Thread: Isuzu Motor / Series Gearbox

I have never heard of this conversion. The Series gearbox is generally considered not to be up to a V8, although you can get away with it if you tread lightly with your right foot. However, if you look at the gearboxes commonly fitted with the 4BD1, all of which come from the factory with the V8, and are generally considered to be reliable with it, the only one considered to be trouble free with the 4BD1 is the LT95. Which does rather suggest that 4BD1 puts more strain on the gearbox than does the V8, and if the V8 is more than the Series gearbox will stand, then the 4BD1 will be a lot more.

The problem with the 4BD1 is not so much the power or torque, which are not all that high, but that it will pull strongly at low rpm, when the power pulses from only four cylinders mean that although the average torque is not that high, the peak torque on each power pulse is.

The Series transfer case is pretty robust, and although the 4BD1 would test it, I would expect it to be OK. I know nothing about the Nissan box.

John

years ago i fitted a 4BA1 (similar to the 4BD1 but smaller capacity 2.8) to a series ute that was running some sort of Yankee V8.
The smaller capacity Isuzu engine did not stress the gearbox to the point of destruction but the torque pulse spoken about was still there (along with all of the charming Isuzu diesel noises rattles and shakes evident in the newly rebuilt engine). The conversion kit came from Zenith Engineering at the time (no longer making these) but I understand Dellow and some others are still doing 'kits' (not completely sure). I know that various kits can be obtained in the UK. In retrospect I would not use the series box for any conversion. Perhaps use a nissan box/Nissan diesel as these aren't too bad but you are still going to have to deal with the low ratio rover diffs. This does tend to make most set-ups scream at highway revs. I have also had experience of an SD22 Nissan diesel hooked up to a series box in a SWB 111. This motor is too small and it did scream it's head off but these are tough little engines too. Best to find a stage three with a dead V8 (LT95 4 speed) and work from there I reckon.

I once spoke to a guy who was wrecking a S3 fitted with a 4BB1 and series t-case.

So the adaptors must have been available. You would need to have rocks in your head though (and would soon have rock-like chunks of metal in your gearbox).

The isuzu box is nice and short...

However in your case I would look at a Tdi or 4JB1T conversion if you don't want to move the grille forward.

I was going to fit a 4JB1T to my IIA, but instead ended up with a cheap 300Tdi, so will be fitting that with an Ashcroft short bellhousing, R380 and LT230. The bellhousing is made for a 200, but is easy to convert. I will not be moving the grille.

Originally Posted by Svengali0

years ago i fitted a 4BA1 (similar to the 4BD1 but smaller capacity 2.8) to a series ute that was running some sort of Yankee V8.
The smaller capacity Isuzu engine did not stress the gearbox to the point of destruction but the torque pulse spoken about was still there (along with all of the charming Isuzu diesel noises rattles and shakes evident in the newly rebuilt engine).

The 4BA1 is indirect injection. The 4JB1(T) (which superceded the 4BA1 AFAIK) is a better proposition these days, as it is direct injection, and the truck and rodeo/jackaroo (non - import) variants have timing gears like the 4B engines.

The one I spoke of is for sale but with a buggered clutch, or maybe it's
the gearbox !! I might just investigate and see for myself how it's been done.

Hi Jerryd, did you look at this SIII? It appears to be for sale (again??)