V6 Engine Install

[Rogue Trooper]

Righto then. You'd probably be doing yourself a favour if you raise the trans shifter though. Might just have to get a bit funky with the linkage although if you alter the trans end lever so it activates from a slightly different angle and lengthen the linkage shaft between the shifter and the lever you might not have to do much at all.

Just a thought.

[Bedfordcrazy]

hey rogue, if i have my way the shifter will be closer to the level of the seat. I drove it for years with the stubby shifter and it is a pain, so yep its getting lifted.
George.

[Noid]

Yeah I didn't use Pats kit, I fabricated my own mounts. I adapted the drivers side mount at the same location and height and totally redesigned and welded the passenger side one. This positioned the engine higher and further forward than where Pats sits. Weight distribution is fine because with the V6 there is more weight behind the original position. (This lightened up the steering) I think one reason why Pat positioned the engine back further (about 50 mm further back than mine) and lower is it won't interfere with the fire wall so you would only need to cut the floor. With the position of my engine I had to alter the fire wall as well as cut the floor. I kept the radiator in the original position close to the grill with the original vn commodore fan. There is no problem with heating or cooling. I had to shorten the original hoses by about 50 mm and cut the same amount off the fan shroud. So I would say the location is as previously mentioned more to do with the length of the hoses Pat is recommending. You still have to fabricate new radiator mounts either way so probably no saving other than looks better.

[John Abbott]

Hi Rouge....I have been looking at your V6 pics and was wondering if you have any pics of the sump and its positioning on the cross-member? Did you have to alter the sump at all? cheers...johnno

[Rogue Trooper]

Ahhh Johnno, don't forget, mine is a midmount. It goes nowhere near the CF crossmember. I used the original holden crossmember or K-frame I think they call it and had mounts fabricated that bolt up to the CF gearbox mounts. That's how far back my engine sits.

[John Abbott]

Gee ...I wouldnt mind a pic if you have one Rouge?

[Rogue Trooper]

I would if I could buddy. I can't get far enough away from the engine and still take a picture that means something. Just not enough room in the garage. I have tried. As soon as I have the van in a position where I can take a reasonable photo I'll get one up here for you.

[John Abbott]

Your a good man Rogue...Thanks

[Rogue Trooper]

Righto Johnno. At great risk to life and limb I took the front wheel off this morning and managed to get a few reasonable shots for you.

As requested...









That should give you a good idea of how the engine was mounted. Using the original K-frame saved a lot of work fabricating a new crossmember especially as the engine mountings are at different heights so trying to keep the engine level would have been a right pain in the butt.

[rossie]

Hey rougue, is that PVC water pipe in the first photo? and if so whats it for?