Engine advice 253 - 3.8 V6 - 304 EFI ??

[Hairy]

Hi everyone

Hope this is in the right section

I currently have a 253 trimatic thats dual fuel but the tank is out of date ( needs to go over pits for rego at some stage also)

My question is what would be the best option taking into consideration $$ tight

A/ keep 253 fix it up abit and get gas tank rechecked/new tank
B/ keep 253 fix it up and remove gas
C/ put in 3.8 V6 out of a VS (no cost - can have whole car free know history never been flogged looked after really well)
D/ buy VN VP VQ 5ltr EFI T700 conversion
( if C or D then does anyone know whats exactly involved in doing the conversions)

What I want out of Panelvan is Reliable, moderate power(enough for abit of fun - more then the current stock 253 LoL) , lowish cost (2-4k)
My current plan is A then later puttin sumthin in that goes harder probably D - but just got C offered to me so not sure if that would be worth it ??

Cheers

Hairy

[micks_sandman]

A is your best option?? only a couple of grand to fix these things?? will be cheaper too run & have some fun, and you do the other C or D at your leisure when funds are more redly available.(2 or 3 years it not that long)

[agr071]

I put a turbo 700 behind a 308 in my HG and went EXTREMELY well.
Was going to do the same in my HZ but have decided against it. (HX block with VN heads & manifold)

[wbute]

What about a normal 308? Power and no conversion cost.
Or you go for a blue motor 253 4 barrel quadrajet and electronic distributer conversion on your 253. it will liven it up quite a bit. get rid of the dual fuel while you are at it. No performance to be had from that system.
Forget the V6. You could spend the same amount of the conversion buying a 308.

[Hairy]

Thanks Mick for the quick reply

Would C be worthwhile or waste of time and effort ?
I gotta let my old man know if I want his VS or not lol.

Ok V6 out then cheers wbute

Can pick up a 5 ltr VN from 2k up so didnt know if should just jump in and do that rather then spendin money on 253

Chears Hairy

[wbute]

2K plus all accessories? You need to factor in conversion wiring etc as well. they go bloody well though.Plus 2K would pick up a whole 5 litre VN/VP these days.

[V8VAN]

Should be pick up a VN 5L from 2k down. They're cheap these days.
IMO, if you're considering a v6 conversion, just go the EFI v8 instead. Same wiring/fuel system changes but it will bolt straight in depending on what box you run.

I just pulled the V6 out of my van to change to a VN 5L and T700. It went alright with the v6 but wouldn't have been my choice.

[0488TINTER]

we are in pretty much the EXACT spot - except my tank is not out of date

i have a damaged VT sitting at my shop that has a great driveline but by the time the conversion is done it works out too expensive

the cost of rebuilding he 253 is a little pricey as well - although you could just buy an LPG tank that is still in date off ebay for sweet FA and put that in

i have been keeping an eye on VN/VP/VQs as they present the easiest for conversion as there's a little less mucking round with electronics
there's plenty around for about $1200 and all you need do is change the front of you LPG system (will still have to get an in-date tank)

im only waiting to see if i can pick up a complete WB Stato
if i luck out and get one with a rebuilt motor that ill simply put the motor and box in as well
you can pick them up pretty easy fr $3000 and under and it gives you a full stato front end, dash, console, seats etc etc etc

otherwise ill be getting a stato to do the conversion and then a VN or something of that nature for the EFI and, most importantly, the 4 speed auto

oh, and ill either use the cruise control from the WB Stato or get a VN with one (probaly VQ be seasier)

you could also find a HX or HZ stato if you didnt want a WB front and depending on your general plans

[playwme]

What about a normal 308? Power and no conversion cost.

What he said. If you have gas already then no real point going EFI. Get the tank rechecked, whack in a nice 308 and run a decent gas carby on it. Gas should still be cheaper than petrol for a while and a nicely tuned V8 on straight gas can be made to run really well.

[buck]

I would stick with the original motor if it is? I have a blue 253 quady re tuned and jetted with a very mild cam and timming set back to hq standards, on the dyno its putting out a very healthy 139kw a rear wheels with little work and minimal cost. a vn 5.0 fuel injected is only good for 165kw at the fly wheel and 142kw for vs v6 so bugger all difference and you have got to love the sound of a carby motor sound compared to fuel injected.