VehiCROSS V8 Conversion Kit

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Originally Posted by samneil2000

Two, at least. You forgot about sleveritt's
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=19878

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Right you are Sir...:yes:

That did slip through the cobwebs...:mbrasd:

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Originally Posted by VXorado

:(...I forgot about that build too. He got irritated with some comments in his build thread and hasn't posted since. Too bad, I would like to know how the V8 & SAS are holding up a year later.

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I think it might have been some frustration, but mostly just life got in the way. I emailed him a while back and here's the status:

Hey Sam,
Summertime brought about 2 family vacations and been busy working both jobs
lately. (Had to replace and upgrade my HVAC system for $8400, so it became a
priority.)

My VX did go back to the builder like I last posted, it took a couple of months
of tinkering to get everything down pretty good and streetable. I still have
some "slack" in the steering but the anti-roll bars (with quick disconnects) and
extra shocks in the rear helped tremendously, but I keep it to 55mph to be safe.
There is a steering stabilizer in its future.

Currently, the VX is at an A/C shop getting the intake reworked to the driver
side. That required a metal tube be cut out a bit to allow for the alternator
pulley. There just wasn't enough room between it and the radiator. I've
already ordered the top-passenger side mount for the A/C compressor, then they
have to install it, custom wire a system that is dash operatable, charge it up,
and see what happens. As it goes, the weather is finally cooling off around
here. Entirely too hot to drive in summer without A/C.

Next major project is probably the interior and getting it lowered a bit and
cutting out the fender flares for the wheels. As always, a work in progress.

Thanks for the interest. I will likely take more pics and add more posts once I
get it back (yet again).

Sam Leveritt

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Originally Posted by samneil2000

I will likely take more pics and add more posts once I get it back (yet again).

Sam Leveritt

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:) Thanks for the update. I hope he updates us with some finished pics sommday.

Hi guys,
I just wanted to share some Engine Swap info I received from my DMV (Nevada).
I posted the documents and info on my thread: Here...

Hopefully this helps people in their decision about engine swaps, as it pertains to all states (EPA rules included in the docs).

Hope this helps!
---JIM---

So I am moving forward with the swap but to cut down some of my cost I will be trying to sell my Long Block. I have receipts for all maintenance and I will be happy to provide receipts with purchase. The timing belt was done at 104,000 as were the spark plugs. The fan clutch, fan pulley, tensioner pulley, and serpentine belt were all done at 110,000. The engine has just under 114,000 and will be pulled in the next week or so. It burns no oil as long as I replace the PCV every 1,000 miles. I will also do an EGR for a buyer if they want. Obviously most members on here dont need an extra engine, or have room for one. But if you know of anyone or hear of anything please feel free to let them know. I am happy to let the buyer start the car, listen to is and drive it. I also have an oil analysis from my last oil change that I am happy to provide.

^ Now that's what I call "going all in." Kudos and good luck! :thumbup:

Well as I stated in the beginning it is time for someone to try to take this kit seriously and make it work for the average person. Also good news about the transmission, especially for anyone living above sea level. Our transmission isn't rated for the 320 HP or 310 Torque that the NorthStar makes. However at this altitude (5280) we lose about 20% on naturally aspirated motors. Therefore the NorthStar will be making 256HP and 248HP which is right at our transmission limit. So time will tell. I will keep all updated and I am looking forward to Moab.

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Originally Posted by WRBSTI

I will keep all updated and I am looking forward to Moab.

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Sounds good. Moab will be a great way to share the project... test drives will do more than a million words... :)

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Originally Posted by Ldub

Chopper ... Friend-0-mine...there IS one...:smilewink

I see four coil packs on each valve cover...:drool:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=21688

OP, welcome to the Fam, & good luck with your venture, I hope it's a stunning success!..:yes:

Who knows, I may be look'n someday.

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THEN IT'S ON!!!
I'd love to see it....I don't get around here enough any more
I saw the 5sp conversion.....just what the Dr. ordered.
Wonderful to finally see something happen with these cars besides light bulb and tire swaps

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Originally Posted by Chopper

Wonderful to finally see something happen with these cars besides light bulb and tire swaps

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Was just thinking the same thing the other day. I guess it's probably because these trucks have become cheap enough that folks have the $$$ required for major mods. Hard to justify swapping a perfectly functional engine (or transmission for that matter) when you've still got a $300-400 car payment on it.

Think about what we've got going right now... V8 swap, 5-speed swap, body-integrated spare tire carrier, tube bumpers, etc. Pretty cool...

