TB45 to TD42T True Cost

I have a 1998 GU TB45 manual on LPG.

I am considering getting an TD42T conversion done.

What should I pay for a used engine?

What should I pay for a bell housing?

What should I pay for a main fuel tank?

What if any wiring changes are required?

Should a mechanic be able to do the conversion in 2 days?

Thanks for any feedback

Check ebay and gumtree on engine prices.

I paid $6800 for a Jap import factory turbo engine and spent another $3k on new parts like seals, hoses, gaskets, studs, water pump, etc.
Had to buy new alternator & starter because the engine was 24v.
Bought a new alloy radiator.

I did all the work myself including modifying the auto trans bellhousing. It took me about 2 months but I wasn't in a hurry and I'm 70 years old.

There are lots of stories of people who have bought cheaper engines and were unlucky.
I took the risk on an engine I'd never heard running and was lucky.

A mechanic could never do it in 2 days. Maybe 2 weeks if he's a done a couple of conversions already.

This is my engine now.
...

Some wreckers will sell the engine plus all bolts needed for a conversion. Well most when i was doing my conversion wouldnt sell me anything as they keep it all for their own kits they sell.
From my findings last year it was around 10k for a factory td42t. Not a ti.

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your best bet would be to pickup a GQ with the TD42 in it, take what parts you need
engine / fuel lines / wiring harness
flog the rest off
buy a 2nd hand fuel tank from a wrecker
give yourself a couple of months (every night & weekends) and you can do it

as stated, a mechanic will take 2 weeks if your paying top dollar

2nd hand GQ with all parts needed (bonus if it has diff locks & other bits you want) - around $10K
someone to strip the parts out you want - $2500 labour
mechanic to remove / refit engine - $2500-3500 labour
new Turbo & Intercooler - $5000

2nd hand engine with kit from wreckers - $7000-13000
mechanic to remove & refit - $2500-3500

not including incidentals - water pump / fan / fan hub / radiator shroud / radiator (maybe) fuel lines / new oils / new coolant / etc

now, you have not said what your like with a spanner, so I am assuming as you suggest a Mechanic, you dont feel comfortable with doing it yourself?


there is some places that import stuff from Japan, you may want to ask them on a price for complete TD42Ti - just to give you an idea
also ring around the wreckers to find a GU TD42 (T or TI) and see what price they are charging for the complete car V's just motor and parts you need
keep an eye out on the Auctions for one "cheap" for parts...........

Hard to say.

If I were ever to do it again I would pick up a diner car complete just for all of the bits and bobs.

There is just so many little things that all add up in the end. Also the convenience of knowing that everything links up. E.g my wiring loom didn't quite match the dash for some reason. Not 100% sure why, think there was some aftermarket crap somewhere, but something to keep in mind.

Good luck with it all!

Cheers!


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Thanks for all the feedback guys.

Looks like a lot more work and money then I thought it was.

While the car isn't a daily driver and I try to tackle most things on the tools myself, I don't really have the space / time to have the truck sitting around for a few months while I work on it. Maybe later on down the track.

Might look to swap the engine out for a lower KM TB45 when the current engine finally packs it in.

I understand one can be had for around 1-1.5k.

What would I be looking at in labour from a mechanic to swap the engine and hook the gas system back up?

How long would it take?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jff45

I paid $6800 for a Jap import factory turbo engine and spent another $3k on new parts like seals, hoses, gaskets, studs, water pump, etc.
Had to buy new alternator & starter because the engine was 24v.
Bought a new alloy radiator.

I did all the work myself including modifying the auto trans bellhousing. It took me about 2 months but I wasn't in a hurry and I'm 70 years old.

There are lots of stories of people who have bought cheaper engines and were unlucky.
I took the risk on an engine I'd never heard running and was lucky.

A mechanic could never do it in 2 days. Maybe 2 weeks if he's a done a couple of conversions already.

This is my engine now.
...

---

Dunno about being on your seventh decade, but you've done exceptionally well with doing it yourself in two months.
If I can do it when I'm 70, I can't use the words in this forum to describe how I would feel.

G'day enpee,
in my 70's myself and I must say that these balls and all conversions are no longer my cup of tea. Can't be getting old so it's got to be just a wimpy thing I guess.
For me, a TD and a TB are two different beasts and best left without transgender interference. Hell, you can go to jail nowadays for even suggesting these P/C incorrect things.
Considered selling yours and buying a second hand TD a bit run down? Looked at a reasonable body etc. but a tired donk? Older vehicles will always need to have the plastic / rubber add ons and other parts that simply wear out with age replaced but accepting that, maybe fitting a recon motor (expensive though that may be), on a replacement TD could be an option.
I'm a diesel man totally but if your wagon is in known good nick, maybe stay with that known unit and accept the later cost of reconditioning.
Good luck,
Col.