Anyone fitted a Falcon 6 cylinder into a CF 350 ute?

[Tony Moat]

Am thinking about fitting a 6 cylinder falcon motor into my bedford, it currently has a 186s with a 5 speed Isuzu truck gearbox, both in good condition.
I have an old XF ute with lpg and air con, was thinking about fitting the falcon motor, gearbox (auto) lpg and dashboard. I could then hook up the air con and get the govt rebate for the lpg.
Has anyone done this conversion before, will it all fit without any hassles.
Would I need a engineers report for replacing a 6 cylinder with another 6 cylinder. was registered in Qld as a 6 cylinder but unregistered now.
Cheers Tony
Nanango Qld
the4moats@hotmail.com

[nathro V2.0]

Hi Tony,

In most states replacing an engine that requires different mounts, was not a factory option or has a larger cubic capacity will require an engineers report, so i would say that there is a very good chance that it will require engineering certification.

As for the idea i like it. The falcon 6's have plenty of torque and would really get that bedford moving. And they are great for towing as well. They are a fairly tall engine though. My guess would be that you will need custom engine mounts, you will need to get the sump modified and the tailshaft will likely wont be the right length.

Also, i think the engine/ gearbox combo will be pretty long and tall so you might find that you need to cut some of the floor out so that the gearbox bellhousing doesnt hit on it.

Of course, this is all theory and speculation but these were some of the issues i came across with my V8 transplant and it is significantly shorter than a ford inline 6...

And likely a disc brake upgrade will be required due to the increase in power over the standard engine.

And if you change the LPG from one vehicle to another it will need to be certified.

All of it sounds a bit daunting but it really isnt that hard, just a bit of time and effort. Plus, you have nice, relaxed laws up in QLD so that should make it a bit easier for you.

Cheers, Nathan.

[Tony Moat]

Hey, I am a boilermaker with all my own welding gear, the floor has already been cut to fit the 5 speed, it has a 2 peice tailshaft so only the front shaft would need to be modifed. I will be removing the cab from the chassis (I know it's welded on) to make life easier to work on. I am out in the sticks here so will look around for a engineer to see what they think. If you can fit V8's into these you wouldnt think swapping one 6 for another 6 would be a major drama.
Thanks Tony

[Warren]

Hey Tony

Yes it has been done, I'm not sure but I think there may some photos on the old site.

As Natho says more than likely an engineers repost would be required.

But I would think it is a pretty straight forward swap, but I havent done ore seen one myself.

I would advise against cutting the cab off, as it is an inegral part of the chassis structure.

Warren   

[BlackBedford]

G'day
I have seen a fair few Falcon and Valiant motors put in. The conversion was easier than a V8 and there was plenty of room for the clutch pedal.
The vans all went well.
I have not seen a crossflow motor installed, width may be an issue, so do your measuring.

Regards