Chevrolet 6.5 litre in Patrol

Morning all,
Have a 2002 4.2L Turbo Patrol set up for my caravanning and detecting and trying to decide whether fitting a Chevy V8 would be a smart move?
Is there anyone here who has made this move or knows someone who has?
Have read varying positive/ negative comments from some 4WD drive forums any further info would be appreciated.
We have Brunswick Diesel over here who have been fitting them for years however I'm interested in an unbiased report.

Cheers
Peter

Hey,
My son and I are both mechanics though i gave it up a while ago.but he had a 400 cu in diesel in a cruiser.absolutely flew and pulled like a steam train.some mob in perth have good motors.I do hope you are talking about a diesel not petrol .We both now drive coil cab patrols (mine 2004 ute)and find though not as much torque but alot more comfortable and a hell of a lot better wheel travel when going over rough terain than leaf springs on cruisers.If you are looking for torque read up on 3 inch exhausts again my son had that on his 2001 patrol ute are makes a lot of difference,getting mine fitted after christmas.Can also change the computer chip,check ARB for that,it's a bit dear but again make the 4.2 pull really well.
Garry

Thanks for the info Garry,
Yes I'm referring to a Chevy 6.5 V8 turbo or natural diesel.
I have a 2002 4.2 Turbo Patrol coil cab and United Fuel Injection upgraded the turbo and fitted a full flow 3" exhaust back in 2003.
The KW output increased from 95 to 118kw.
Almost 9 years later the engines getting a little tired and because I have set it up for prospecting and caravaning I don't really want to change vehicles.
As you mentioned the coil cabs are super quiet and comfortable.

Have been looking here on the QLD site for info, BTW turn up your sound and pass your cursor over the pic of the engine in the top RH corner...

http://www.linquip.com.au/

And the installer here in WA;

http://www.brunswickdiesels.com.au/new/home.php

Was hoping to get first hand info from someone who has done this upgrade.

Cheers
Peter

Hi Peter,

It might be worthwhile having a chat with Alan Grey at Terrain Tamer in Victoria. He's a guru when it comes to engines.
How heavy is the Chevvy compared to the Patrol donk?

Robert

Hello Robert,
About equivalent weight, 400 kgs.
Will take a look at the Terrain Tamer.
Cheers
Peter

Still trying to get some unbiased information regarding Chevy installation?
Surely someone has or knows someone?

Cheers
Peter

Hi Nightjar,
Why not contact the people that do the work eg. Brunswick Diesel.....and get contact details of 3 or 4 of their customers that have had the work done.

Thanks for the suggestion Sandy but I do want unbiased information.
I do not have any issue with Brunswick Diesel and have had some detailed discussions with Greg & co however with due respect to them they will only give me the owners with great success stories that anyone can read on their site anyway.

Cheers
Peter

Hi again nightjar......how about speaking to a few ARB service managers to see what they know ?

sandy2010 wrote:
Hi again nightjar......how about speaking to a few ARB service managers to see what they know ?

Been there done that Sandy,
All their stories revolve around rev heads trying to drive out of canyons etc with their high lift kits, tractor tyres, 10 spot lights etc etc and breaking something down the line from the engine.
I know the Nissan drive train is exceptionally reliable if treated with respect.
Will try a few other forums and try and get some info.
Cheers
Peter

Took a drive down to Brunswick Diesel today and spoke to Greg, he took me for a tour of their workshop, 16 current employees working on 40 conversions.
Was an eye opener seeing the records that they have done 5000 conversions.
Convinced me to go ahead with my conversion.
Left my little truck there and Brunswick gave me a vehicle "free of charge" to get home and run around for next week while it all happens.
$6000.00, trade in for my 4.2TD to go straight into a desperate customers vehicle, who had "sunk" his in a creek previous few days.
Woohoo!!!!!!!! 6.5L Intercooled Turbo CHEVY V8, 3.9 ratio diffs and 3" exhaust system.

Gday Peter
Out of curiousity, what did they quote you for the conversion?
cheers
Brett

Hi Brett,
A Kings ransom to get it fitted, but when you see how and listen to the rumble of the V8 it all seems worth it.
The Toyota V8 is plagued with problems and their 5th gear is still dodgy.
All going to plan a trip to our lease will cost $120.00 less.
They claim, 12L/100 around town, 16L/100 towing.
Did my sums over past few months and weighed up what it would cost to get another truck set up as mine is for prospecting the $25K payout doesn't seem to hurt as much.