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Originally Posted by vt_maverick

My advice would be option #2. The problem with option 1 is that you risk having to pay everyone back if you can't finish or have some sort of family emergency pop up. Option 3 is risky because folks on this board are infamous for saying their interested and then disappearing when it comes time to put up the cash (e.g. Robbomaz supercharger kit, my spare Borbets, Marlin's skid plates, etc). Option #2 is best, but I would recommend you credit folks' donations against the sales price.

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YEAH! Well at least one guy from this forum bought one :bgwo:

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Originally Posted by vt_maverick

Was just thinking the same thing the other day. I guess it's probably because these trucks have become cheap enough that folks have the $$$ required for major mods. Hard to justify swapping a perfectly functional engine (or transmission for that matter) when you've still got a $300-400 car payment on it.

Think about what we've got going right now... V8 swap, 5-speed swap, body-integrated spare tire carrier, tube bumpers, etc. Pretty cool...

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Cheap enough there maybe - I tracked down a local RHD VX a while ago - $27500!!!
Cheaper for me to buy one Stateside, ship it here and convert it to RHD!

So as i find a way to make this swap work i stumbled across yet another project (just my luck). I found a 1999 Isuzu Trooper with 108,000 miles and a blown motor. Just so happens that I will have a nice 1999 Trooper with the 3.5. Does anyone know about the trooper market? It is a one owner car from Washington state with a clean title. It will have my VehiCROSS V6 transplanted in it.

You can check out Edmunds for pricing, I was on there last night and I think they were quoting around 3-4K or less for 99 Troopers with 100K miles.

Is it a 5-speed? If so maybe you could check into the feasability of a V8, 5-speed swap?

I wish it was a 5 speed, if so I would be doing the 5 speed with TOD and the NorthStar in the VehiCross. I am buying the trooper for $500 and i am debating whether to swap in my V6 and sell it, or part it out and try to sell the engine out of the VehiCROSS. Any ideas?

If you part it out, you can be our gauge as to what the market is like for Trooper parts... for those of us that want to go the route of buying a donor Trooper for the 5 speed swap.

:)

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Originally Posted by WRBSTI

I wish it was a 5 speed, if so I would be doing the 5 speed with TOD and the NorthStar in the VehiCross. I am buying the trooper for $500 and i am debating whether to swap in my V6 and sell it, or part it out and try to sell the engine out of the VehiCROSS. Any ideas?

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Kurt with the salvage VX yesterday told me he was able to sell his VX engine for $1300 pretty easily. If you think you can get more than $2000 for the Trooper then the swap may be worth it. All depends on the condition of the Trooper & how much work you want to put into it.

With the huge number of Troopers sold in the US I can't see there being much money in parting it out - people who need parts can probably go to a local yard and save themselves shipping.

I'd let it go...

hows the project going ??

For those interested, I just posted a few interior pics of my latest completed projects, as always, work is on-going and slow, but the weather is better so I can spend more time in the garage without freezing my ying-yang off. The pics are on the Nuke VX build thread under the VX Talk section. Just laid down a red polyurethane bed/floor liner, painted interior roll bars, headliner, etc... Anyway, no trying to hijack the thread but I noticed a couple of people asked about it a few posts back. (Anybody know how to move it to the "Major Build Thread" section?)

pm Moncha and say pretty please :D

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Originally Posted by sleveritt

(Anybody know how to move it to the "Major Build Thread" section?)

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You would be the sole owner of the built thread :). It's a good idea since you're continuing progress.

If a 5.3 from an H3/Colorado will fit but may be too much power for the stock tranny, what about the 3.7 from an H3/Colorado. the 3.7 makes 242hp and 242 ft lbs of torque.

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Originally Posted by H3_VX

If a 5.3 from an H3/Colorado will fit but may be too much power for the stock tranny, what about the 3.7 from an H3/Colorado. the 3.7 makes 242hp and 242 ft lbs of torque.

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Too much work for little reward. Additionally, I can just add some stickers and a wing to the VX to get 20-30 more HP.

Now swapping the H3 295 HP/317 Torque 5.3L & transmission & 4:1 transfer case. Now that's a lot of work for a great reward :bwgy:.

That H3 swap would be best to find a salvaged one and just transplant the VX body on top of everything else! (I had the same thought with a Chevy Duramax single cab short bed with the Duramax Diesel and Allison transmission!):yesgray: Lots less work that way, though the frame rails may be right at the door sill:smilewink.

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Originally Posted by VXorado

I can just add some stickers and a wing to the VX to get 20-30 more HP.

