80 series 1HZ swap to a 1HDT, questions/what should I know? (1 Viewer)

[mingino]

Hey all,

Currently in the market for a 1HDT 80 series in WA Australia. The current market prices are through the roof so i did some digging and figured it would be cheaper to do a swap with a 1HDT motor into an old 1HZ 80. I’ve asked this question on the 80 series tech section and got redirected to here.

Long story short, I can get my hands on a blown 1HZ 80 for 10k neg and a 1HDT import motor with 50,xxx km on it for 4.3k including all shipping expenses, therefore being much cheaper than a factory Turbo Diesel around my area.

My question is, what should I know/need to know before performing this swap? From my knowledge it’s a straight swap besides the flywheel and clutch. I figured during the swap I would throw in a heavy duty clutch and am wondering if I should just purchase a 1HZ heavy duty clutch and throw it on with the 275mm flywheel from the 1HZ motor, but also heard that there’s an Isuzu clutch that matches the 1HDT 300nm flywheel and the H150F 21 spline shaft. Am i better off doing that or just running the 1HZ clutch and flywheel?

I’m also wondering if it’s better off performing the swap myself or paying for a shop to do it? (anyone got any idea how much that would cost approx?) Is there anything else that needs modifying/replacing during the swap?

I’ve also heard a couple different things about registering the car as a 1HDT after the swap. Does the car need to go through a pit inspection? or is it as simple as filling out a couple forms?

If there’s anyone else who has performed this swap themselves, any info/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

 

[rick_d]

#1. A used import engine is basically 30 years old and could need pump overhaul, water pump, vacuum and/or ps pump service, intake/exhaust gaskets, turbo, ps reservoir, engine mounts, and most certainly big end rod bearings.

Switching a 1hz to 12 valve 1hdt is a one banana job.
The 21 spline isuzu cab forward clutch will work for the hz transmission- but what condition is rhe 30 year old blown motor gearbox in? With aussie access to any newer vdj gearbox you can swap for a better, newer system then use 300 mm clutch w 14 splines OR a heavy duty 275mm with flywheel you will own.

 

[mingino]

#1. A used import engine is basically 30 years old and could need pump overhaul, water pump, vacuum and/or ps pump service, intake/exhaust gaskets, turbo, ps reservoir, engine mounts, and most certainly big end rod bearings.

Switching a 1hz to 12 valve 1hdt is a one banana job.
The 21 spline isuzu cab forward clutch will work for the hz transmission- but what condition is rhe 30 year old blown motor gearbox in? With aussie access to any newer vdj gearbox you can swap for a better, newer system then use 300 mm clutch w 14 splines OR a heavy duty 275mm with flywheel you will own.

 

[mingino]

Thanks for your reply,

Upon receiving the motor I do plan on replacing the following; Rear main seal, Big end bearings, Conrod bolts, Timing belt kit.
The other parts you listed will be replaced depending on what condition they are in when i receive the engine and i will go from there.

I don’t plan on purchasing the 1HZ 80 unless the gear box is in good shape but am not sure how i am going to test/check that if i cannot drive the car. So my question still stands, Am i better off with the Isuzu clutch and 300mm flywheel or the 275mm flywheel and heavy duty 1HZ clutch? (rated to 1300nm)

Below I have listed what will come with the engine + a photo from a video of the engine running. Not sure if i can post videos on here.

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

Is that engine seller overseas from where you are? Just the screengrab of the video makes me think it's fake. AUD 4.3k for a 1HD is ridiculously cheap. Be very careful.

 

[mingino]

Is that engine seller overseas from where you are? Just the screengrab of the video makes me think it's fake. AUD 4.3k for a 1HD is ridiculously cheap. Be very careful.

yeah it’s a Japanese import motor, i have second guessed the legitimacy off of it but have purchased many other things through the same platform (including items over 5k AUD) and have never had an issue. They offer PayPal and all payments are made through the app which comes with a trade assurance that offers protection from scams.

 

[ikarus]

I agree with @Eurasiaoverland, might be too good to be true - plus 1HDT doesn't have an ECU or coil packs...

 

[TheBussman]

i haven't tried each clutch but I'm willing to bet that the 300mm with stock pressure plate has a lighter pedal then the 275HD cltuch. I would want the 300mm if it was me.

 

[mingino]

i haven't tried each clutch but I'm willing to bet that the 300mm with stock pressure plate has a lighter pedal then the 275HD cltuch. I would want the 300mm if it was me.

so you recommend the isuzu clutch and 300mm flywheel?

 

[TheBussman]

so you recommend the isuzu clutch and 300mm flywheel?

yes unless a heavy pedal doesn't bother you.

 

[GreenPump]

Is that engine seller overseas from where you are? Just the screengrab of the video makes me think it's fake. AUD 4.3k for a 1HD is ridiculously cheap. Be very careful.

I absolutely agree with this.

I think you are going to lose out here trying to save a few bucks. Decent rigs can be had in the 18-20 grand range if you hunt around. Especially the early years (90,91,92). Your best-case scenario is saving like 5 grand. And in my opinion, that is not worth the time and energy of a swap.

And if you are wanting a manual transmission, you can always just buy and auto and swap it out. My 2 cents.