80 series engine transplant

Submitted: Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:13
ThreadID: 3314 Views:1798 Replies:4 FollowUps:8
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Anyone out there who owns an 80 series and has replaced their 4.5L petrol motor for a toyota turbo diesel, not some big chevy. I've been advised that the bell housing and running gear is the same. Reason I ask is the cruisers mileage is getting up and don't know when she'll croak. (300K)
I don't want to trade the cruiser in for a diesel as I'll get nothing for it and I've done too much to the vehicle. Before anyone mentions that particular mob that specialises in it about two hrs drive south of Perth don't worry about it, they charge ludicrous prices ie $10,000 or near.
Hoping there's someone out there that's done it more hands on and can come up with what the major changes would have to be.

Cheers
Chris
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Reply By: Darryn - Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:28

Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:28
Chris, find a wrecked 80 series that is complete. You will need one the same type (part time or full time 4WD) and you will need everything from the radiator to the fuel tank and all the pipes/hoses between the fuel tank and engine. Don't forget the vacuum tank for the brakes. This is a big job and I have only seen it done on an old FJ55 with a H(3.6L) engine. It might be cheaper to pull all the aftermarket gear off your truck and sell it and then get a diesel 80 series. Truckster spoke earlier about 80 series user groups on the net, maybe they would more of an idea.
Regd's Darryn
AnswerID: 12830

Follow Up By: Chris - Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:40

Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:40
Thanks - the mob I mentioned use the same tanks, they thoroughly clean them though.

Skeety.
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Reply By: Derek - Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:52

Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:52
Hi Chris. I agree with Darryn re pulling all the gear off and selling the car to buy the one you want. According to my owners manual the gear ratios are different for the petrol and diesel. 1st and 2nd are even different for the turbo variant and the naturally aspirated. Another consideration is that factory turbo 80 series are very difficult to buy. I think if you are a half decent mechanic and you can find the engine, go for it. Good luck.
AnswerID: 12831

Reply By: Truckster - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 09:52

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 09:52
Chris,

First, go get the engine compression tested to tell you if its sad or not. Chuck it on a dyno to see what its doing compared to new power figures.

Then.............

Sad truth but $10k is a normal price for a Conversion from a shop...

Same price Ive been quoted for a Chev V8 TD into a GQ.. Same price a mate was quoted for a VS V6 Comm into a 4skinner... Thats all engineered the lot drive away...

Most wont use second hand motors only fully reconditioned ones, as they dont know the history of the second hand motor... it could die tomorrow and cost them $$$ and reputation... Call around and price a second hand rebuilt 80 series TDiesel..!

Also 300,000klms in real world terms depending on how its been treated should be nothing... Was a 60 series in one mag the other week clicked over 1,000,000klms with a rebuild at 600,000k's...

If the rest of the car is in good nick, but the engines tired, it would be LOTS AND LOTS CHEAPER to throw in a new set of rings, head rebuild, maybe bigger valves, Turbo onto it too, and tidy up and keep it for another 300,000+klms????

Or do what Im thinking of, buy a newer Diesel and park it next to your current one, and start swapping parts... keep the goodies, and then sell the other one private... But as you say people will balk at the klms on the clock...

Do WA keep records of klms a vehicle has done?? if not wind it back to 100,000! ;-)
AnswerID: 12869

Follow Up By: Chris - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 10:59

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 10:59
Thanks Truckster,

There's no real problem with the ol cruiser at the moment. About two years ago the head was professionally reconditioned after a gasket blowout (also some pit marks on the head around the front cylinder).

There's also been a few niggling problems lately ie, the car idles shockingly when parking on certain angles/slopes and even when it's parked if you bounce the vehicle the idling fluctuates up and down with the bounces!!! I'll consult that 80 series homepage for that.

It's just when you're planning large trips it's always at the back of your mind. Another reason is that my petrol capacity is 270L and when I calculate the mileage compared to a diesel I nearly cry. I get approximately 1300kms to 270L and that's at 100km/h highway. Admittedly, there' drag from the roofrack and even unloaded there's probably 500kgs more weight compared to a standard off the shelf 80 series.

I definitely get that compression and dyno test done though and see what it comes up with.
Cheers
Chris
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Follow Up By: Truckster - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 18:08

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 18:08
I was just talking to a mate with a GQ with 520,000 just did the simpson etc..

He like you had it in the back of his mind ALL the way that it was doing to die, no reason, just the Klms.... Worried him.

Its still going.!!



1300klms to 270L????? wont tell you I got to Sydney from Melbourne on 95 in the GQ!
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FollowupID: 7539

Reply By: Coops - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 13:43

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 13:43
Chris
You will be looking at $16,000 for Chev Diesel but they will trade your motor. Offered me $4k for my 4.2 diesel sight unseen over the phone, which I thought was reasonably fair. Also stated I could get more depending on condition and mileage.
You've probably done your sums anyway but I got it down to roughly an 11 grand changeover but will probably have to change diff gears later to gain better economy.
I reckon you'll pay equally as much, if not more, for TD and it probably won't be fully reconditioned. Actually I know that to be true. A mate paid 14 grand to rebuild his 4.2 TD two years ago.
Anyway I'm still saving for my Chev but about halfway there.
They're certainly big boys toys aren't they?
I wish you luck
AnswerID: 12890

Follow Up By: Chris - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 15:13

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 15:13
They're a downright pain in the a#se, but the fun outweighs the pain. Have you heard much on the fuel economy difference between a chevy 6.5 and toyota turbo diesel.

Thanks
chris
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Follow Up By: Coops - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 15:48

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 15:48
I would be talking out of school if I quoted economy figures Chris. What I can do is ask a mate who has factory TD and compare to mine which is standard. I know Chev is slightly more economical that standard and even more so with 3.7 gears I believe. That is due to having power on tap.
My 4.2 is woeful on the open road for a number of reasons like :
fully laden
roof rack
headwind
extra passengers
air-conditioning
foot flat to floor

My brother has 6.2 in 60 series and gets much better mileage than I do on a long haul. Has no trouble going up hills that I would struggle with too but a TD will also solve that problem for you.
My two bobs worth mate!
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Follow Up By: Truckster - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 18:16

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 18:16
$16k for Chev diesel???? glad I dont live where you do!

I was told $10k last time I asked, which was around 8-12 mths ago from Eagle Spares In Dandenong Vic.......
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FollowupID: 7542

Follow Up By: Coops - Wednesday, Feb 12, 2003 at 02:07

Wednesday, Feb 12, 2003 at 02:07
you get what you pay for I reckon. Sixteen gets a FULLY rebuilt engine, radiator overhaul, labour.......... etc.
Linquip I believe are similarly priced as are Chevpower in WA also. Quote I got two years ago was 13 and kicking myself for not going with that then.
Still I will try Eagle Spares but to be honest I've nevre heard of 'em so would be doing some serious checking on them beforehand given the vast difference in price. Worth a look though.
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FollowupID: 7575

Follow Up By: Truckster - Wednesday, Feb 12, 2003 at 10:51

Wednesday, Feb 12, 2003 at 10:51
Coops..

They are not far from here, they are a HUGE place.... been around since jesus played fullback for jeruslim...

They also import Gen 3 alloy V8's if you wanna go that way!!
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FollowupID: 7584

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