite Greg's great service. Over and out..
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FollowupID: 779376

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 04:11

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 04:11
I dont think so mate. If i buy a car i queensland i cant rego it in WA til iget back here.how are you going to get NZ rego here?
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FollowupID: 779377

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 05:08

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 05:08
Fisho please mate you are way off the mark, read the website before you post anything, you gotta be having a lend of us all right? you can register anything anywhere as long as it meets state road laws & legislation. Google is your friend mate, now goodnight mate!
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FollowupID: 779378

Reply By: Razerback - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 14:17

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 14:17
200 Series Turbo Diesel is the answer to all your questions, no opinions necessary..
AnswerID: 502692

Follow Up By: Geoff in SA - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:09

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:09
Oh dear
Another Ford v Holden man
or Toyota v Nissan

Have a read of some of my responses and it may explain whay I am doing this.

Geoff
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FollowupID: 779220

Follow Up By: Razerback - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:52

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:52
Geoff, Not sure what you mean by vs? I am not a Toyota vs Nissan man and yes I understand the English language and I know you don't want opinions but please Geoff, don't do it..! LOL

Are you an honest man Geoff? If so buy the conversion and keep us posted over the years on how it goes? I'd love to hear..

Comeon seriously, your logic would put Toyota and Nissan out of business. LOL

Please take my comments all in fun, it sounds like you have made your mind up so enjoy and keep us posted along the way on how the pros and cons panned out.
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FollowupID: 779228

Follow Up By: Skulldug - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 18:22

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 18:22
Raz,

You had me worried. I thought you were serious about the 200 series comment. In fact, I went out and bought 5 litres of engine oil so I could make it to the next service! ;)
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FollowupID: 779230

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 23:32

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 23:32
Ha Ha there's one in every crowd isn't there.
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FollowupID: 779367

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:43

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:43
Oh there SURE is!
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FollowupID: 779372

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:54

Friday, Jan 18, 2013 at 02:54
Agree with you again Fisho, Ha Ha
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FollowupID: 779374

Reply By: Rockape - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 15:17

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 15:17
Geoff,
I have had a 6.5l n/a in my Troopie and my neighbour has a 6.5l n/a in his 80 series. Mine was Linquip and next door Brunswick.

Both engines have had no problems. I had early temp issue but that was the radiator. Fitted a new genuine one for a later model turbo radiator and issue gone.

Engine never overheats with a van on the back. Fuel consumption is less also.
Empty 12l/100. Loaded to max 14L/100 and loaded with 1.7t van 17L/100. These figures are the average over 80000K.

Robin said something about cabin temps and noise. My cabin temps never changed and the engine was no noisier than the standard engine. Neighbours is also quiet.

The only thing both of us have done is fit new injectors. Both engines were originally turbo engines so the same injectors were ordered around $500 for a full set from the states. You can get cheaper ones for around $260

Don't know about the wiring as the only change to mine was and electric fuel pump and glowplug relay, all the rest was standard tojo wiring. Guess there might be a little more to the 3l nissan as it would have come out with more electronics. The electric fuel pump is far better than the old vacuum one. They can be a pig I am told.

They are not a fast accelerating engine but they just have grunt. One of the things you will find is your gearing. You will always be looking for a higher gear on the highway.
Between 2200 and 2300 revs is the sweet spot and also the most economical spot.

When idling they are noisy as the injectors have quite a loud crack when they fire.

Also, if you get one make sure you don't let the revs get down on a steep hill as the engine will still pull well, but this is when you can cause internal temps to rise badly. I will always go back another gear and sit on that 2200 minimum.

Here is a photo of my old engine.



Hope this helps.
RA.


AnswerID: 502698

Follow Up By: Geoff in SA - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:06

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 17:06
Hi Rocky

Thanks for the info.
The repair cost on a set of injectors says it all.
$500 for the Chevy'
$Moonbeams for the Tojo I bet and its not something you could do yourself I bet.


Geoff
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FollowupID: 779218

Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 16:00

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 16:00
Hi Geof and RA,

I am a Tojo man myself.

However, talking about injectors, my toyota mechanic nepjew tells me that the injectors for the 200 series twin turbo are $2000 EACH.

