[Rules] Basic Rules For an Engine Conversion

[takai]

Ok, just to start a small rule set:

• Your conversion will NOT cost the price of the engine/halfcut and a tank of petrol
• If you are doing an engine conversion then replace the bits which are hard to get to or likely to fail/have failed (rear main, timing belt, water pump etc). If you dont replace these and come on the forums whinging in 3 months when your "hektic engine conversion yos" fails then dont expect much sympathy
• Search, search, search again, google it, and then come back and search before asking most questions. 99% of the time your issue with wiring or where a bolt goes has been answered before, and the 5min it takes to think of a few search queries and google keywords means that there are fewer threads on the forum which just have "Search" in them. The less threads like that there are, the more likely your question is to be seen and replied to.

I have a meeting now, so i cant keep adding to it yet. But others feel free to add more in

[RAd28]

don't forget RE-search. and i don't mean search again... find out all the ins, and outs of doing your conversion before ripping out the old one, a few weeks of research meant i had the 18R in a breakky, and the 1G in by lunch time, all that was left to do was the small things like fuel, wiring, exhaust, and intercooler.

if your conversion involves a 1GZ don't bother asking, 'cause there probably won't much material on it...

if your conversion involves a nissan engine, expect a good dose of flaming before you get any help.

as for budget on time and money... take a rough guess, say 4 weeks and $3000 if your a first timer, double that... (8 weeks and $6000) then don't be at all suprised when it goes over that... by say another 4 weeks.

if you wondering whether to go frontcut or get a package (engine, box, loom, ecu, etc) just decide before hand whether you wanna retain the stock ECU or not... IMO that's the deciding factor, if you want the stock ecu, go a front cut, if you want an aftermarket ecu, go the package.

[thechuckster]

tools:
-know where to borrow/hire big stuff like engine cranes and have decent smaller tools for your self
-get a decent trouble-light as you will end up workign at night-time
-electrics - a multimetre, test lamp, wire cutters/crimpers, soldering iron and spares for these are the bare minimum

[Norbie]

Always remember: all engine conversions are expensive, but there is a hefty premium to pay if you want to be "different". Unless money is no object, it's always better to follow the well-travelled path.

[MR 1JZ]

rule number 375

dont get takai to wire it up

it will probably blow a headgasket, explode in a massive fireball, or be ghey

[PlacentaJuan]

search.

some ppl think i have skillz because of how well me 2j conversion went.

in reality i am about as noob as it gets however i spent about 2 year researching, gathering info, and copying ideas from other people.

also after years of research i ignored what people said about how much a conversion will cost.

the usual saying of 'estimate how much it will cost then double it' i thought was bs, considering the amount of research i had done i thought i was going to be pretty much spot on with my budget..

now i have learnt my lesson: it doesnt matter how much research you do, if you think you have worked out your conversion budget to the exact dollar: DOUBLE IT!!!

[Ben Wilson]

rule number 375

dont get takai to wire it up

it will probably blow a headgasket, explode in a massive fireball, or be ghey

Or have missing earth wires

[takai]

Wasnt missing. Was just disconnected

[RAd28]

you mean... was delivered with "some assembly required"... just like ikea

[BigWorm]

Isn't this a repost??? Damn n00b!





Lol, nice list, should be made a sticky.

[takai]

Isn't this a repost??? Damn n00b!

Lol, nice list, should be made a sticky.

Nah, this is the REAL list....

[brett_celicacoupe]

ill also have to agree with the research thing. i spent 1yr reading ALL the info out there about putting the 1g in the RA40's. It meant i knew which mounts a had to find, how much chopping/welding i had to do. i had hard copys of all the swap guides and the wiring diagrams..... everything.

when i finally got the 1g and started the conversion, EVERYTHING was completed/engineered in 3 weeks. fastest conversion ever!


i would also suggest consulting the automotive engineer that you will use to certify the modification. explain to them how you want to do it and ask them about anything you should do BEFORE the engine goes in for the final time. taking pictures of mods while the engine is out is also an idea as the engineer mighten be able to see the things properly with the engine in.

[Lambolica]

If you are want ing to swap an engine for another engine that came in the Jap spec cars, Find the correct front cut (ie MA70 -> find a JZA70 cut) as there is time saving there.

When putting a budget together, include things like Fuel system, Exhaust system, cooling system, Intercooler system, as these are often overlooked as a major price tag item. for an Unconventional engine swap ( N/A to turbo where the engine never came in that car in japan) the cost of these areas alone is around $3-4000 In parts and Labour (unless you can weld really well)

When I plan and budget a conversion (known as dreaming) I start with a shell only No drive line. From there add approx. (researched) costs to the following:

Engine / Cut purchase -
Crossmember -
Mounts make and weld -
Gearbox -
Clutch -
Tailshaft -
Diff Housing -
Diff Centre -
Gearbox Crossmember -
Exhaust system -
Fuel pumps -
Surge tanks -
Fuel lines -
ECU -
Wiring -
Tuning -
Front suspension -
Rear suspension -
Front brakes -
Rear brakes -
Brake lines -
Brake M/S -
Intercooler -
Intercooler mounting -
Intercooler piping -
Plumb back BOV and piping -
Radiator -
Radiator mounting -
Radiator Piping -
Thermo fans -
A/C Piping -
A/C regas -
A/C radiator and or mounting -
Engine Oil -
Oil Filter -
Fuel Filter -
Toyota Red -
P/S oil -
GearBox Oil -
Diff Oil -
Brake Fluid -
Pulley belts -
Timing belt -
Cam Shaft seals -
Front main seal -
Rear main seal -
Add $500 for misc Brackets, tools wires, and beer and stuff.

Generally i add about 15% to each item (where I know the retail price) and work out an approx price and add 25% for things I have no clue on.

Obviously this isnt applicable to every conversion and you can strike out what isn't reqiured.

When I get the time I'll dig out the spread sheet I have and organise the list a little better.

Cheers
Simon

[kingmick]

if you do it for a living you look at!
1.is it legal to put the froncut engine in and engineering cost if needed.
2.what engine mounts are needed.
3.What gearbox and if a box mount needs to be made or modded and does the tunnel need massaging.
4.What clutch and does it need a new one and is a hydro fork going to make things easyer in the car your converting.
5.what has to be changed in the chassis and engine looms.
6.What radiator and if froncuts has it been sitting empty and needs a proper flush.
7.Do you need to change the fuel tank or put in a high pressure pump and surge tank for a carbie to efi conversion.
8.Does the exhaust need total modifying or just joiner.
9.Factory ecu or aftermarket
10. cost of all fluids being changed.
11.cost of major piping and hoses change i.e intercooler piping and cooler,radiator hoses,fuel lines, some brittle vacuum lines etc
12. Then you get fun things when you put it in of finding out if it interfears with anything, i.e brake master, steering arms etc etc.

[EldarO]

one more rule.

you will bleed.

Eldar.O.