Cheers
Peter

Gday again Peter
The $'s are like quicksilver these days it seems.
I wouldn't go near the Tojo V8 after hearing some of my mates reports on theirs.
I'm in the throws of upgrading to a new or nearly new Dmax or Colorado in order to get the 3000kg towing cap I need. The bride wants a big new van to stay out in the bush longer, fine by me but the old 2005 Rodeo is only rated at 2000kg. Shame to get rid of it as it's a cracker unit and suits perfectly.
The dealers are thieves but and while wanting the earth for their vehicles they'll give you nothing for yours - very frustrating.
It'll happen eventually I guess, no use stressing about it. Wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't such a penny pincher.
cheers
Brett

Hi Brett,
Two of my mates have bought new Colorado dual cabs in past 6 months. One of them went bush over Christmas and put some dents in the under body and gearbox pan. Last time I was talking to him, he is cursing himself that he didn't keep his Cruiser and pour some money into that.
The underbody of the Colorado is very exposed and close to the ground so they are both in the process of fitting guards. The rear tailgate does not have a seal so even though they have canopies fitted you can poke a finger through the gap, the red dust will love this. The 3000kg towing would probably suit the black top tourists but if like you say you want to have extended bush trips you no doubt will encounter some rough tracks and it is doubtful you will get a long life out of the vehicle.
Also rumour (and it is a rumour) has it the Colorado is very thirsty when towing, that little 4 has to really work. Around town or open road empty they have very good economy.
If you open the back door and lift it the bodywork flexes alarmingly. Can see serious problems if a lot of unsealed road travel is on your agenda.
IMHO you should look very carefully/ critically when you inspect one.
Maybe ask on some forums and try and get first hand stories about performance of the Colorado/Dmax.
Of the two although the Colorado is a badged Dmax the Colorado was the cheaper option.

Cheers
Peter

Thanks Peter
Yep, I intend doing a fair bit of off roading and gravel road work in whatever I end up with. The last two Rodeo's I've had have been bullet proof and super reliable but I have yet to inspect either the Dmax or Colorado. I'm just trying to setup a deal via the net first before I stump up in Perth. Sounds like I might have to go to Gero and have a look at them.
My 2005 ute has been everywhere with no repercussions and is pretty good on fuel when towing (about 13l per 100km at 100 kph). It has a little lift and helpers but is reasonably well guarded underneath.
I had actually looked at a Nissan wagon (gut the back and keep everything secure and dry) but I just can't get away from the reliability and comfort that I've had with the Rodeos to date.
Can't bring myself to shell out the ridiculous $'s they want for Toyota's and I reckon they're uncomfortable compared to a lot of 4wd's.
Wouldn't have a Mitsubishi. Had a Landrover Disco - never again.
BT 50"s, Ranger's?? Naah.
More thinking needed by me I think.
cheers
Brett

Hi all,
The conversion is progressing smoothly.

Have you been sleeping down there Peter
Where's the first run to??? Bit too warm for prospecting.
cheers
Brett

Hi Brett,
No, not sleeping on the job their workshop isn't airconditioned...
Definitely too warm for detecting, will take a few drives to run the engine in and iron out any teething problems.
Should pick it up early next week all going well.

Cheers
Peter

Picked up my ute today, all I can say the deep growl of the V8 pushing out 220HP is absolute music to the ears.
The only teething trouble is the need for a little clutch adjustment, not quite enough free travel.
Will need to be very responsible the awesome power could get me into trouble with the flashers.
Will post some pics soon.

Cheers
Peter

Hey Peter,

What's the cut-off age for going from being a "hoon" to a "silly ol' bugger"?

Did Greg fit a pyrometer?

