Hi all, this is my first post on these forums and i am a relative n00b when it comes to cars so take it easy on me.

is it possible to convert the engine in a '88 740 GL to something like a RB20DET or something similar. i am more keen to go the V6 route as i have heard that V8s, while they can be done, are fuel guzzlers. to add on to this question, what other mods will need to be carried out in order to make the car roadworthy. (Structural (sp?) reinforcing, diff, transmission etc..)

thanks in advance

Tim

 

I haven't heard of many people installing V-6's into these cars.I have heard alot of people installing V-8's.Either a chevy 350 or a Ford 302.I have seen some ford 302 conversions with fuel injection.They get pretty good gas milage as well.Just because it is a V-8 doesn't mean it gets poor gas milage.I will bet I get better gas milage than half of the Volvo's out there.I get 25-28 miles per gallon on the highway in my MUSTANG 302.

 

i had just been told that V8s will almost always get a lower mileage then a V6, maybe just our big ol' Aussie engines do.[8D]

which would be the more expensive option? because i was looking at the V6 in terms of a cheaper outlay in the first place and the RB20DETs are pretty readily available over here. regardless of my choice my original question still remains, how much of the rest of the car would have to be changed? (diff etc.)

 

If you can get the engine and trans and everything that goes with it you will be fine with everything else.The front suspension can handle the weight.The diff. holds up to the V-8 power unless you make like 400+ horsepower.You will just have to have a driveshaft made.I don't know of the engine you speak of.If it is fuel injected make sure you get the wiring harness and computer.

 

the RB0DET is the stock engine i R32 Skylines (i'm not sure if it comes in any of the other models. it is basically a fuel injected, turbo engine. more info can be found pretty easily using google.

 

Like I said make sure you get all the wiring and computers that go with the engine.

 

i have changed my mind, seeing as the fuel consumption is pretty much equal for a Detroit V8 that it is more the way to go. i have seen a car (on the net) with a 350 Chev. if the standard Diff is going to be able to handle it then am i going to have to get a driveshaft made up. what are the dimensions going to have to be (if this is the wrong question or wrong wording tell me please.) and what materials will I have to use? what mods to the electricals and engine bay am i going to have to make to get it to fit and for everything (radio, air con etc etc...) to work.

 

You can measure after getting the engine bolted in there.You will have to make the engine mounts first.If you run carberated then you will not need to do much.If you go fuel injected you will need the wiring harness and computer for the car it comes out of.My buddy is in the middle of doing it now.If he has any problems I will let you know.