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M3ZZA
P Plater
77 Posts
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 Posted - 07 Jan 2011 : 12:50:48 PM
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Hey guys i am thinking about doing a conversion with my vn calais i would like to drop in a vn-vt 5 litre bent eight with a 5 speed into my vn calais witch is currently a v6 5 speed.
What would be involved in dropping in a v8 and is there anyway i could use the 5speed box i currently have since its next to impossible to find a proper 5litre 5 speed box ?
What would i have to do in regards to the k frame and the wiring side off things and power steering and a/c and cooling system for example the radiator and thermos ?
Cheers.
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Mechknight73
National Driver
1001 Posts
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Posted - 07 Jan 2011 : 3:22:32 PM
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The main things to change for a V8 conversion on a VN is the following:
K-frame (main crossmember bits)
Engine wiring harness (heavier duty to handle V8 load)
The V8, being heavier had stiffer springs, and a stronger crossmember. The guys will correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression the K-frame is something that will unbolt.
The radiator is straightforward. Just get the V8-spec one and drop it in. It's the same deal as Kingswoods; they go into the support panel in a similar way, it's only what's bolted to them that varies. In this case a bigger fan.
The gearbox is one I'm unsure of. If the gearbox is a Borg-Warner T5, no problem. if it isn't I'd ask a gearbox place whether it's a good idea.
The a/c shouldn't be a problem. You might have to buy different lines to and from the evaporator in front, but they use a similar compressor.
VN/VP 5 litre would be the engines best suited, as you have to stuff around a bit with the engine computer to get VR-T models to work in a VN harness. |
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M3ZZA
P Plater
77 Posts
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Posted - 07 Jan 2011 : 7:16:57 PM
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Yeh thanks heaps as far as i know the k frame is bolt on/off.
So the v8 radiator does it actually sit differently to the v6 one ?
What about power steering do you know if that all bolts up ?
No worried about v6 springs if anything its probably better :D |
Modifying a car is like a drug once you start you cannot stop. |
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VNSVLE
Forum Moderator
1316 Posts
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Posted - 07 Jan 2011 : 7:32:51 PM
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| The bell housing on the v6 5 speed will be different as well as the tailshaft. Also pulley/clutch setup different and I believe they are a different compressor and possibly different mounting points. |
What's the difference between understeer and oversteer?
Understeer is when the driver is scared.
Oversteer is when the passenger is scared. |
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M3ZZA
P Plater
77 Posts
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Posted - 07 Jan 2011 : 8:27:32 PM
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| That sucks i really dont want to go auto again : ( |
Modifying a car is like a drug once you start you cannot stop. |
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Mechknight73
National Driver
1001 Posts
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Posted - 07 Jan 2011 : 11:07:52 PM
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| The power steering, while a different setup, should still hook up to the lines. From everything I've seen on a VR V8, there doesn't appear to be anything different about the steering rack from a VN V8, save for the tie rods on the ends of it. The a/c compressor does have different mounting brackets (unsure as to whether it's the body of the compressor or just the brackets) |
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M3ZZA
P Plater
77 Posts
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Posted - 08 Jan 2011 : 08:57:01 AM
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Yeah if i do go down this path i am thinking off either really trying to hunt down a 5 litre with a 5 speed or a smashed 5 litre and just take out the main bits i need rather then pay $7000 to $1000 just for a engine maybe gearbox and loom.
But now what i am kind off getting my heart set on will not only give me a bad pain in the pocket for a year or so but it will also give me a big a**e head ache from the mrs :D. LS1 either auto box or manual it really doesn't matter but they go for $3500 - $4000 on ebay but i know where i can score engine-box-loom for around $2500 mark.
But i have no idea whats involved with that conversion : ( |
Modifying a car is like a drug once you start you cannot stop. |
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Mechknight73
National Driver
1001 Posts
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Posted - 08 Jan 2011 : 2:47:57 PM
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| Besides buying the parts, the most expensive thing will be converting the wiring harness to adapt it to the LS1. Speak to Gardner Engineering. They have a website by that name, and they are specialists in engine upgrades, from Kingswoods and early Commodores through to possibly the VN. They may know something, or they may even make a wiring loom kit for that already. |
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M3ZZA
P Plater
77 Posts
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Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 6:55:40 PM
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Yer i am thinking about calling mace engineering/castlemaine rod shop about the kits they have.
Spewing though my accountant a.k.a THE MRS is telling me that i wont be having a full conversion for a year or more. : ( |
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