Ken replied:

Hi Phil, forget the 253 conversion the HiLux trans and drive line wont handle the torque of a v8 even a little one. Also the overall gearing will be too low causing the motor to scream its head off at highway speeds and use heaps of fuel. The cost of obtaining a good 253 and doing the conversion would go a long way to fixing your 2.8. Regards Ken.

Matt replied:

Phil, Ken is on the track with the V8 conversion, for a start all the 253 are pre emmission and to get one registered wont be a simple plan. V8 into Hilux is simple enough, as far as conversions go but efi V8 is a smarter plan.
Have you thought about a Surf motor import as a replacement? Either pre efi 2.4TD or for a real improvement, go the newer 3.0 TD. After the cost of the engine etc, you would still be better off cost wise than the V8 conversion and should be a real goer!!
Matt.

les replied:

Phil, if you are after a bit more grunt go a turbo kit, if you are after top end power a V6 holden conv. would be a hole lot better than a V8 and the ON-GOING problems with this mod. Speak to Marks 4x4 in Melbourne they are great for info...........Les

Darren replied:

Phil,just been down this road myself with a 95 traytop. Most people recommended a v6 holden but to get the job done here in adelaide and pass a roadworthy was rather extravagent. I was quoted from $6000 and up to $8000 plus motor with the high cost being put down to little things such as converting the petrol filler cap to an unleaded type(smaller diameter). I also looked at the 3l turbo motor but would have had to wait 6 weeks for one to be imported. There was two 2.4l turbo motors (around $4500 plus fitting) available but I figured I might as well put a standard 2.8 l in and maybe turbo it later. The 2.8l cost me $6100 which included a fully recon motor by repco, fitting, new waterpump, all new rad hoses and heater hoses, thermostat, injectors and injector pump overhauled and my radiators bottom tank replaced and flushed. The motor came with a 12mth unlimited km Australia wide guarantee. Just be wary as I had to get the injectors etc done in order to get the warranty and this was not included in my original quote but surfaced only after a bit of digging. Hope this helps Darren

PAUL replied:

TURBO ON 4Y ENGINE WITH 2237cc AND GAS?

CAN BE?