FFS, where are all the real mechanics gone?

[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 :)

[ozrob]

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.

[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 (http://www.v6conversions.com.au/)
Regards Philip A

[Alex]

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 :angel:

[Alex]

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 (http://www.v6conversions.com.au/)
Regards Philip A

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

[voltron]

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

[THE BOOGER]

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

[Alex]

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.

[Blknight.aus]

Decent mechanics are out there...

my favorite ones hide out in redcliffe QLD.

[Didge]

I reckon ya need a couple keen high school kids with mechanical interest and who are scared of nothing and reckon every job will only take 20 mins - much like I was back in the day. I replaced a number of motors with absolutely no knowledge of what I was getting myself in for and with a bit of guidance from the old man they all worked out in the end. good practice for budding mechanics

[roverrescue]

I agree Didge,
engine swap aint no rocket science ;)


Righteo Alex,
Down to Tamworth High and search yourself out an engine crane and a few mechanics!!!!

Good for you and great for them! Except perhaps for the 'crane' who likely has a spondylolisthesis and will end up with a slipped disc but no bother that is years away from today!!!!

But seriously. I would consider avoiding the disco-fender gearbag swap over - I say this only because JC has said it is a palaver and he would not do it again! reason enough for me to steer well clear.

Steve

[Eevo]

if i was doing an engine swap, i wouldnt be going to a mechanic.

i would be going to a mechanic with a degree in engineering. you can tell the difference.

[BigJon]

i would be going to a mechanic with a degree in engineering. you can tell the difference.

Where do you find one of them?

[goingbush]

I reckon ya need a couple keen high school kids with mechanical interest and who are scared of nothing and reckon every job will only take 20 mins - much like I was back in the day. I replaced a number of motors with absolutely no knowledge of what I was getting myself in for and with a bit of guidance from the old man they all worked out in the end. good practice for budding mechanics

you must 'ave seen the film "The Big Steal" where a couple of high school kids do an engine swap on a Jag . worth a look if you havent seen it.

one of the very few Aussie films that I actually liked.

[sheerluck]

if i was doing an engine swap, i wouldnt be going to a mechanic.

i would be going to a mechanic with a degree in engineering. you can tell the difference.

Yes, in much the same way that when I go to Subway for a sandwich, I ask for a 'sandwich artist' with a degree in hospitality.

[Leroy_Riding]

you must 'ave seen the film "The Big Steal" where a couple of high school kids do an engine swap on a Jag . worth a look if you havent seen it.

one of the very few Aussie films that I actually liked.

Sutch a good movie.

I agree with most others, get some kids to help, Im am electronics engineer who works with computers and writes code and scripts all day long and even I have done more engine swaps that I can remember, was good skills building when I was younger and Im sure other young people would like the opportunity to learn the same way.

Leroy

[Didge]

Nah, haven't seen it goingbush but will now do the obigatory search as I'm sure it won't be in video stores any more. Perhaps also a trip to the local TAFE for some 4th year mechanic apprentice names who might like to earn a bit on the side?
Roverrescue - I recently hurt my sacroiliac joint (pelvis meets spine) which is the same neck of the woods as the spondylitis problems and mate, it was like getting stabbed in the back - worse than childbirth I reckon (women have been known to exaggerate and it was real man pain) :)
Very funny sheerluck - heheheha :)

[Bigbjorn]

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 :angel:

In the heavy truck and earthmoving equipment the term NFRAA was used to pad a quote or tender for something or a customer that was likely to be a PIA.

No flaming reason at all"

[Eevo]

Where do you find one of them?

they dont call themself a mechanic for starters.

[Eevo]

Yes, in much the same way that when I go to Subway for a sandwich, I ask for a 'sandwich artist' with a degree in hospitality.

now your just being silly.
subway dont sell sandwiches

[BigJon]

they dont call themself a mechanic for starters.


Expand and discuss.

[djam1]

The reality is with jobs like this they usually get burnt and cant charge for the hours that they are likely to spend doing the job.
If they did you would have a thread about how bad the mechanics were as they charged you 5K for an engine swap.
Its far easier to work as a parts fitter for Toyota s than taking on a job like this.

[Eevo]

Expand and discuss.

For example. My main mechanic is boostworx performance engineers. I go to him when I want a bigger turbo and then a custom tune to match.
If I wanted to do an engine swap, i would use him.

[Alex]

I agree Didge,
But seriously. I would consider avoiding the disco-fender gearbag swap over - I say this only because JC has said it is a palaver and he would not do it again! reason enough for me to steer well clear.

Steve

Do you mean changing the linkages/etc was difficult, or did he keep the disco shifter and modifying the floor was a pain? I haven't quite made up my mind on that part, the disco shifter sits further back so would mean I don't have to lean forward to change gears (I sit a fair way back thanks to Mulgo seat rails). Only problem is it would mean the centre cubby has to go...

[Alex]

Oh, and yes, have done a few engine swaps when I was young and silly. Not rocket science, but not wouldn't be much fun on a dirt floored shed.

[BigJon]

For example. My main mechanic is boostworx performance engineers. I go to him when I want a bigger turbo and then a custom tune to match.
If I wanted to do an engine swap, i would use him.

So the implication is a "mechanic" is no good, but an "engineer" is?

[Disco Muppet]

If I was still in Tamworth I'd come and help :p
The Disco/Defender box swap, as previously mentioned, is supposed to be a royal PITA.

[Eevo]

So the implication is a "mechanic" is no good, but an "engineer" is?

there are exceptions to the rule but in general, i would not be going to a mechanic for an engine swap.

[dobbo]

So the implication is a "mechanic" is no good, but an "engineer" is?

In a drinking contest perhaps :D

I've never seen a mechanic too drunk to stand up but can still complete advanced mathematical equations to the 200th decimal place

[Bigbjorn]

Expand and discuss.

The new vehicle dealerships around here describe their workshop staff as "technicians". I always thought the distinction between a tradesman and a technician was that the technician held a diploma whilst a tradesman held a trades certificate. I doubt if any of the oil drainers and parts replacers at the dealerships hold diplomas.

[ozrob]

Oh, and yes, have done a few engine swaps when I was young and silly. Not rocket science, but not wouldn't be much fun on a dirt floored shed.

You can always put some plywood down with old carpet on top, at least you had a shed, try a 20x40 tarp in the middle of a state forrest....

[dobbo]

You can always put some plywood down with old carpet on top, at least you had a shed, try a 20x40 tarp in the middle of a state forrest....

I don't have shed envy

[Alex]

Found one!! His own personal car is a County with a 4.6 HSE motor and an R380 disco box so he has done the switch before. Have decided to keep the disco shifter and he'll give it back to me without the trans tunnel in.

Transmission tunnel and centre console fabrication sounds like a more back friendly pursuit. I can also set it up with a bit more storage space, electrics etc while I am at it. Fibreglass and plywood, here I come (might even treat it to some carpet :D


You can always put some plywood down with old carpet on top, at least you had a shed, try a 20x40 tarp in the middle of a state forrest....

I am sure it wasn't by choice though :)