Just as Holden are stopping proper engines into cars, Killa in QLD have an LS3 and 6L80E conversion done, tested complianced and costed. Way cool. Might at last have a contender for my Hilux's replacement. This gives you 304kW and 550nm (flywheel). My Hilux has about 190kW and 600nm at the treads, but this would be way better!

http://performancedrive....v8-conversion-kit-1222/

I have been looking an I can buy a 2016-17 LTZ dual cab auto demo for $43k. Or the base models are cheap as chips new (like $34k for a dual cab).

Because the diesels are unreliable cr@p and way too small for the actual towing capacities of the cars let alone the claimed capacity.

what about the Toyota landcruiser, they come out standard with a single turbo v8 diesel. My neighbor has had his for 4 years without a problem and being a tiler he loads it up all the time.

Manual only and uncomfortable to sit in, plus way to expensive

I have it now (almost) but it just clicked over 105,000km. I like to change out cars before 125,000km normally although I may keep this one longer until I see what is going on with the Ram1500 V8.
The reason I say "almost" is the 2005 to 2011 Hilux can only tow 2250kg, but they updated it to 2500kg in 2012.
My backup plan was to buy a low km V6 auto 2015 (pre update) and swap all my suspension, canopy, supercharger, exhaust, dual battery, winch, engine driven compressor, Recaro seat etc over. The 2015 update is no good as they recessed the engine into the firewall and the supercharger won't fit, although the auto update can tow 2650kg legally. The LS3 Colorado may change all that though.

Edited by user Friday, 6 October 2017 5:43:34 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Fixed towing capacity figure

I don't care about economy. If I have a 1900kg vehicle with over 260kW and 550nm that does around 20mpg combined town/highway and towing I am happy. That is better than a 202 auto HQ to HZ ute managed when they were new.

I can tell you that my Hilux towing my 400+kg 7x5 box trailer used to easily out accelerate a dual cab auto Ranger, let alone a Colorado and that was before it was supercharged!

Funny you mention a 70's F'y. I know where there is a good old mid 70's 351 manual F250 (Canadian). I have looked at it a few times thinking 400 SBC or 454 BBC and TH400 both which I have in my shed. It isn't hard to find a TH400 to NP or Dana transfer adapter out of a Jeep. Biggest hassle is adapting a Patrol power steering box and fitting some Vintage Air. Not a very comfortable long distance vehicle though and with the original diffs probably would be lucky to get 10mpg! I did suss out an Eaton supercharger kit for the GM 6.5L V8 diesel at Bullet Supercars a few months back, one of those would be good in an old F-truck.
http://bulletcars.com/su...let/chevy-diesel-engine/

Edited by user Thursday, 5 October 2017 8:46:52 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Nothing. Just increased the GCM by 250kg. Until the post 2015 update the Hilux tow capacity was the GCM minus the GVW, basically tow capacity was quoted at the vehicle's maximum load (GVW). Now it is a claimed tow capacity, and GCM minus GVW is far less than the claimed tow capacity.
I'd prefer a VF's creature comforts and driveline on a Patrol chassis. There is someone importing the Tanzania spec Landcruiser and ompliancing them, they are a na 4.2 straight 6 diesel or the same V6 in the Hilux. Still the same uncomfortable thing as a 79 or 76 Series sold here though.

Unreal. Why won't they just put a decent size engine in them? 10 speed? Might as well just use a variable sheeve pulley and be done with it.

Definitely 2lt twin turbo diesel with 10 speed auto. 80k price tag for the raptor.