16 replies to this topic

[lxsstorana]

You'll need to change alot of stuff including engine mounts, transmission, radiator, extractors/exhaust, wiring etc, etc but plenty of people have done it before.

You're doing the right thing by asking questions and the other big factor is your budget.

Would be alot easier to buy a worked 308 and drop it straight in and away you go.

[LXCHEV]

And to make it legal with a Chev, you will also need to get an engineers report for the engine conversion.

But essentially, it's a very straight-forward swap. All the bits are available off the shelf.

[FastEHHolden]

Rallystripes....it would be hard to give you a definative answer on that....obviously the more stuff you supply the cheaper it is.

Maybe a handy forumer would take the job on?

If it were me (and this still hyperthetical and not a quote) and you supplied the engine,
extractors, trans, diff , springs, shocks and booster...I reckon it would cost $2000 for labour and outside work (such as exhaust work)....if you got it done at a workshop they would charge double but it should be done in a week.

If you just gave them a car minus engine and box....expect to pay $ (insert figure here)

my breakdown would go:
Holden V8 + trans $2500
shifter $250
Diff (BW78 or 9 inch) $2000
Springs $400
shocks $200
wiring $100
extractors $350
exhaust $350
booster $350 (rebuilt)
radiator $350
tailshaft $250
hoses etc $75
lubricants and filters $100

= $7275 plus labour which I think will be about $1600

= $8875....which is still a rough estimation

Edited by FastEHHolden, 14 April 2010 - 12:15 PM.

[TerrA LX]

And to make it legal with a Chev, you will also need to get an engineers report for the engine conversion.

Funny that, in NSW,(when I last enquired) I can legally (with my factory 253 body) go upto 354CID without mods or engineers.

[GML-31]

just make sure if you get a 308 it is tri pattern, seen a few people get caught out buying a later block and its turbo pattern which means a gearbox change.

[LXCHEV]

And to make it legal with a Chev, you will also need to get an engineers report for the engine conversion.

Funny that, in NSW,(when I last enquired) I can legally (with my factory 253 body) go upto 354CID without mods or engineers.

Yeah I've heard similar things from people on this. In Vic at least, we have a similar rule - you can change capacity, as long as it's still a Holden engine. Speaking with VicRoads, as soon as you fit an engine from a different manufacturer, you MUST engineer it, to be completely legal by the book.

If you guys interstate can get away with it, you're very lucky!

[TerrA LX]

Is GM the same as GM-H?

Well if we look at the HQ range for example the 350 Chev factory OEM in the Monaro and statesman so I guess it is a Holden motor just the same as a turbo Nissan motor wore a Holden rocker cover in the VL range.

[yel327]

Hey guys,

I am also looking at doing this conversion on an LX Hatch.

The car already has a tired chev 283 in it with a top loader and a 9 inch. I am planning on changing out the motor and i am tossing up whether to go for a hotted up 308 or a 350. The 350 is appealing since the running gear is already set up for a chev and i can re-use all the peripheral gear off the 283 (i think??). But is a 308 better for re-sale and originality etc??

just wanted to get some different opinions.

Thanks.




Trent: The chev conversion also seems to require slight trimming of the lip above the heater box on the fire wall to allow clearance for the distributor. nothing major but something to keep in mind.

Just go with another Chev.
If you have a '63 or later 283 you can rebuild it as a 307 by using a SJ 327 crank. Or if you go to another 4" bore block it could be 302, 327, 350 or even 377ci so just run with it being a 302 or 327.
Most of the 283's externals will fit a 4" bore engine but if you go for 350ci or higher you'd be wise to assess the radiator. Maybe upgrade to an 11" flywheel if the bellhouising will take it which also normally means another starter too.
Toploader might struggle with a 350+ci engine too if it is getting long in the tooth so maybe open it and inspect/overhaul as needed.
A brake upgrade to L34 spec would be advisable too if not already done.
I don't think having a Chev and heavier duty diff and box would do anything to value except improve it.

Edited by yel327, 21 October 2013 - 07:40 AM.