12 replies to this topic

[Muzza]

Hi All

just gathering information and bits to change my 

restored LH 202 3 speed , over to a mild 253 4 speed

at this stage I’ve just started on strip down of a very sludged 253, ( VR code)

I have gathered a M20, ( needs to be rebuilt) and bellhousing and a bench seat shifter

4 Torana engine mounts ( not sure why 2 different heights) 

and loads of reading

 

cheers for now

muzza 

 

[hawk]

Hi Muzza,

Good luck with the conversion. just ask away if you have any questions or get stuck. Most of the guys here have documented the conversion before.

[yel327]

The things you need:

V8 throttle pedal and cable.
V8 radiator.
V8 tailshaft.
V8 banjo centre (only come in 2.78 or 3.08).
Fine spline axles.
V8 booster or HK-HG one modded.
Correct speedo gear for the 3.08
Measurements for the tunnel cut off an original console shift LH-LX. Don’t forget the hole for the reverse switch harness.
Reverse switch harness.

Clutch mechanism is your challenge.

Not sure of the dynamics of the Holden hockey stick shifter with a bench in a Torana. It’ll come out the hole OK but not sure of the bench position relative to a Holden.

Edited by yel327, 17 April 2025 - 07:34 PM.

[Muzza]

Thanks for heads up Going to use the LX cable clutch, ( have made off drawings I found on the net the mod ( piece) to the clutch pedal, that i weld on the bellhousing I have is push clutch Hoping the the bench seat shifter works ok, would love a picture with measurements of the hole I need to cut into the floor Reverse switch hole?? Diff, radiator etc and most of the common bits I have covered One issue I need to deal with the car, has dealer fitted AC, on the 202, and I will need to make new brackets, hoses and remount, I will deal with the down the road Very early days.

[yel327]

6cyl A/C box is different to V8 on LH-LX to clear the motor. You'll have to find a V8 or a UC one.

 

You'll need the whole LH-LX pivot clutch mech and the stuff that bolts it to the bellhousing.

 

Go and measure a 6cyl or V8 T-bar or 4-spd LH-UC yourself to get the right hole location for the shifter and the reverse switch cable hole. Ise a sheet of overhead transparency plastic and draw the hole on it using a permanent marker and a reference point on the tunnel.

[gtrboyy]

Might have set of kingswood brackets with torana items..both work with kingswood sump just puts engine slightly different position.

I tried both to see where engine sat better when put v8 into my lc.

Other than that probably know can use trimatic/m20 trans & most likely get lucky with stock tailshaft.

Small cap with xd(?) ford rotor for hei dissy.

Rares sell alternator bracket if can't get 2nd hand,vn to vs v8 85amp alternator is nice upgrade.
Will still look factory if that is look you want.

[Muzza]

6cyl A/C box is different to V8 on LH-LX to clear the motor. You'll have to find a V8 or a UC one.

i have dealer fitted air, so the heater box is the standard torana one, AC is seperate, will this work?

You'll need the whole LH-LX pivot clutch mech and the stuff that bolts it to the bellhousing.

I have made the piece to weld to the standard 6cyl pedal and will buy LX v8 clutch cable and pivot bell housing bracket

 

Go and measure a 6cyl or V8 T-bar or 4-spd LH-UC yourself to get the right hole location for the shifter and the reverse switch cable hole. Ise a sheet of overhead transparency plastic and draw the hole on it using a permanent marker and a reference point on the tunnel.

great idea

[Muzza]

Might have set of kingswood brackets with torana items..both work with kingswood sump just puts engine slightly different position

 I have 3 sets of engine bracket (HQ,pressed steel, Torana ones, and a set another set of Torana ones that have been cut and reduced by 10mm.

I tried both to see where engine sat better when put v8 into my lc.

Other than that probably know can use trimatic/m20 trans & most likely get lucky with stock tailshaft.

 

planning on using std tailshaft,and yoke, ( pretty will be stock 253, except very mild cam and 390 Holley 

Small cap with xd(?) ford rotor for hei dissy.

i have a After market HEI dizzy with same size cap as points dizzy

Rares sell alternator bracket if can't get 2nd hand,vn to vs v8 85amp alternator is nice upgrade.
Will still look factory if that is look you want.

 

the engine came with a Torana Drivers side alternator mount bracket and the car has a 55amp alternator now, 

Edited by Muzza, Yesterday, 04:19 PM.

[yel327]

If you have dealer air then that will be OK.

 

Don't use the 6cyl tailshaft and diff. If it breaks and causes an accident you'll be in the poo. Read the NCOP, you are allowed to fit stuff that was standard but you have to upgrade everything associated with it. So you nee a V8 tailshaft and nodular V8 banjo with large yoke. Same with the brake booster.

 

For the LH-LX clutch setup there is a lot more to it than just the bracket and clutch cable. There is a lever, a pushrod with adjustment nuts, a heap of small parts and two longer bolts for the bellhousing to engine (P/N 180126). Up the top there is a clevis, a pin and a clip.

 

I'd also ditch the 390 Holley and sell it to someone with a 6cyl. Use a WB or VC-VH 4.2 Quadrajet. Will work perfectly with the right intake for your 4.2.

[Muzza]

If you have dealer air then that will be OK.

Good to know, I’m aware I need to make new brackets

Don't use the 6cyl tailshaft and diff. If it breaks and causes an accident you'll be in the poo. Read the NCOP, you are allowed to fit stuff that was standard but you have to upgrade everything associated with it. So you nee a V8 tailshaft and nodular V8 banjo with large yoke. Same with the brake booster.

currently runs a v8 2.78 diff, I rebuild 10 years and fitted 

I brought up a job lot of SLR5000 running gear and suspension  coil, bars, brakes, & Diff when I restored the Torana 12 years ago

wasn’t aware I needed to change brake booster, will look into it.

 

For the LH-LX clutch setup there is a lot more to it than just the bracket and clutch cable. There is a lever, a pushrod with adjustment nuts, a heap of small parts and two longer bolts for the bellhousing to engine (P/N 180126). Up the top there is a clevis, a pin and a clip.

was going to buy the set up from eBay etc, which comes as a kit, thanks for the heads up

I'd also ditch the 390 Holley and sell it to someone with a 6cyl. Use a WB or VC-VH 4.2 Quadrajet. Will work perfectly with the right intake for your 4.2.

I have run a quad a jet before on a 253, and wasn’t  impressed, I have also run a 350 for years and it was good on the same  engine set up,  hence my statement about going to the 390 with vac secondary 

however havent purchased said carb so will look a little further into it 

thanks for your ideas

[yel327]

At least you have a V8 centre and I assume tailshaft. A HK-HG booster works, just get it rebuilt with your pushrod.
You need the right Quadrajet, and intake.

[claysummers]

I’d be interested in the 390 Holley if you decide to sell it.


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[Muzza]

I’d be interested in the 390 Holley if you decide to sell it.


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 Planned spec,  I have the cam already, a flogged 253

plenty of time