What's your "run in" period before you can tow your van? I recall my old HJ60 2H motor was only 1000k's

Robert

Gday Peter
Good to hear the jobs done and dusted. Suppose you'll be down Tims Thicket rooster tailing with the young guys eh?
Probably not.
Some photo's of the ute would be good and if you could give a quick rundown of why you didn't get another ute (what you've done to yours to set it up for prospecting).
cheers
Brett

Gday Brett/ Robert,
Put in a full day today reconnecting all my accessories wiring and building a battery box to go under the tray. The auxillary battery had to be moved to fit the engine. Have elected to to house two extra ZZ70 batteries under the tray to power the Engel, detector battery chargers, inverter etc. Up until now I had two 6V deep cycle in series on the back of the ute charged by engine and solar, they are heavy, 60kg all up and they are beginning to fail so time for a change.
After many months of deliberation elected to fit the replacement engine rather than upgrade to a newer model because Nissan have not found a replacement for the TD42 and their alternative does not suit my requirements.
All the extras I havve fitted would entail a mammoth task transfering to a replacement ute.
Answer to your question Brett this is how the ute is set up;
Apart from standard extras, bull bar, 9000lb winch, tow bar, etc

..2X 60L S/S water tanks under tray.
..12V pressure pump connected to tanks for daily water and transferring water to caravan after a trip to town.
..Barrett HF Radio.
..Electrophone UHF Radio.
..Hands free+ external aerial for Telstra Country phone.
..Step up transformer to run laptop for OziExplorer moving map, this includes a frame to support laptop between seats while travelling.
.. Electric brake controller for van.
..Roof mounted 64W solar panel.
..Tom Tom mount and wiring.
..Garmin GPS Map176 mounted to connect to laptop.
..Control box that is fitted to back of ute while prospecting. This houses the solar regulator, 300 Watt inverter, GPX battery chargers, etc

Here is a poor quality video, will try and improve when the seabeeze isn't howling.

https://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s122/nightjar3/?action=view&current=Chevy65001.mp4

No doubt have missed something but that is the reason why and am very happy with the current set up.

Cheers
Peter

Thanks Peter
I can understand why you wouldn't want to refit another ute. Good luck with the new donk and let us know if the fuel savings end up as planned.
cheers
Brett

Will do Brett, have to run it in for a few k's, it is very tight, after that I should get a good indication of economy.

Cheers
Peter

There is a short video here unfortunately the sea breeze didn't help the sound quuality.

http://www.4wdaction.com.au/videos/44285-brunswick-diesel-conversion-2002-gu-patrol-coil-cab-65l-turbo-intercooled-chevy-v8

Hi Brett,
Engine is definitely loosening up, not a lot of smoke out the back now.
Filled up the tanks yesterday so will now record fuel economy over next 1000 km's.
Will update later.

Cheers
Peter

Gday Peter
Good to hear that's working out and let us know how the fuel econ goes.
I ended up biting the bullet and buying a new Colorado. Seems brilliant
cheers
Brett

Hi Brett,
My mates are reasonably happy with their Colorados, a few minor problems however an oil leak around the turbo outlet is a worry.
There are reports of premature intercooler corrosion you may want to talk to the dealer about.

Words of praise here, hope yours gives you as much pleasure?
"I have owned my 4x4 lx diesel Colorado since June last year (09) and i tell you what I CAN NOT FAULT IT when it comes to power, reliability, towing capability, general off road use, city/ highway driving and most of all its brilliant fuel efficiency!! Plus these babies really do look the part, they are a real head turner. I have had two 3ltr Hilux’s in the last 5yrs and they have nothing on these things for all-round capability and comfort. I travel from Sydney to the hunter valley most weekends, and from a full tank..(76ltrs) around $80.00, I can make 2 return trips up and back TWICE before the fuel light comes on and that is roughly just over 800klms! I travel nearly 60klms a day return for work plus other running around and I only need to fill up once a F/Night, so when you work it out its got great fuel efficiency for such a powerful diesel..i also ride bikes and most weekends, mine, plus a mates is usually on the back plus all our gear, and at times a trailer with another 2 bikes (4 all up) towing all 4 bikes some distance to where we go and it just pulls like theres no tomorrow. Only problem is mates always want to use my rig and not there own! Great allround vechicle….


Matt Gray of Sydney Posted on 18 August 2010 10:32pm"

Catch you down the track.
Peter

About the Colorado, a mechanic told me there is only 5mm
between the sump and the oil uptake pipe so a sump
guard would be a good idea if they aren't standard.

There's a lot of Ford Rangers in Kal these days.

Alan