14 replies to this topic

[yel327]

With all the restrictions now on engine size into LC/LJ I imagine clever people will be looking away from traditional US V8 engine sources towards alternatives like 4.0L 1UZ-FE or 4.3L 3UZ-FE Toyota engines. Possibly even the 1UR-FSE if you can stretch to 4.6L. You'd probably have to use the auto transmission with them for the 1UR but you may find a manual Lexus or Soarer you can scavenge a 1UZ or 3UZ engine and box from. Even the Quad cam 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 and 5spd manual from a 2005-2015 2WD Hilux would go well in an LC-LJ, these will pump out 200kW easily on 98 with a decent exhaust.

[Cook]

Trevor, FWIW I am using Jean-Claude at Bonnville Consulting in Endeavour Hills.  He has a form you fill out to tell them what you are looking to do and he will advise accordingly.  I am early in the process and not doing anything too radical (stroked 308, TH400 and 9" diff), but he has been good to date and been able to bounce little things off him as I go along.  Cheers Ron

[rexy]

Keep in mind that there aren't rules, they are guidelines. As you have probably gathered there are some vehicles approved that well exceed the guidelines. These are usually built by people who are knowledgeable, friendly, easy to deal with and not looking to cut corners or do things cheaply. All things an engineer and VicRoads will find positive.

[yel327]

They were all built as 6cyl's initially as had 308's put in. Same deal with the 350Z and the Contessa Gold HQ GTS350 coupe - they both had 400ci SBC's at some stage. Afaik neither are grounds for what you can do today. You'd have a bit more luck with the handful of 350 powered HQ utes and wagons, but the existence of the GTS350, LS350 and Statesmans with 350 are good enough for Engineers. In the end the guidelines are all based around the weight of the heaviest sedan version.

[yel327]

They might be Bomber, but as Rexy says a Code of Practice is a guideline not Legislation. There are always Cowboys out there who will try to go outside guidelines, I see it everyday as an Engineer. However in the electrical world in my experience those who regularly deviate from established guidelines really don't understand what they are doing either through inexperience or ignorance or other factors. I'd be surprised if Automotive Engineers are any different - a good one will stick close to established guidelines.

[Cook]

As per Daz, check the VicRoads web site.  VASS signatures list shows the accredited engineers in location order.  I can't comment on any out west but I think I've read some recommendations for Bill Malkoutzis of Talk Torque Automotive in Eltham if that helps.  I'm sure if you pick one or two and ask, there will be someone that has had dealings with them.  Good luck Ron.

[xu2308]

I spoke to a Engineer in my state about my GTR, he said it should get a 308 V8 instead of the 4.2 V8 that NCOP guide lines ok, due to my Car was a Pre Production V8 Car and Holden Historical Report confirms it.