1UZ Hilux, best starting point?

[CrUZida]

In NZ I'm pretty sure we went to the Y from 1984, obviously not very relevant here though.

Yeah, the 60 series changed to the Y, but the 80 series changed back to the R (as well as the V6) and I think next 2 or 3 series after that had the option of the R.

[TheStitt]

I recommend a Space cab Norbie,

when I had my lux I always had stuff lying on the front floor and or on the seat. Having the extra room in the cab would be a great thing

[mattysshop]

i had an 82 RN41 with a 18R-G in it.. the noise it generated inside the cabin was just orgasmic.. if you like the way twin sidedrafts slur and grone that is..

i've towed a car on a car trailer with it.. it didn't like it.. had to stay in 3rd for most of it..

but it was a drop in conversion.. the factory cast manifold had to be used, the 3 different versions of celica extractors wouldn't come close to fitting without mods.. and i really just wanted to get the thing running..

i know it's a dirty dirty buick based engine.. but would you consider an ecotec in there?

[Norbie]

I wouldn't try to tow anything big with an 18R-G, although with a turbo it probably wouldn't be too bad. Mine is EFI too which helps with the low-end torque.

Ecotec, go and wash your mouth out with soap. If I wanted one of these I'd just buy a VN ute and be done with it.

[jwebb2876]

I'm probably going to get hunted down and beaten mercilessly for suggesting this(), but Mitsubishi 6G72 (3L) and 6G74 (3.5L) engines came RWD in pajeros and such and go better than a 3VZ imo

[Chris]

Thanks Chris, I'll be keeping a close eye on your project. Got any more engine bay pics?

yeah mate ill get you more pics in the next couple of days.

[MRMOPARMAN]

ill mimick what the others have said, definately get the extra cab. im only 5ft8 and i barely fit in my dads yn57.

also, dont bother with the 18rg, what ya want for a daily driver with a 1 tonne carrying ability is torque. so id be looking at atleast a 3rz with small turbo, the 1uz or LS1.

LS1's can be had for around $1500, so they are excellent bang for your buck these days. they should fit in the engine bay easier than a 1uz (not by much). the power would be massive overkill though. fuel consumption should come within 2l/100km of a 1UZ, and remember the factory computers are a piece of piss to get flashed, so im sure you could get better economy out of them. other option is LPG?

as for V6's. theyres not many around yet that are any good. you pooh pooh the ecotech, they arent that bad.. how about one of them supercharged ecotechs? apparently their near bulletproof. other options (not good ones) are the chev or chrysler V6's.

the factory toyota benches have gaids built into them, so look into getting one rebolstered or maybe throw some buckets and a dicky seat in the middle? sigma seats are almost a bolt in job for a 50 series btw.

[litldv8]

you could get a y series motor in the workmate hilux until 1997
still +1 for the 1uz
the guy who mod plated my conversion in toowoomba was happy up to 390 cubes
no cooling problems with cooling so far even through last summer - highway or around town
neil

[AL510]

Hi Norbie, I have a 98 model hilux that i have removed the 1uz from.the body needs a bit of a tidy up but its all complete less motor. it is bench seat with auto.it has a mv auto valve body the tail shaft is sorted, the speedo is sorted, it has engine mounts, gear box mounts, gear box shifter, radiator, pretty much every thing except motor and ecu and engine harness.it is blue plated for a turbo or super charged 1uz. it has caltracs and has run 11.58 on a stock 1uz with nitrous.I would be willing to let this go pretty cheap. pm me if you are interested.

cheers, Al.

[Chris]

Norbie i have updated my thread with lots of pics for ya. Anything else you need let me know.

[Norbie]

Thanks for the pics, looking great! Good to see the detail with the sump mods etc.

[The Witzl]

Norbs.... AL510s hilux above would be a good buy - if all the conversion stuff is already done, just missing the motor and ECU.

[thechuckster]

being a country resident (conondale) and former owner of a twincab ute and a new parent, can I suggest you get a 5 seater not the smaller extra cab.

Also, you will be towing shit or over-loading the tray at some point (e.g. firewood, collecting motors for mates/self, shopping for house/baby stuff, etc.) so v6 or v8 would be the way to go.

You might also want to look at fitting the larger 4wd tank(s) for greater range. The standard 2wd tanks are no larger than sedan cars (e.g. ~60 litres)

Also - flat tray should be manditory - styleside is a PITA for larger things like multiple boxes, crates, pallets, bales of hay, etc.

Also 2 - some form of bullbar?

Finally, you'll want a/c ... nothing worse than having a shitty day filling up the back of the ute with crap/timber/firewood/motor-bits then driving home in what feels like an oven.

btw: where have you moved to?

[WDE_BDY]

Mate has an 90% finished project up for sale, Commodore V6 powered Hilux double cab extended to take a single cab tray. Best of options of both interior and tray size, little far to ship though.....

[Norbie]

being a country resident (conondale) and former owner of a twincab ute and a new parent, can I suggest you get a 5 seater not the smaller extra cab.

Nah I ruled out the dual cab when I realised the tray is smaller. I don't need cab space, if I go on a family outing I have 4 other cars to choose from including a Century land barge.

btw: where have you moved to?

Regency Downs, on the Ipswich side of Gatton. Yep, 1.5 hour commute to work every day.