Thread: LS3 Conversion in Brisbane / QLD anyone know of someone who can do quality work

Originally Posted by Rustyx

Hi All

My 2015 Puma has just clocked over 110,000KM and I’ feel it’s timely now to give my left knee a break and put some available funds into the LS3 conversion
I can’t see my self selling the Defender anytime and want to make it more enjoyable to drive as my body starts showing more of its age.

From reading through I can see that Les Richmond in Melb is reputed to do this kind of work
But I wanted to see if there were anyone in Brisbane or even Greater QLD that people have had experience with who can do the job of a conversion and all the associated work

While I understand you wanting local, LRA do this stuff all the time and their work is first class.

Talk to Shane at SBL, he's right into that sort of stuff and may offer other alternatives.

Home | SBL Automotive

Here's one that LRA did.

Holden LS3 and 6 Speed Auto Install Kens’ 2012 110


Tony

Maybe something a bit different?

TDV6 Auto Defender conversion

3.2 Up and running!!!

Originally Posted by Tins

Maybe something a bit different?

TDV6 Auto Defender conversion

3.2 Up and running!!!

Glenn at Momentum 4x4 in Wauchope NSW did these 2 conversions and i know of a 3.2 ranger into 130 that they did too. I'm pretty sure Glenn told me they have done an LS defender too. I'd stay clear of the TDV6 engine. The 3.2 with aftermarket ECU and injector driver with a tune is pushing 600nm at the wheels in the 130. I've had a ride in it, goes well but the clutch slips if heavy (towing) on inclines. There is only so much clamping force a 10.5" clutch can offer and still be a daily driver. It will also bring your MT82 to an early failure.

I've made a start on an LS conversion into my 130. Got the engine, 6L80 and adaptor. I had the engine rebuilt and the engine builder has gone all slow on me so its an idle project until he pulls his finger out. There is a stack of decisions to make when doing an LS conversion. Going to LRA or another mob that offer a drive in drive out package will make the decision making easier because they have their way of doing things and its a trodden path. With no disrespect to LRA, i don't like some of their decisions/offerings and have opted to do a clean sheet on mine, picking ideas from LRA, from UK tuners like twisted, and people that i've picked their brain to come up with what i think will work for me. The main work around for me is the desire to run a viscous fan. Ozzy LS cars did not get a viscous fan so it's a GM truck water pump from the US, the local accessories brackets are not spaced for a truck WP, more USA parts. Orientation of the intake manifold is to back because the intake pipe and fan occupy the same space. That messes with the harness length as they are all made for a front intake. There is a multitude of knock ons from each and every decision. I want TU-TD on the auto and tow/haul mode in the tune. To get those features you need to run the GM BCU or a multitude of aftermarket intercept boxes that all cost about two to three hundred USD (it adds up quick). ADR requires identification of what gear the box is in. Aftermarket shifters do not have the PNRD on the side like factory so its another aftermarket gadget at USD450. i will use the VF V8 shifter, $130 from a wrecker and meets ADR and talks to the GM ECU/BCU. The other frustrating element is the instrument cluster. Easiest is RW Engineering CANBus box but its AUD900 landed. Or you go stand alone instruments with the hassle of a custom facia. I'm just getting myself all worked up again so i will stop now and simply say, an engine conversion is not for the faint hearted. Ken had a heap of teething issues with his, which is to be expected. It's best to pick a mob close to home for easy of trouble shooting.

When mine is done, conservative simulated output will be 530hp/525 ft-lb (710nm) of torque, built to run on 91 RON with a truck spec cam for low end torque. It will have more torque at 1000 rpm than the puma does at peak.

6.6L power curve_2.jpg

My understanding was that Glenn was doing, or planning to do, a TDV8 auto. That would be something.

Originally Posted by Tins

My understanding was that Glenn was doing, or planning to do, a TDV8 auto. That would be something.

I considered a 3.6TT conversion. Triumph Rover Spares Lonsdale offered a complete package of engine, tranny, harness, ecu etc etc to make it work for sub 15k. When i looked into it, there was no one offering a recoded factory ECU to work standalone. Momentum use an aftermarket ECU and injector driver. Those components alone were half the value of the engine. Which made it a very expensive exercise with next to support anywhere that i could find. Add to that, no off the shelf and proven adaptors and i was staring down the barrel of a very expensive partially converted car because i had hit hurdle after hurdle.