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Ain't it the truth...:yesgray:

My tire trailer had ZERO, count em...0 HP...:mbrasd:

After installation of the ultimate "ricer wing" & some stickers, my trailer is now up to nearly 34 HP...Thank You Billy May...:dance:

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Originally Posted by Ldub

Ain't it the truth...:yesgray:

My tire trailer had ZERO, count em...0 HP...:mbrasd:

After installation of the ultimate "ricer wing" & some stickers, my trailer is now up to nearly 34 HP...Thank You Billy May...:dance:

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:laughing: That's what i'm talking about, that trailer should be able to push Suzy down the road.

What's the trailer for? Do you drive pavement on smaller tires?

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Originally Posted by VXorado

:laughing: That's what i'm talking about, that trailer should be able to push Suzy down the road.

What's the trailer for? Do you drive pavement on smaller tires?

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Well...sort of...
I trailer my "big boy tires" to Moab, cutting out almost 3k mi per year off the tread wear schedule of some tires that they ain't exactly givin' away...:yesgray:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC04323.JPG

Sorry 4 the T-J...:flower:

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Originally Posted by VXorado

Too much work for little reward. Additionally, I can just add some stickers and a wing to the VX to get 20-30 more HP.

Now swapping the H3 295 HP/317 Torque 5.3L & transmission & 4:1 transfer case. Now that's a lot of work for a great reward :bwgy:.

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I only recommended the 3.7 as an instant reliability improvement over any Isuzu engine. Plus a much cheaper option. I myself have no need for a 300hp engine (although it would be nice). :yeso:

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Originally Posted by Ldub

Well...sort of...
I trailer my "big boy tires" to Moab, cutting out almost 3k mi per year off the tread wear schedule of some tires that they ain't exactly givin' away...:yesgray:

Sorry 4 the T-J...:flower:

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Makes sense. Although it looks like you need a lift & some bigger tires on that trailer :rotate:

+1 to the T-J

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Originally Posted by H3_VX

I only recommended the 3.7 as an instant reliability improvement over any Isuzu engine. Plus a much cheaper option. I myself have no need for a 300hp engine (although it would be nice). :yeso:

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True but other than some oil consumption, my 3.5L has been reliable (the engine will now blow up tomorrow)

Knock on wood.

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Originally Posted by VXorado

True but other than some oil consumption, my 3.5L has been reliable (the engine will now blow up tomorrow)

Knock on wood.

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careful what you say amigo, there generally is no warning.

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Originally Posted by pbkid

careful what you say amigo, there generally is no warning.

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Jack, it's a VX
not an Amigo :)

So any update from the OP (WRBSTI)?

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Originally Posted by WRBSTI

This is the exact feedback I was hoping for so thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.
NFPGASMASK- One of the unknowns of the swap is the longevity of the stock 4L30E transmission. Because I am wanting to keep awd and TOD I am going to see how it does with a brand new 4L30E. This way if it blows in 2,000 miles I will tell everyone that the transmission wont hold the power at all. Also if you are hammering it around every turn and from stoplight to stoplight the V8 will destroy the transmission far faster than the stock V6.

DutchKiwi- I had not looked into the PCM that you had mentioned but will be doing do once I click post. The 4.6 came with the GM PCM and we will be wiring that into the stock Isuzu PCM so we can get TOD and the power reduction during shift to work with the NorthStar.

my next hurdle will be finding out of the oil pan clears and of if not finding an oil pan that will.

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Since a GM 4L60E is the automatic for C4 Corvettes, I googled "4L60E vx 4L30E". That's because the vette transmission handles the appropriate amount of torque and HP.

Interestingly enough, I found this quote from "Isuzu Jerry Lemond" on the topic...

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Originally Posted by JLEMOND

