Cost to convert holden motor to original and to 5 door

[dasuza]

As you all seem to know what you're dong - just wondering if you could offer quick advice.

If I found a series 2 with a holden engine, what could be the rough cost to get someone else to swap it for an original motor? (including the new motor assuming one can be found).

And what about the approx cost to get a LWB 3 door converted into a 5 door (to fit a second row of seats).

I assume that there is a place in Brisbane/QLD that I could get this done at?

Thanks all. Just still struggling to find a series 2 with 4 doors.

Bruce

[87County]

...

And what about the approx cost to get a LWB 3 door converted into a 5 door (to fit a second row of seats).

I assume that there is a place in Brisbane/QLD that I could get this done at?

...Bruce

Unless you have access to a parts supply and do the work yourself I imagine the cost would be prohibitive.

I think it would be cheaper to purchase a registered 1990s tdi Defender s/w with all its advantages, than to go down the route you have outlined above.

Returning to your project, it would be better to start with a 4/5 door station wagon (which will already have the s/w chassis that you will need) preferably with an unmolested LR engine, and renovate it.

I know there are followers who like alternate engines, but these changes introduce wear and structural compromises that you do not need.

Be patient and keep looking for a s/w - IMHO steer clear of any with engine conversions (no offence intended towards those with alternate engines) .

If you're prepared to get it from anywhere in Oz - you'll find one :)

[JDNSW]

As you have found, four door Series 2a are very rare, and Series 3 only slightly less so.

Converting one to four doors is theoretically possible, but most body parts are not available new, and would have to be sourced second hand. Second row doors in particular are very rare. 110 and Defender doors can be used, but post 1987 have different handles and locks. Similarly, the rear body could be used from one of these, but because the rear axle location is different the side panels would need extensive modification or replacement. I would guess that to pay someone to do the conversion, you would be looking at somewhere in the region of $20-30,000 - there is a lot of panel beater type labour involved.

The engine change is simpler, and cheaper. These engines are about - the four at least. While converting an original six to a four or vice versa is possible, to do it properly would be fairly expensive if paying someone to do it. Four cylinder engines are fairly common, and are interchangeable up to the end of Series 3 production. If the Holden installation did not include changes to the front cross member, the changeover should be able to be done for a couple of thousand. A running engine should be findable for $500 or so, but plan on a couple of thousand for rings and bearings etc. Add things like a new clutch, and you should be less than $5,000 paying someone to do it.

These are ball park figures, and depend very much on finding the right bits, and who you got to do it. A lot cheaper to do it yourself! (But regardless, the vehicle will never be saleable for anything like what you spend to get it!)

John

[incisor]

Having done the holden motor to Rover motor retrofit I would be asking why?

I did it to get the vehicle back to original spec

Seems too not be the reason for you so my advice would be keep the holden motor and get a cam fitted that gives you the grunt down lower than the standard one....

[dasuza]

Thanks everyone for your wisdom. Considering I dont have the ability to do the work, and getting someone else to do it is expensive, i'll hold out for the right vehicle.

Cheers for the info.

Bruce