Hiace / Dyna Engine Swap - L Series to 1KZ in a Cabovers

[utleymu]

have to be creative for the rear engine cover. You are using a hiace late model 1kz that is with water cooled. It is a serious challenge to put 1kz into LH80 .

Yep, I'm going to need to create a new hump cover in the back. Right now I'm planning on using the original's flange, cutting out the hump, and welding in new panels.

Once I get everything running, the final fabrication cruxes of this project are the intake tubing from airbox to turbo, the snorkel, and this rear engine cover. I've got a tig welder for the intake/snorkel, but still need to learn how to use it. Hopefully with some persistence I'm able to get it done, but I may outsource some of this if I'm unable to.

 

[jdmkaizen]

As a fellow Hiace owner, following this cool build. Don't worry about updates, take your time and enjoy what's to come with the 1KZ!

 

[Dougal]

Would a front air/air intercooler be less work and more cab space than making a new dog-house?

 

[utleymu]

Would a front air/air intercooler be less work and more cab space than making a new dog-house?

I don't think an air to air would be less work, but ask me when I'm done. I like that the factory water to air setup is OEM, charge piping is tight and tidy. With how tight the spaces are in this truck, it would take a lot of work for me to get similar results snaking everything out front. But the main reason is that it leaves plenty of room for the A/C compressor, which I plan to add later. I don't think there would be any way to route the charge piping out to the front while still having room for the compressor.

I’m fine giving up a little cab space. The rear middle seat will be a bit less usable, but I never utilize it anyway. I am thinking about adding a small console with cup holders on top to make that area more functional. Here's a picture that shows what kind of space I'll be losing.

I'm not sure how difficult it will be to modify the cover. I'll be learning on the job. I've been thinking of cutting the sides out where I've marked in picture. Then I can bend the face and cut/weld new side panels. Would love to hear thoughts/suggestions on this if anyone has them.

 

[jcayce]

Edit. Will start a different thread in order not to derail this. It is an amazing build! Following closely.