WB panelvan V8 conversion Donor option- on the right track?

[matt159]

Thanks so much hk1837- will call CRS about a bellhousing. Or does anyone know of the parts I need for sale somewhere? I had a quick look and I can find full conversions for a grand or less on gumtree.
I imagine the clutch itself will also need changing?
So if I already have it running a supra box that matches the crossmember, tailshaft, diff that's in the car- if I get a crs bellhousing- will that suit the position of the 308 on the engine mounts from my donor car or is my gearbox going to have to move?
Rather then a statesman would I be better off with a v8 ute as a donor- if I stuck with drum rear would a v8 ute diff be a reliable easy swap

[matt159]

I found this dellow bellhousing- are they universal?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HOLDEN-DE...#ht_2435wt_922

[HK1837]

Yes, new clutch and flywheel.
Crossmember and tailshaft will be wrong as the box has to move forwards (as I said by the difference in input shaft length between 6cyl and V8 aussie 4spds).
Go for the V8 commercial diff as you'll need to swap tailshafts or get one made, so best to do it now than later. Talk to CRS or Dellow, as I said one of these conversions (6cyl or V8, can't remember which) uses a standard tailshaft with a special yoke, might be the V8.
Don't be too concerned about what donor car you get, just grab one with the best engine and other bits you can use (like say a GTS dash). You can pick up a V8 ute, van or tonner (can be 6cyl tonner diff as they are the same) reasonably cheaply. Tailshaft is the same as V8 statesman or wagon or ute or van with 253 or 308 manual or 308 trimatic or 308 TH350 (just not TH400). Tonner diff will need adapter uni but these are cheap. I always reckon it is better to pay good $ for a good car for a donor, that way you can always sell off good panels, interior etc and the bits you want are normally better too. You'll pick up a pretty good 308 powered HJ-WB for under $5k. You may even find one with a Supra box in it already, and sell your whole engine and box off.

[matt159]

Was starting to think finding a donor with ALL the running gear I want in mine might be the best option.. Sadly I guess that means a long search.. Might need to look into sorting my steering and body before I can sort the running gear. Thanks so much hk1837.

[matt159]

Hi HK1837,
I just read a post of yours in the Aussiev8 forum saying that a vn SS t5 will bolt straight to a turbo pattern 308 is this true? I've finally purchased a donor car, I am picking up a hz tonner next weekend! It has a 308 with a turbo 400 so now I'm trying to decide if I will buy an adaptor bellhousing to suit my supra box, but then I would need a clutch kit, flywheel, etc which will quickly add up however I have seen a few v8 holden t5's out of vp-vs v8s for cheap, would this be a better gearbox choice? Can I also use flywheel/ clutch that comes with the gearbox? Would I need to change my clutch peddle and cable that is in my car currently?

[HK1837]

It'll bolt straight up, as will clutch, flywheel etc. But the gearstick on these comes up in the wrong place for a W sized Holden. I think it is the Falcon box you need to get the stick in the right spot, but talk to Mal Wood Automotive and he'll set you straight. You'd still need a WB V8 clutch pedal too. It'd just run the TH400 out of the HZ ute. Get it serviced whilst it is out of a car, run an external cooler and it'll last forever. Just run a 2.6, 2.78 or 3.08:1 diff and it'll be fine for cruising.

[Valencia]

Agree with byron go the turbo 400 never have to touch it again once its serviced and will last for a long time

[matt159]

Thanks for the advice guys but I prefer a manual- will the t5 ford box bolt to the commodore bellhousing or do different t5's have different patterns that bolt to the bellhousing? Also what model ford t5 do I need to look for? Thanks

[HK1837]

I think Ford is a different pattern, close to a toploader pattern. I still reckon you should use what you've got (ie the TH400). And spend money later to change it if you don't like it. With a relatively cheap B&M shift kit TH400's are quite good boxes to drive. TH400 will be the most reliable box you could ever have behind a 308!

[Innuendo]

Thanks for the advice guys but I prefer a manual- will the t5 ford box bolt to the commodore bellhousing or do different t5's have different patterns that bolt to the bellhousing? Also what model ford t5 do I need to look for? Thanks

Ring Dellow Automotive (Sydney), they will advise you on what is best required to do the T5 conversion on your WB. TH400 are a very good box, but if you want manual I totally understand. For me an everyday driver would be auto but for a play thing I like to swap cogs!