Considering A 5 Litre Conversion. Need some info.

[tim005]

Hey fellas.
After spending a bit of time around a few 5 litres I think I have caught the bug on the sound and the relatively cheap price of an engine conversion (Or so I've heard.)
Currently I have a 1999 Series 3 VS V6 Ute with an ecotec in it backed by a Getrag 5 speed gear slapper.
Now, I am no way a mechanical minded person. I do small things to my cars but an engine swap is just out of the question due to where I live and my knowledge.
What my basic questions pretty much are:
What do I need to succesfully swap the engines beside a transplant motor obviously?
Will my current 5 speed gertrag gearbox accomodate the 5 litre or am I going to have to change that too?
Are there any places that will do this swap over for me?
How much am I looking at all up for parts and labour?
I have a few years on my P's yet, so some would say I'm dreaming at the moment, but I'm just looking for some rough ideas to way up my options so I can save my money and if I choose to venture down this path, do it properly.
Any help appreciated fellas.
tim005

[cander24]

Would be ideal to find a vs 304 ute as a parts doner but otherwise to get you started you'll need a complete long motor, gearbox (your current getrag m35 will NOT mate up to a 304 block), tailshaft, engine harness, pcm, k frame, radiator, charcoal canister, exhaust, coolant and power steer hoses etc etc.
Hope that helps
Cheers

[Trayner]

One thing i think that might be hard with the transplant is your car can't be newer than the engine and im pritty sure they stoped making the 5l in 1998'

[elmaso]

One thing i think that might be hard with the transplant is your car can't be newer than the engine and im pritty sure they stoped making the 5l in 1998'

didnt they have 99' VS SS utes? well if it is allowed, its gunna be easier to buy a wreck.

[cander24]

One thing i think that might be hard with the transplant is your car can't be newer than the engine and im pritty sure they stoped making the 5l in 1998'

Not an issue here. ALL vs v8 utes were a 5 litre

[The_Monk]

They made vs utes with 5 litres all the way up to 2000. I have a full V8 getrag conversion in the shed if you are interested, the only thing you would need then is the motor.

[Trayner]

Not an issue here. ALL vs v8 utes were a 5 litre

They made vs utes with 5 litres all the way up to 2000. I have a full V8 getrag conversion in the shed if you are interested, the only thing you would need then is the motor.

I stand corrected then haha

[some_guy]

They made vs utes with 5 litres all the way up to 2000. I have a full V8 getrag conversion in the shed if you are interested, the only thing you would need then is the motor.

Take up this kids offer like now. that way you need not worry about sourcing this part of the conversion.

Then buy said 5 litre do work to it while your on your p's then BAM!

when the time comes your all ready to rock and roll.

[304runner]

If you want a honest opinion, you'd be best off saving while your still on your P's and then selling your V6 and then buying a V8. I have been down this road with a friend.

To source all the parts needed and have it fitted by a mechanic you would be looking at at the very least 4k. Sell your ute for 4k (just a ball park figure) and you will pick up an awesome looking VR-VS-VT 5ltr for 8k.

[tim005]

Thanks for all the replies fellas.
I'm still in two minds about this and I'm still weighing up my options, so I think it's a bit early to start buying parts.
The only reasons I'm considering doing this is because I love the VS shape and I've got my car looking exactly how I want it. All that's next is the engine.
Look's like I have a bit of thinking to do!

[crumpledoor#1]

In my opinion you would be better off selling your V6 and buying another VS already with a V8. Far easier option.

[tim005]

That seems to be everyones opinion I guess. It sounds like a wise one too.
Oh well, I'll keep searching around for information and see what I decide.

[Jaymz]

That seems to be everyones opinion I guess. It sounds like a wise one too.
Oh well, I'll keep searching around for information and see what I decide.

I have contemplated this conversion on my VS as well. Loads of people say it will cost too much and it is better to buy a new car with a V8 in it.

However I have grown rather fond of my VS, and the idea of selling it for another car (that i don't know the history of it) doesnt appeal.

My plan is to get an engine (and other parts from a doner car) and strip and check the engine in my own time, then put it all together later.

Most people will suggest the easy option (buy a different car) but if you want to learn and do it yourself (with the bonus of understanding how your car is put together) then go for the conversion!

[The_Monk]

If you are going to do the conversion, buy a smashed car and pull all the bits out.
Sourcing everything seperately has been an absolute nightmare for me.

I'm at the point where I have eveything and most of it is fitted to my ute, I have given up on it because finding everything has been such a hassle.

[tim005]

If you are going to do the conversion, buy a smashed car and pull all the bits out.
Sourcing everything seperately has been an absolute nightmare for me.

I'm at the point where I have eveything and most of it is fitted to my ute, I have given up on it because finding everything has been such a hassle.

That would be the go I'd say mate, it's the only logical way to go about it.
The only hassle is where I would leave a wreck as I'm sourcing parts as I have no room at all.
Look's like this engine transplant is not going to be practical at all.

[jesse_lankey]

the easier option is buy another car, however as jaymz said if you love your car and you really want a v8 as everyone does then you could go down that track
im currently rebuilding a 304, took me months to find one that was in reasonable condition and had some proof of the history but at the end of the day if you dont have the space or tools then it could be quite difficult