When are they bringing out the 80 series again????? LOL

RA, those fuel consumption figures you quoted are about the same as I was getting out of my multi valve turbo 80 series. Perhaps your torque was much better.

No opinions on the Brunswick Diesel either way.

Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Reply By: Mark M - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 18:08

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 18:08
Mate,this is my opinion only ,I had a Brunswick conversion done worst thing I ever did ,overheated they left petrol in the fuel tank therfore buggered the injectors,they kept saying it shouldnt over heat but it always did ,the whole thing was a nightmare ,ended up selling the car thats how bad it got ,just do your homework this is my opinion only I wouldnt touch one with a barge pole!!!
AnswerID: 502720

Reply By: DiscoTourer - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 19:24

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 19:24
Geoff, do yourself a big favour and talk to the guys at Fremantle Injection. They will give you the low down.
I looked at doing this with my Tojo, but after talking to them I shy'ed away.
The big positive they gave me.....for their benefit...was good for their business.
They do look and sound great though.
Brett....
AnswerID: 502727

Reply By: Wilko (Parkes NSW) - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 20:03

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 20:03
Hi Geoff,

I haven't owned one but am tyre kicking a new tow vehicle at the moment and the idea of a chev transplanted came up.

I like the idea of the "older technology" that I'd have a chance of fixing on the side of a road somewhere. These newer computerized vehicles, if they stuff up, your chances of getting it going again are slim

Not much help to you but I'd be interested with how you proceed, cause i might be following the same path.

Cheers Wilko
AnswerID: 502731

Reply By: Motherhen - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 22:08

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 22:08
Hi Geoff - have you done a search on the company and read the previous threads on this conversion? You will get a mixed bag.

Motherhen
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AnswerID: 502742

Reply By: pop2jocem - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 22:39

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 at 22:39
Always amuses me how people assume that because they own an earlier model everything can be fixed on the side of the road. Sorry to disillusion you but as went the Normy Rowe song, "it aint necessarily so".

In my near on 50 years of fixing busted old tech and new tech machinery including overhauling turbos, fuel pumps and injectors and all the other bits and pieces some things just can't be carved out of the nearest mallee stump.

Cheers
Pop
AnswerID: 502747

Reply By: Ozhumvee - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 02:06

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 02:06
I've got the 6.2 V8 diesel in the Humvee, (the 6.5's daddy, basically the same engine) we have never touched the actual engine in 10 years of ownership and it came from Saudi Arabia/ex USAF after Desert Storm. Parts are cheap, injector sets and fully reco injection pumps are available in 4 -5 days from the US for typically $200 a full set of injectors inc new head seals and fuel return hoses. Injection pumps are around $400.
BUT the injection pump, injector lines and injectors are matched sets so you need to fit the correct ones, I just quoted the numbers off the existing ones when ordering replacements.
I also have a friend with a Linquip conversion in an 80 series, it is a pleasure to drive and has never given any grief, uses less fuel than standard and pulls like a train.
As has been mentioned keep the engine in the sweet spot and it is quite economical.
AnswerID: 502755

Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 16:55

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 16:55
Geoff,

I'd check the archives, back about 2003-05, or even a bit later, as there was a bloke, in WA, converted a 2.8 Nissan Patrol, to Chev engine.

Can't remember his member name, but he was a keen prospector, and if it's any help, one of us senior citizens :-)

I had a bloke work for me for a while, that had one fitted into a Patrol ute, and from memory, he had no problems with it.

Bob.

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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AnswerID: 502788

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 17:40

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 17:40
The bloke you speak of is Bilbo.

Had a near new 100 Series that got stolen so bought a Nissan 2.8 with blown donkl and Brunswicked it.
Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 17:46

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 17:46
Top job, Geoff!!!!!!!

Your memory is obviously better than mine. He wrote a few good articles/threads about the conversion, and from memory it went well, albeit somewhat noisy.

Thanks,

Bob.
Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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Reply By: Coldsteele - Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013 at 13:06

Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013 at 13:06
Geoff,
I have had only negative dealings with this company.
Check the forum for details.

Coldsteele
AnswerID: 504577

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