Merc V8 into G 280 460
Hi I have a 1984 280 auto lwb.
has any one who has attempted a V8 conversion kept any notes on items that are needed from the donor vehicle,
also what extra parts that might be needed, such as exhaust, propshafts, fuel pump, also which relays and how much of the engine bay wiring harness is needed Iwould appriciate any assistance, ie what is the best year of donor vehicle to get as I have an oppertunity to aquire all parts from an 560 SEC am located in the midlands
Regards
Bronjen :wink:
You really need both vehicles side-by-side, as the fuel injection and other wiring is a right pain in the proverbial. And you also need full wiring diagrams for both vehicles. This is not a job for the faint-hearted! The cable harness going from the engine bay to the interior is a three to four inch thick bundle of wires...
You'll also need all engine controls and relays, fuel pump, air intake, exhaust manifolds and downpipes.
You must also use the gearbox that came with the engine and get the intermediate propshaft made up. To get the axle ratio right, you'll have to go to 33-inch or larger tyres. Or fit the transfer box of a 350gdt, someone on here said.
Finally think very carefully about your choice of engine. The 460 drivetrain was never designed for 300bhp. If you go off-road you are likley to break axles/diff-locks and on-road you'll cook the brakes.
I have a swb pickup with a 380 engine(220bhp) and that works just fine. More than scary enough without breaking things. Incidentally, I am sort of considering to sell it soon to make way for a new project(G-Mog hybrid)
If you want near 300bhp for the road, go and buy a G500. All-in-all it will be cheaper and a better vehicle.
I have a 463 G560 (300+ BHP) :P converted from a 300GD. Advice. Loads of money and petrol, man it will drink it. :cry: However, get the right exhaust system and it will bring smiles to your face all day long. Getting about 200 miles to 80 ltrs equates to about 11MPG. Not that qucik from a standing start but the torque from 50 to 70 is fun. :twisted:
Good luck doing it yourself. :shock:
Not that qucik from a standing start
What transfer box/tyre size are you using, PeterPerfect? And what speed does yours top out at? I have to be soooo careful with mine when joining traffic, as it will spin the 33's so easily :shock:
You're right about the sound - so many days I thought I should be selling it, but when you hear that V8 rumble, you just have to find another excuse to keep it :lol:
Half tempted to use it as a test-bed for alternative fuels, ie own "refinery" as per USA or hydrogen-system. Will have to wait until after 'mog project...
463 wont spin as its full time 4wd, shakes like hell if you floor it from standing start, all that torque running through the transmission. Its has a 350GTD transfer box to make the gearing higher. it will do 100mph but engine is screaming. I just prefer to burble around town. Sounds great.
285 60 18
Their diameter is 31.46 inches or slightly smaller than 235/85-16.
The overdrive will help, but I wonder if enough...
What rpm is your 280 currently doing @ 75mph with the overdrive and 4th gear?
:idea: Actually, after a little dabble with the calculator, you may well be OK. If you have a look at your diff casings, there should be a little plate on with some stamped info. Put that on here and tell us what ratio the overdrive is, ie 0.8:1 and then I will be able to post exactly what rpm your engine will be doing at what speed with your current tyre size.
@peter perfect : is it drink worse than G300 1994 and auto tranny? because i'm very interested in this conversion. what if i dont have the car side by side. what parts in order to complete the conversion? thx
Hi I have a 1984 280 auto lwb.
has any one who has attempted a V8 conversion kept any notes on items that are needed from the donor vehicle,
also what extra parts that might be needed, such as exhaust, propshafts, fuel pump, also which relays and how much of the engine bay wiring harness is needed Iwould appriciate any assistance, ie what is the best year of donor vehicle to get as I have an oppertunity to aquire all parts from an 560 SEC am located in the midlands
Regards
Bronjen :wink:
bronjen113,
I recommend you check Mike Serpe's website Clubgwagen and look over the topic G-Zilla "Engine Swap" that had a Chevy LT1 5.7 V8 installed in their Geländewagen.
Link: http://www.clubgwagen.com/extreme/index.htm
Respectfully,
James Văn Thạch
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To cope with the standard 460 gearing, I have fitted my G with 285 60 18 tyres on VW Touraeg 18 inch wheels and fitted a self contained Laycock overdrive unit, between the transfer box and rear axle, which lowers engine speed by 500 RPM s in third or fourth gear.
This G will be used on road and as I tow alot I feel I need a bit more power, for those long hills etc
The V8 rumble is another attraction, most of my other cars are V8 s so the G has to have one two.
Do you have any pics of your engine bay layout?
Ron