Hi all,
I have recently bought an 89 two door Toyota Surf. It is currently running a 3L, 2.8 litre engine with a manual box on it. It has been a long dream of mine to have a Holden V6 powered Surf.
I know that there is a lot of info out there about using a commodore v6 as an engine replacement for 4WD and I have been googling for the past few days about the subject but need a few things cleared up.
Trying to keep the budget down I have decided to fabricate as much as possible as opposed to buying adapter plates and mounts etc. I have come to the conclusion that mating the automatic Isuzu Bighorn transfer box to the Holden transmission would be the cheapest option then making the adapter plate and changing driveshafts to suit.
The only thing I need cleared up is what transfer case to use. I am reading everywhere to use one from an automatic bighorn, but the problem is that the bighorn came out with diesel and petrol. I'm not entirely sure as to which one to use. Do I use the trans from the diesel 4JG2 or from the petrol 6VD1?
I am under the impression that the 30-40LE trans, found on the 4JG2 is made by Aisin AW Co, and that the GM 4L30e trans found on the 6VD1 is made by General Motors. Gut feeling is to go with the General Motors trans as I believe it is more likely to fit the Commodore spline but I do not know. If it is that case then I guess I could get the transfer case from any isuzu 4wd running the 6VD1 with an auto trans such as the Mu/Rodeo/Wizard/Bighorn. Not just specifically the "Bighorn".
Any input is 100% appreciated.
V6 Commodore engine swap into Surf
Re: V6 Commodore engine swap into Surf
Can't answer ur above query but can I burst your bubble???
If your surf does infact have a 3l 2.8 in it (which means its been converted at some stage) as these weren't factory in your model, then you already have a damn good engine.
For a cheaper price than it would cost to convert to the petrol 3.8 you could slap a turbo on from a 2.4 and have cash to spare for other mods..
Now this is coming from someone who has owned many a 3.8, thrashed them and still rate them highly, but as your starting point is a diesel, and a good 1 at that, then I reckon you could make this a whole lot easier on yourself
If your surf does infact have a 3l 2.8 in it (which means its been converted at some stage) as these weren't factory in your model, then you already have a damn good engine.
For a cheaper price than it would cost to convert to the petrol 3.8 you could slap a turbo on from a 2.4 and have cash to spare for other mods..
Now this is coming from someone who has owned many a 3.8, thrashed them and still rate them highly, but as your starting point is a diesel, and a good 1 at that, then I reckon you could make this a whole lot easier on yourself
Re: V6 Commodore engine swap into Surf
The only thing is that I think the 2.8 is on its way out. It already has a turbo on it but coughs a shitload of white smoke and is using oil by the liter weekly. The amount of power it puts out is comparable to that of my mates 2.4. Almost worse. I've gotten the donor car (vn commodore) for a steal and want to put the engine to use.
Re: V6 Commodore engine swap into Surf
Have you checked the usual things?
Would you be happy with the 2.8 if it was running sweet?
Either way you go it would be worth spending some time getting the diesel running right, a non turbo 3l sells for $2k so you may get some good coin for it if it was running right.
White smoke and lack of power can often be an easy-ish fix, it doesn't always means stuffed motor
Would you be happy with the 2.8 if it was running sweet?
Either way you go it would be worth spending some time getting the diesel running right, a non turbo 3l sells for $2k so you may get some good coin for it if it was running right.
White smoke and lack of power can often be an easy-ish fix, it doesn't always means stuffed motor
Re: V6 Commodore engine swap into Surf
be mindful those commy motors have shallow front bowl sumps that aren't very offroad friendly (ie they run bearings and cranks easily 
) if your going to offroad it its worth getting the sump and pickup modified
) if your going to offroad it its worth getting the sump and pickup modified Re: V6 Commodore engine swap into Surf
Probably wouldn't keep the 2.8, even if it were in good nick. Have plans on getting it rebuilt and selling it to fund the project. The person I bought it off thought it was a 2.4 litre as that is what is on the firewall. However, the engine says 3L. So I got it for 3000. Thanks derk, will keep that in mind.