Easiest non Nissan engine replacement for TB45

[The_Sqigl]

Hi,
I have a GU TB45 that has done a head gasket and was quoted around 6k for it to fixed.
I'm in the process of fixing it myself with the hope it will be straight forward.
Estimating a couple of hundred to have the head machined and a few hundred for a gasket set.
Just thought I'd ask what is generally considered the simplest non Nissan replacement if it doesn't go to plan.
From what I've seen I have guessed a basic Barra but would be interested to hear other suggestions.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post and respond if you are inclined.
Cheers.

[KURD PATROL 2008]

i'm from Iraqi Kurdistan, we have too many tb45s they commonly just fixing the engine, i don't think a head gasket is a big deal why would you replace the engine? even though it's too much 6k! here you can replace the engine for 1,200. anyways about your question i have seen Toyota crown engines on them from 1990s, which they also changed the transmission with, it would be only RWD, also heard about differnt Toyota engines like Landcruiser and Prado

[BrazilianY60]

I've seen GUs (not in person) with TD42, OM606, M34, 4BT but curiously enough, never with a VK56. That would be an interesting engine swap.

[PeeBee]

I think its all relative to what you think an easy conversion is. From my experience its a bag of bee stings of different levels of pain! I will never do a conversion again. I think, fix the head gasket and stay trouble free.

I know a young guy who has done a Barra Turbo conversion and it was relatively straightforward, however unsure if the exhaust and inlets were the same side of the vehicle as the TB42 he replaced. It certainly goes like a freight train, and is a total sleeper until you hit the firewall. The Barra didn't pose any GVM issues either, unlike Cummins. I am yet to see an LS V8 owner that holds onto their car for the long term - maybe the fuel bills and 'system damage' causes them to give up instead of moderating the way they drive the car.

Unsure of your local legislation, dont forget complexities with car registration and engineering.

[BrazilianY60]

PB, have you seen any VK swap?

Before an used TB45E appeared to me like magic, I found a running and driving but non licenseable Nissan Armada in a junkyard, was scrapped due to high tax debts. The engine swap devils started to bother me sleep... VK engine, auto transmission, ECU, TCU and all harness could be just isolated and transplanted over the GU (or so I dreamt of).

[mudnut]

Searching for 'Known problems with the Nissan TB45 engine.' has resulted in many people saying that fuel consumption is heavy. After being a forum member for over a decade, I haven't seen many of threads regarding TB45 head gaskets or warped heads. They seem to be a reliable donk. Is the head warped, did the gasket fail? Have you cleaned the block and used a straight edge and feeler gauges to check how flat the top is?

[PeeBee]

PB, have you seen any VK swap?

Before an used TB45E appeared to me like magic, I found a running and driving but non licenseable Nissan Armada in a junkyard, was scrapped due to high tax debts. The engine swap devils started to bother me sleep... VK engine, auto transmission, ECU, TCU and all harness could be just isolated and transplanted over the GU (or so I dreamt of).

I think they are a similar or same more to the RB30? I know a number of people swap manifolds and turbos into the patrol from the VK, cant see anything about that motor as a transplant though

[BrazilianY60]

I think they are a similar or same more to the RB30? I know a number of people swap manifolds and turbos into the patrol from the VK, cant see anything about that motor as a transplant though

Sorry, I meant the VK56, the Nissan Y62 5.6 v8 engine.

[PeeBee]

Sorry, I meant the VK56, the Nissan Y62 5.6 v8 engine.

No, have not seen one of those conversions