Chevy V8 + Turbo 400 Conversion in 86 Toyota 2WD Hilux tray (Australia)

Shane Hurenkamp

unread,

Feb 28, 2002, 5:28:41 AM2/28/02

to

Hi everyone,

I live in Australia and I have a 1986 Toyota 2WD Hilux tray with 2.4 Litre
diesel / Factory auto.
I think they call them something else in the USA, Tacoma or something ?

The original Diesel is dead from what they mostly die of in Australia
(Cracked head).

I have a 327 Chev/Turbo 400 in the shed that I want to put in instead of the
diesel.

There are other conversion in Australia available like -

253 & 308 Holden V8 (GM)
Holden 3.8L V6 (Buick 3.8L V6)

BUT I WANT A CHEVY!!

No one has seemed to have down a Chev/Turbo 400 into a 2WD before.
Chev is very common in 4X4 model here. They tell me the floor is different
between 4X2 and 4X4 ?

Are there any people out there who have done this conversion ?
Do I need to massage (Nip & tuck) the floor to clear the GM auto ?

Is the Factory Diff OK even if it is about 4.10 Ratio ? or would ford 9" be
better ? Same stud pattern I think ?

Shane Hurenkamp

DEMENTED

unread,

Feb 28, 2002, 10:50:36 AM2/28/02

to

Shane Hurenkamp <hure...@optusnet.com.au> wrote in message
news:3c7e0604$0$6215$afc3...@news.optusnet.com.au...

You will need clearance to get the transmission in there. Maybe a body lift
to get the tunnel over the trans. Other than that you will probably have to
cut the floor. The rear diff will most likely break if you drive with a
heavy foot. The 9" Ford would be a good swap.
DEMENTED

Shane Young

unread,

Mar 8, 2002, 12:51:47 AM3/8/02

to

sounds like a HEAVY body hammer would be the answer minor changes are
easily camoflaged the two wheel drive and 4 wheel drive tranys are the
same except for the connecting tailstock

Shane Hurenkamp

unread,

Mar 10, 2002, 3:51:38 AM3/10/02

to

I have trial fitted the Chevy and Turbo 400 Combo. The Floor needs to be
clearance on the LH side of vehicle to clear the box.It hits on the
bellhousing. Tried to hammer it a little but no good. I am going to cut a
slot in the floor and hammer the area to the shape needed to clear the
trannie, then trim the overlapped area and re weld it.

Shane.

Next Problem, Engine mounts & fan clearance - Radiator clearance. Very
tight.

"Shane Young" <sly...@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:3C885172...@sympatico.ca...

Shit Disturber

unread,

Mar 10, 2002, 2:57:27 PM3/10/02

to

One way to help your fan clearance problem, is to do away with the stock
fan, and go with an electric fan. This will help in more ways than one. It
will give you more clearance (your main concern), but it will also take away
less horespower from the engine, and will help maintain a more steady engine
temp. It does this last bit, because unlike a stock fan, the elctric only
comes on when needed. Therefore, you get faster warm up time (especially in
cold climates).

"Shane Hurenkamp" <hure...@optusnet.com.au> wrote in message

news:3c8b1e84$0$28437$afc3...@news.optusnet.com.au...

Shane Hurenkamp

unread,

Mar 13, 2002, 2:04:35 AM3/13/02

to

I have a 16" Thermo fan by Davies Craig (Aust). This pumps mega amounts of
air. I am looking for a Short water pump and brackets/pulleys for SB Chevy
now.

Hard to find in Australia.

Shane

"Shit Disturber" <im...@home.com> wrote in message
news:1015789936.535018@news...