Thread: Holden LS3 and 6 Speed Auto Install Kens’ 2012 110

Hi Lionel, thanks for the enquiry mate.
Effectivly, the engine-transmission swap has been bullet proof and has given me no issues.
The vehicle has been a joy to drive with the mod, however the timing sucked re fuel prices. I generally only run 98 RON I the vehicle if it can be sourced, and the engine-trans have given no problems, and makes the vehicle a joy to drive.

Re other mods I wish I had done at the time, none that come to mind as it was already heavily modified and there’s nothing left on my wish list of consequence. I lie, I’m really keen on airbag suspension as per Airbag Man or the very impressive British systems all round. I have ARB BP51’s fitted and they’re faultless, but still set up with a 40mm lift. The vehicle is very high to climb into, and obviously set up at ‘OffRoad’ height 24/7. With adjustable airbags, with the maturity of the systems now, I could drop the Defender into ‘Road’ mode, lowering it for routine driving, and I expect, improving the already great ride, get into lower garages etc.

The main issue with the engine mod is the decreased fuel range with resultant fuel cost. I get approx 60% of the range the vehicle enjoyed with the OEM 2.2 diesel. That was to be expected and honestly is the only negative to the install. You don’t instal a 6 litre petrol engine without awareness of the fuel range issues being created.

That being said, the BMW engine installs would address this, but also rest the issue of available mechanics who could work on this engine in remote localities, and also parts availability. Thats the main reason I went with the GMH LS3. That, and Andrew Richmond and his team are just great to deal with and I felt very comfortable with them doing the install.

Ive a few issues with the vehicle at the moment, but nothing are due to the re engine.

Honestly, I’ve no issues with the set up and just really happy with it. I just need to address a steering shimmy that’s developed generally when off the pedal. It’s not wheels or alignment as I had that done between experiencing the steering shudder, so that’s good. Justin Cooper is looking into this issue, also g with servicing the vehicle prior to my moving back to the Atherton Tablelands in the New Year.

All the best for Christmas mate.

Ken

Ken, to add to my post on ABM kit and ride heights, ABM published data for the front bellow is 270-320mm operating range. If you took the mid point of 295mm as your ride height, the result is a +70mm lift over a stock 110 (+50mm over a stock 130). I have mine set at +45mm over a stock 130 which puts it in the meat of the operating range. I can't see a 110 running below stock ride height without compromising the bellow's ideal operating range with all the negative characteristics I mentioned earlier. Below is the table published by ABM in the installation instructions. Driving height according to ABM is F 530mm; R 540mm from centre of drive flange to the underside edge of flare. If you are running aftermarket flares the values will be different but within range for a comparison.

The only caveat to the above, I bought the +2" kit so my data maybe different for the Nil lifted kit. Worth asking ABM before laying down $.

manual max F 580mm; R 610mm
manual min F 430mm; R 430mm
drive height F 530mm; R 540mm
raised height F 570mm; R 600mm
access height F 450mm; R 450mm

another thing to consider for your remote res shocks. if there is an adjustor at the base that effectively shortens the operating range of the shock, you might find the shock bottoms out before the bump stop. I run Dobinson 3 way adjustable and they bottom out before the 2.5" bump stops (I run Gywn Lewis +1" bump stops with the spacer supplied by ABM so I'm 1.5" extended over factory bump stop). I've broken the front shock mount on each side from bottoming out the shock. When I pull my finger out, I'll change to a RRC style welded on bracket with the correct spacing.