1UZ Hilux, best starting point?

[Norbie]

I'm toying with the idea of purchasing an older Hilux and shoving in a 1UZ + auto. It will be used as a daily commuter (to replace the AE101) and occasionally carry stuff which won't fit in a car. Plus I live in the country now and I'm pretty sure ute ownership is mandated by law.

Anyway I know very little about the vast range of Hilux models available so thought I'd pose the question here since I know a lot of people have done engine conversions in these things. From the perspective of ease of conversion and a tight budget, which model Hilux would be the best place to start?

Things to consider:
- don't want a 4WD
- don't want dual-cab
- must be able to accommodate an auto
- would prefer a bench seat (3-seater), not sure if column shift will work with an A340 though?
- don't want to spend any more on the base vehicle than the AE101 is worth (ie not much) so late-model versions are out.

I've done my share of engine conversions so I have a pretty good idea what I'm in for, just need to suss out issues with engine bay space, sump configuration, clearance with steering components etc, and any other gotchas with this particular swap.

Any advice or comments appreciated.

[WDE_BDY]

You do know a 5V fits in the 84-88 (50 series) Hilux. Much better than just another 1UZ.
http://forums.minitruckin.co.nz/view...hp?f=12&t=1992
There are also a bunch of 1UZ conversions on that site for various models.
I have a YN57, bench will go in where buckets were so thats easy to change. Mine is running bench with floor change manual. I would recommend an extra cab, give you somewhere secure to put the crap you always need to carry around while still having a reasonable tray.

Callum

[CrUZida]

The hilux has one of the smallest engine bays on the market (relative to the size of the car).
Pretty much everyone who does this conversion has cooling issues, except for those who spend $1000 on a radiator.
I don't think any sump config will fit without mods.

Marks 4WD might do mounts for it, but it all depends on what year the lux is, whether it was petrol or diesel, which engine was original etc. Toyota did a lot of changing over the years.


Personally, I'd go LS1 over the 1UZ in this instance.

[Norbie]

You do know a 5V fits in the 84-88 (50 series) Hilux. Much better than just another 1UZ.

I've driven a 5V Century. Pass.

I would recommend an extra cab, give you somewhere secure to put the crap you always need to carry around while still having a reasonable tray.

Good point, I'll grab one of them if something suitable presents itself.

Cruz: why LS1? Are they cheaper? I can't help thinking it wouldn't be as good on fuel though.

[CrUZida]

Being a smaller engine (physically) it will be much easier to install it, while still being able to work on it, and get a decent radiator in there, including a fan and aircon parts.

No idea on fuel consumption comparison sorry, nor on price, but they wouldn't be a huge difference, depending on what exhaust fits, and what mounts fit. If the factory LS1 headers fit, and mounts are off the shelf, then there is a big saving there. Likewise with sump mods.
I'm fairly sure that the crown log headers will fit for the 1UZ, sump depends on where you put it. Most people are installing them in 4WD's, and some with a body lift kit, which makes installing the engine even easier (less mods).

After owning a Hilux and seeing how small the engine bay is, and looking at other peoples 1uz hilux's, I'm fairly sure its a conversion I wouldn't want to do. Not that I'd jump into an LS1 option either. I'd probably consider one of the V6's.

[The Witzl]

TURBO 18RG!!!!

You know you have that motor still sitting in Jase's workshop

[TasCressida]

norbie have u considered a 2JZGE? Cheaper maybe.
would be a nice as IMHO.
with the option of going and adding a turbo for some big hp later on.

Def recommend chasing down an extra cab aswell.... that little extra room makes a big difference in comfort and storing smaller things.

would a LS1 be able to be engineered? with out doing the calculations i dont think it would be in tassie and i think ur engineering parameters in qld are a little more harsher... we basicly get away with murder down here.
Would be to tail happy aswell i think ...and fuel consumption would be quite a lot more than the 1UZ or even a Turbo JZ.

just some thoughts!

[Norbie]

LOL, I already have a home for the turbo 18R-G, and it won't be going into a crappy old ute.

Although now you mention it I will end up with a spare 18R-G... I'm guessing it would be plug-and-play for a 70's era Hilux?

EDIT: a 2JZ-GE would have been my preference but there is just not enough room in the engine bay. I know you could make it fit but it's more hassle than I'm willing to deal with here. I'd consider a V6 if there were any decent RWD options (and no a Commodore V6 does not count).

[WDE_BDY]

Up to 1984ish had the R series so 40 series will work with an 18RG.

Callum

[TasCressida]

norbie there is a 94 model running a 1JZ down here and it fits like a glove.
ill PM u later ith a link to the extra cab im talking about.
was straight forward to fit also the guy told me.

if your looking at the 80's models ..... ill suggest old school with the the 18RG+T lol.
hell even a 1GGZE... not sure on what there like though .... supercharged is fun.

[CrUZida]

There is really nothing wrong with a 5VZ-FE. The 3VZ-E had a few HG problems, but the 5VZ was pretty solid.

My dads Prado had about 160,000 on it when we sold it, and it was still rock solid then. (He's know got one with a 1GR, gimme).

You'd just need to sort something out with the sump if you went 5VZ, as the 2WD lux won't fit the 4WD sump.

[CrUZida]

Up to 1984ish had the R series so 40 series will work with an 18RG.

Callum

Even into the mid 90's they were still using the 22R in them.

[WDE_BDY]

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

[Chris]

hey mate im doing this conversion right now, in a 1991 2WD hilux single cab:

http://www.toymods.net/forums/showthread.php?t=48943

Done a fair bit since my last update, I will update my thread this week some time.

To make it fit i used the following:
- CRS engine mounts
- Dellows bellhousing with W57 (bolted to orginal gearbox cross member)
- Notched sump so it dosnt fowel of drag link
- 97 booster (smaller so it dosnt fowel on cam cover)
- Crown log manis
- 4runner handbrake lever so the roller is on the inside of the firewall not outside where it fowels on the back of the motor.
- 97 swaybar (sits lower so the bellhousing dosnt fowl on it)
- 97 draglink so sump dosnt fowel on it)

I think thats all, anyway keep an eye on my thread....got lots of pics to come.

[Norbie]

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

I'm starting to warm up to the idea of an 18R-G Hilux though, especially since I just remembered I have a spare turbo setup lying around. High compression, low boost, should be torquey enough? Definitely a lot easier if I get a Hilux with an R series engine in it already!