90 replies to this topic

[surfmaster]

Is a V8 in an LC/LJ streetable - is there much range out of a tank of fuel or are they strictly go fast go hard type cars?

[micklx]

Back in the late 80's I owned an LJ XU1 lookalike with a mild 253 in it.
A mate who had owned a 72 XU1 drove it and his opinion was that top end power felt similar but the midrange was far better than his XU1.
Now this was a 253, imagine what a 308 would be like......

[LOWS2]

There are plenty of good arguments for a V8 and only 'underdog' type arguments for a 6 cyl. If they go and handle better with a V8, why would you go for a 6 cyl?

Not everyone has a desire for a V8 or can they afford the conversion (in terms of can they do it themselves? or do they need a workshop to carry out the work?).
Im currently getting my uncle to build me a mild 202 and its lucky i have mates in automotive trades that can help me with the install of the new engine when its done, should only take a weekend (possibly nights after work to prep engine bay for paint, etc). I would love a V8 in my LJ but its just not fesable for some - you have to track down parts (incl a decent running engine that isnt on its last legs), relocate the steering column (cant be sure on this havent done conversion myself), install a chassis kit (not all states), upgrade brakes, get an engineer to sign off on it (good luck getting that doen first go lol), plus a whole host of other things. Whereas im spending $1.5-2k max on a brand spankers engine that will be my daily & hopefully put the wind up these commodore boy racers (sorry mums taxi racers lol).

A lot of the arguments stated in this thread are along the lines of "ive got a V8 so everyone else should too", no one is doubting the ability of an LC/LJ with V8, just some prefer a nice worked 6...

Just my 2c, will probably get corrected on about a thousand different things ive stated but meh.

Cheers,
Mick

[bullitA9X]

LOWS2 you make some good points im in south australia and my lj gtr 5 litre is one of only 4 legally registered here as it costs a lot to have them engineered $3500 then you have to hire out the drag strip so the engineer can do his lane change test theres another $1500 in south australia if you have a 308 in your lc-lj it has to have a chassis kit another $1700 so it does add up but mate is it worth every cent as you cant desribe what its like to open up the 650 double pumper and have the car just about wheel stand i have had lots of quick 6cyl but nothing comes close to a lc-lj with a nice worked v8 be it chev or holden its just power to weight ratio with small wheel base its as simple as that

[LOWS2]

well said Rory

[smeer]

I'm keeping my 6 for practicality, cost and originality. I still have my orig donk so I will keep this car that way. No plans to ever sell so perhaps in the future it will be worth something with orig gear. If i was to build another, 8 would be on the cards before another straight 6.

[GTRXU1]

I am in the process of getting together all the bits and pieces to convert my 8/73 LJ GTR to an example of a prototype XU2. I am just curious were they looking at casting a stonger block like the XU-1 had to run a batch of V8 blocks.

Second to this I am on the hunt for a 308 block for around this time period....what block number am I looking at and from a Monaro??

thanks

[RIM-010]

Why bother with getting one from the same year or whatever? A 1973 308 is the same as a 1979 308... I still don't get why you have to do it to a GTR, but whatever...

Tim

[GTRXU1]

I appreciate you convictions Tim, mmm, prerogative springs to mind, we�re similar in almost everyway a �73 LJ 2 Door � Under Resto-Modification�. I read that right �modification� like you its about �choice��but whatever