Hilux diesel > Holden v6 conversion + IFS > liveaxle

Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW.

Guys, I am a bit of a newbie here, but I will get straight down to the ugly bits. - no not them ugly bits ;-)

I drive a 93 Yota Surf - 2.4litre turbo diesel. At the weekend, I smashed the crown wheel on the IFS diff for the second time this year. I was contemplating a live axle swap, but that is just going to have to wait. This afternoon, after a drive on the M2 motorway in Sydney, it seems I have done some real nasty engine damage. The Kms traveled (by the odometer is 170,000kms.

When I listen to the engine idle (well, attempt to idle), there is a metalic thuding sound with what I can describe as a vacume sound comming from the head area. I cant give much detail, since I decided to tow it to the mechanics instead of driving it any more. I suspect there is piston damage, or maybe a piston has broken off? it may also be a bent valve or broken valve spring?

The engine was cooked 2 years ago (100,000kms ago) where the head was replaced reusing the original valves etc.

Do you have any links or comments on power conversions? Maybe the Commodore v6 or a 3litrre 1kzte turbo diesel?

Any ideas on cost?

Also, another important factor for me is fuel consumption. I currently get 400kms from 50L of diesel, I hope the v6 is around that or better (12.5l/100kms) anyone with first hand experience?

What about bell housing adapters? Would Marks Adapters know best?

Is there any other important things I need to consider?

My current turbo diesel has an electronic fuel pump that may need a rebuild sometime in the next year or so, considering the KMs. It would be a shame to rebuild my current engine at great expence, to then have the fuel pump cost big dollars again?

Thanks for your help

James
My Toyota Surf --> http://203.2.201.247/surf

Joined: 12 Nov 2002 Location: Central Coast NSW

F@#k James, your not having much luck. If it were me I'd go with the 3ltr turbo as you've already done some of the research and the only way you'll get the fuel economy from the dunnydore is if you stick it on Lpg. Marks kit is going to cost @ 3.5k then youll need a donor motor and all the other bits and pieces.

John

Joined: 31 Jul 2003 Location: Brisbane

forget the commodore engine they often overheat at low revs also they produce only 305NM torque at 3600rpm while the 1kz-te give 315Nm at 2000rpm and no heating problems commodore engines are overated as four wheel drive engines they where designed for a car not low down torque or to be covered in water and dust/mud.

with the change in exchnages recently a large drop in toyota engines is filtering through - check with your local dealer i heard about a drop of about 17%

Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Location: Shed.

agree. try and get your hands on a 1KZ-T(E), should bolt straight to your existing gearbox, keeps it all toyota. if you want a direct replacement I have a 70,000km 2L-TE in the garage I bought a year ago and still haven't used.

I have heard lots of bad stories about the 2L-T motors - dropped valves, dropped valve seats, cracked heads, smashed piston rings, spun big ends, not to mention lousy performance. I thrash the crap outta mine - running 11psi with no intercooler, 180,000km, it rattles like a jar of marbles, but just keeps going like a champion. having said that it will probably blow up tomorrow.

don't throw money at a V6 'upgrade', chances are you will be disappointed.

cheers

Brian