Thread: FFS, where are all the real mechanics gone?

Originally Posted by Alex

I have been trying to get someone to swap a motor (300tdi) and box(r380) from a disco into my defender, and the only response I get from the local mechanics (Tamworth, NSW) is... No, we don't really do that sort of thing.

I was planning to get the shifter changed over by a local transmission place (who at least does do that sort of thing) however getting someone to do the engine swap seems impossible.

Anyone know someone near Tamworth who is capable?? I'd have a go myself but the shed has a dirt floor, and I really don't have time... or the tools... and I have a bad back.... and I am a wee bit lazy

Alex, I will give you a mechanics opinion why they may not be too keen on the transplant.
It is easier to make $100+ a hour replacing simple items like brakes and do many of them in a day, you get the profit from the labour and the mark up on the parts.
Doing a engine swap between two different vehicles has many un-knowns, electrical issues with wiring harnesses, engine/gearbox mounts, tail shaft lengths, fuel lines, radiator hoses...the list goes on.
Also due to the unknows, how would I quote for the labour when I technically need two mechanics too do the work at times?
You best bet is to find a retired or back yard mechanic who is willing to plod along with the transplant as they are not usually trying to run a business.

This company in Moree does Holden V6 conversions to Odd bod cars.
A friend had a V6 put in a Bedford van originally with a Red 6.
Shouldn't be any harder to do what you want.
Welcome to V6 Conversation
Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by ozrob

Alex, I will give you a mechanics opinion why they may not be too keen on the transplant.
It is easier to make $100+ a hour replacing simple items like brakes and do many of them in a day, you get the profit from the labour and the mark up on the parts.
Doing a engine swap between two different vehicles has many un-knowns, electrical issues with wiring harnesses, engine/gearbox mounts, tail shaft lengths, fuel lines, radiator hoses...the list goes on.
Also due to the unknows, how would I quote for the labour when I technically need two mechanics too do the work at times?
You best bet is to find a retired or back yard mechanic who is willing to plod along with the transplant as they are not usually trying to run a business.

Fair call, I was just having a bit of a rant. I have run my own business before and learnt not to take on PIA jobs without a "PIA loading". Only problem was once my partner who did my invoices forgot to take the PIA off the description when she sent it to the customer.

Got a phone call from the customer the next day.. "What is this extra $1500 on my bill titled PIA?"

I told him what it stood for and he still paid it

Originally Posted by PhilipA

This company in Moree does Holden V6 conversions to Odd bod cars.
A friend had a V6 put in a Bedford van originally with a Red 6.
Shouldn't be any harder to do what you want.
Welcome to V6 Conversation
Regards Philip A

Cheers, that sounds like a good chance! I'll give him a buzz in the morning.

Kind of off topic but is this a common engine swap???

not so much the engine but there are plenty of auto conversions around

Originally Posted by voltron

Kind of off topic but is this a common engine swap???

Actually, right on topic. It is exactly the same engine and gearbox in both so not too complicated at all. The only difference is the linkage setup on the shifter, which needs the gearbox cracked to change it over (or the defender floor modded to accept the disco shifter which is further back). I was planning on getting the local manual transmission place to do the shifter part and anything else the box needed while it was out.

So from a mechanics point of view, would have been pretty much a remove and replace job. I would happily do it myself if I had decent shed and engine crane.

Decent mechanics are out there...

my favorite ones hide out in redcliffe QLD.