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Originally Posted by zquest

would this be possible at all? same year tranny but 60E vs 30E

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YES IT CAN AND WILL FOR THE MOST PART BOLT UP, BU T HEN THE FUN BEGINS, WITH THE WIRING , AN EASIER SWAP IS TO USE A 700 R4 FROM A CHEVY S 10 2.8 ENG , IT BOLTS RIGHT ON, AND CAN BE MODIFIED TO EASILY HOLD 350 HP , AND THE EASIEST PART THE CONVERTOR WILL BOLT RIGHT TO YOUR STOCK FLYWHEEL, AND THE ENG BOLTS RIGHT UP. TO THE TRANS CASE , A LITTLE WIRING FOR THE CONVERTOR CONTROL LOCKUP AND YOU WILL HAVE TO FAB UP A BRACKET TO OPERATE THE THE KICK DOWN CABLE SO THAT YOU CAN ADJUST THE UP SHIFT POINTS OF THE TRANS , ,
A 4L60 WILL ALL SO WORK AS LONG AS IT IS FOR THE 2.8 ENG THE 4L60 E IS A DIFF ANIMAL ALTOGETHER AS FAR AS CONTROL GOES ,
THE 700R4 AS GM ORIGINALLY BUILT IT WAS JUST LIKE THE TURBO 350 A REAL [PIECE OF CRAP , UN TILL THE AFTERMARKET GOT HOLD OF IT AND MADE IT WORK LIKE GM SHOULD HAVE OR COULD HAVE IN THE VERY BEGINING , AND NOW BOTH TRANS ARE AS GOOD AS THEY COME , THE 700/4L60 HAS A 3.06 FIRST GEAR AND A 30% OVERDRIVE , ABOUT AS GOOD AS IT GETS, ONE OF THE GUYS ON THIS BOARD ABOTU 5 YEARS AGO PUT THIS SAME SETUP IN HIS RODEO BUT USED A DANA TRANS FER CASE AND IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE TORSION BARS, BUT I THINK HE CORRECTED THAT WITH A SAS, BANSIL REMEMBER ANDRES OLD RODEO, WHEN WE HAD ALL THE TRANNY PARTS LAID OUT ON THE TABLE THERE AT URE MAKING ALL SORT S OF MEASUREMENTS AND IT ALL CAME TOGETHER

JERRY

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Yeah...Jerry always types in caps.

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Originally Posted by vt_maverick

So any update from the OP (WRBSTI)?

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I noticed the listing for his VX engine is gone from craigslist. Maybe he sold the engine & is working hard on the swap? I'm sure he'll chime in with some details soon enough.

Any updates????

Hey man I just bought my first vx and I am thinking the v8 swap as well. I'm gonna do the Northstar, but still haven't figured out which transmission to go with. What do you think is the best to get, I'm keeping it automatic, a turbo 400? And how much do you think everything else will cost, ie wiring, mounts, accessories.

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Originally Posted by WRBSTI

Well here it is, the official thread for a do it your self, shade tree mechanic, Joe the plumber V8 conversion kit. As all of you know when it comes to cars and modifications everyone has their own opinion. This thread welcomes all opinions but unless it is something that can be beneficial for the progress of the conversion please understand that I am not trying to prove anyone right or wrong, my only goal is to provide a V8 kit for the somewhat average person.

So here are the things that we have put together that we know will work and are waiting for us.

2006 XLR NorthStar V8-10,000 miles
Rebuilt 4L30E Transmission-Stock Transmission
All wiring has been worked out and will be relatively easy
Trying to make sure A/C will fit because this is a deal breaker if no A/C
Stock Gauge Recalibration for speedo and tach

So basically this is a work in progress so far but as it progresses I will be able to give you detailed pricing for the kit. This kit will be an engine kit that will mount the Aurora V8, NorthStar V8. We will also offer a mounting kit for use of the GM 5.3 V8 out of the H3. The problem with the 5.3 is the transmission and transfer case from the vehicross are not compatible and therefor TOD will no longer be riding shotgun. For this reason I will be focusing on the Aurora V8 and the NorthStar V8 due to the compatibility with our stock transmissions as well as the similar engine mounts and overall size.

As you can see this is not a complete kit and I am still awaiting the motor mounts. Once these are in my VX should be complete within a week or two. I will be taking a lot of pictures and making them into a manual for the kit. The kit will not include the engine but as most know the Aurora V8 can be found for less than 1,000 and a good Northstar can be found for not much more.

Any Questions, comments or concerns? I want the feedback from as many people as possible especially those who would be interested in the conversion.

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Hey man I just bought my first vx and I am thinking the v8 swap as well. I'm gonna do the Northstar, but still haven't figured out which transmission to go with. What do you think is the best to get, I'm keeping it automatic, a turbo 400? Or the 4l30e? Do that and the northstar link up? And how much do you think everything else will cost, ie wiring, mounts, accessories.

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Originally Posted by imfraeglasgow

Hey man I just bought my first vx and I am thinking the v8 swap as well. I'm gonna do the Northstar, but still haven't figured out which transmission to go with. What do you think is the best to get, I'm keeping it automatic, a turbo 400? Or the 4l30e? Do that and the northstar link up? And how much do you think everything else will cost, ie wiring, mounts, accessories.

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Here's a better idea with a lot less headaches. Just ship your VX to AutoPros in Aberdeen, MD and have it shipped back to you when complete. Done deal.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...threadid=22505

:bgwb:

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Originally Posted by Riff Raff

Here's a better idea with a lot less headaches. Just ship your VX to AutoPros in Aberdeen, MD and have it shipped back to you when complete. Done deal.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...threadid=22505

:bgwb:

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No TOD though, it's possible to retain it with the northstar isnt it? And the shipping would just be too much for me.