V6 Commodore motor into 1983 Toyota Hilux

Submitted: Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 13:18
ThreadID: 139692 Views:12698 Replies:6 FollowUps:2
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Hi,
I have a 1983 Toyota Hilux and want to put a V6 Commodore motor into and was wondering if anyone had any tips on going about this swap.

Thanks,
Ben
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Reply By: Ron N - Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 13:59

Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 13:59
Hi Ben - Before you start, go to your local Road Traffic Authority, and find out if they will allow this conversion - and if so, what they will require, if they do allow it to proceed.

All engine swaps require a vehicle inspection by your local licensing/registration authority.

If you carry out an engine swap without advising the authorities, you are operating an illegal vehicle, and your insurances will become invalid.

The link below leads to another forum where a bloke is advising forum readers on how to go about the swap.
The swap to a GM TH700 transmission seems like a worthy addition to the changeover, because the Hilux 5 speed gearbox is a little light on strength for the Holden V6 engine.

Marks4WD offers an adaptor to match the TH700 to the Hilux transfer case.

V6 into '84 Hilux

Marks4WD adaptor - TH700 to Hilux transfer case

Cheers, Ron.
AnswerID: 630101

Reply By: eaglefree - Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 17:34

Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 17:34
If your motor engineer can approve the swap and points Ron N made are checked out it is pheasible.

VW kombis sometimes have the same v6 engine as does my JBA falcon tourer.

The early series 1 engine was a Buick with Holden adding EFI and had higher torque than the alloytec however for various reasons the later engine would be the wiser choice.

All in all I’d seriously consider a trade to a vehicle with the qualities you desire in a car without the headaches, and there will be many.
Tony
AnswerID: 630111

Reply By: 9900Eagle - Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 19:00

Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 19:00
Ben,
There was a diesel fitter/drag racer that had a complicated and registered 2wd hilux tray back here with a supercharged V6 commodore motor, from memory it had a turbo 400 auto box and ford 9" diff. It would have been complacence with the v6 but the supercharger probably just accidentally attached itself.

I would love to help you out but I can't recall the fellas name, I just sent a message to a friend asking if he has contact details. Will let you know if anything comes back.

Cheers from the now, very slow one
AnswerID: 630113

Follow Up By: 9900Eagle - Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020 at 12:59

Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020 at 12:59
Spoke to him this morning and he said try this mob to get a fell for the cost and advise.

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FollowupID: 905361

Reply By: nickb - Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 19:43

Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 19:43
The G5 manual gearbox isn’t renown for its strength so if you’re gonna thrash the Ute maybe put a stronger gearbox in it. Hilux radiator will also need to be replaced with something more suitable.

I put a 3.5L v8 from a rover Into my old 84 Hilux, pretty straight forward if you’re handy on the tools. It went and sounded great, was fantastic on the dunes!!!
AnswerID: 630115

Reply By: swampy - Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 23:48

Monday, Feb 17, 2020 at 23:48
Hi
v6 conversion to early hilux`s can be expensive . Priced one with a factory fitted v6??
Conversions were popular but since factory fit came along . Late models are bigger and more powerful than earlier versions.
Yes I have seen a v8 Lexus motor conversion expensive .
The other v6 Ive seen had 2 radiators . The second mounted under rear tray/body

AnswerID: 630120

Reply By: Batt's - Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020 at 14:42

Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020 at 14:42
Have you priced gear box and transer box both complete diiff assemblies drive shafts because none of it will be strong enough probably need disc on front to pass rego, may be a brake booster upgrade, larger radiator for sure, larger fuel tank than 65lts. You will have to make sure the gearing suits the motor and does that motor require a computer all up not going to be cheap. I had a 1982 lux with a stock holden 253 and trust me none of the running gear could handle the torque of it even if you take it easy. It would be cheaper to put the engine in a 75 series ute because the running gear is stronger.
AnswerID: 630128

Follow Up By: Ben H14 - Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020 at 18:08

Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020 at 18:08
You make some good points but I already have the Commodore and hilux. I do have access to another newer hilux for parts. I was thinking of using the auto transmission out of the Commodore instead of the manual already in the hilux.
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FollowupID: 905363

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