I was looking through the archives as I am currently dropping the sump out of the Townace to see if I have a broken piston ring as my Friend who is a mechanic thinks that is what is making the clanking noise.

On my travels I noticed that one guy recons that a HiLux 3.0 engine would fit in a townace and is a better engine. Some other guy recons that a VW 1.9 Tdi (Rob I think was his name) would also so fit.

If it is possible (For either) would the benefit be worth it. i.e Reliabilty improvements, Power and fuel economy.

What technical problems would be encountered? I can't see it being that easy but just how difficult would it be and expensive.
- (#15354) Andy, 9 Feb 05 19:00

hiya, fitting it in is one thing but keeping it cool is another beacuse if i am not mistaken the engine has more bhp which is directly related to how much cooling you need - its an interesting idea because the vw engines are more plentyful
jim

- (#15354) J ADGO, 10 Feb 05 03:25

The TDI is a direct-injection lump and is a helluva lot more efficient than the old 2C. But you aint going to easily fit one in a townie. Later blocks don't have mounts in the right place for a rwd application, so you're looking at a 1Z or AAZ, if I recall correctly. Plus you'll need the whole wiring loom for the car, to seperate the injection part from. At least with the earlier engines, you wouldn't have to worry about using the VW instruments (VW now incorporate the immo into the cluster...) And where to site the intercooler?

But after all this, you've still got to adapt to the Aisin bellhousing and input shaft. there *was* an adaptor available for the Suzuki SJ but who knows whether that's of use in a townie...

- (#15354) david miller, 10 Feb 05 07:43

I take it that means it would be more trouble than it's worth.

- (#15354) Andy, 14 Feb 05 17:59

Depends. There are people that do conversions like this for enjoyment, but if it's your daily driver you'd need to budget for public transport for a couple of months.
You'll end up with a unique vehicle which might be everything you'd ever want or need, but there is no guarantee that anyone else would ever want to purchase it, or indeed recompense you for your expense.

Plus, insurance might be a problem...

- (#15354) david miller, 15 Feb 05 01:50