Willie replied:

Ryan, If your Hilux engine is using excessive oil then I suggest you overhaul the engine or buy a Japanese imported engine or buy an engine that has been rebuilt. Toyota Hilux's were not designed for V8 engine transplants. You may have to change the gearbox, the diff, as well and axles and wheelbearings, the radiator, and the list goes on. You will end up spending too much money on it. Either you will give up on the problems and try to flog the Hilux to someone else or it will end up at the Tip. If you are intending to use your 4x4 for street racing then maybe putting a V8 in it will suffice but if you intend to go bush then stick to the formula that has been so successful for Toyota. I once had a Daihatsu F10 with a 2 litre motor in it. It was the fastest thing away from the traffic lights but it's top speed was only 78km!! Even a diff change did not improve it much. It got passed on to the next unlucky bloke. Take this advice from an old fella who has wrecked a few 4x4's :-) Cheers, Willie

Allyn replied:

Ryan
I too have a 5 litre V8 in my shed that I am contemplating installing like yourself. I am leaning towards 45 series but only really because I can exchange rims/tyres and various other parts from my 80 series as I upgrade them.
Would be interested to hear about the auto box query as I want to install a T350 if possible also.
There's plenty of Hilux's getting around with V8's in 'em so I figure it should be okay even though there's probably total truth in what others have advised.
Throw caution to the wind I say !

Billowaggi replied:

Hi all ,I concur with Willie, Hi Lux with VN 5 LITRE would be a complete nightmare, I have driven them and worked on them, The original drive train was designed to handle the 2L diesel 55 kw or 3Y petrol 68kw just imagine what 165kw of V8 will do to it , not to mention nearly four times the torque.If you need Commodore performance go buy a Commodore! The best engine for your Hi Lux is the one put in by Toyota or maybe an upgrade to Turbo diesel. Regards Ken.

Valdon replied:

Hey Ryan, there is something about V8's, just love the sound and being pushed back in the seat. Have to say though after doing what you propose doing I would not go near it again!
I had an '84 flat tray that we put a 5l in and had nothing but trouble. The biggest issue's were overheating, snapping axels, blowing gearboxes (did not go the t700 which I should have done) and stuffing uni joints. The bus would rev unbelievabley at highway speed. Off road it was a wepon until you poked the nose up a steep hill where it would cough and splutter before getting going again (Holey Carb issue).
But hey I am glad I had a go and will always remember dragging a 302 fairlane off at the lights while I was toing an 18 foot fibreglass boat!!
Good Luck

ryan replied:

Thanks to everyone who replied, it's good to know that if i get into trouble i can post a question and it gets answered by people who know what the're on about,
Thanks again
Ryan