chev vs holden v8 conversion

[instylefc]

hey there all just in prosess of buying a motor for my fc while im restoring it and canot decide whitch to convert it to? a chev 350 or a holden 308     does anyone know if the engineers require the same things done for both? also is one easier than the other to do? im really stuck at the moment the car already has a red 202 or may be 186 now. i was told it would have a hr front end to have that motor in it? will the v8s bolt up to that?     ive rung caselmaine rod shop and they want to sell me a hr front end for the convertion but if i already have one then is there a easyer way to modify it?

your thoughts and experience on this matter much apreciated

thanks regards mark

[Revhead_Fc]

 Hi Mark
Depending on which state you live in will depend on what size motor you will be able to use for NSW 314cubic inches is the maximum other states you should check with the proper people.  As for fitment there really isnt to much differences as for the chev they drop straight in but you have to cut holes in the innergaurds for the extractors and with the holden motor you have to modify the passenger fire wall a little bit but you can get extractors to fit done alone side the motor.  Its basically what motor you would prefer as engineering wise everything else has to be of the same standard ie. chassis, rack and pinion steering dual circuit brakes etc.
I would suggest talking to people who have just done the conversion themselves Glenn (FC-V8) has just finished a chev conversion and ED (Ed) has just finished a holden V8 conversion.

Hope this helps
Ben

[mcl1959]

The HR front end is very modified from original to fit the V8.  A big scallop is cut out for sump clearance, engine mounts are different and rack mounting provided.  Unless you are confident with cutting and welding plus setting up the correct steering position, then go with a professionally made front end.

You may not necessarily have a HR front end if is has a red motor in it, do you have disc brakes or not?


Ken

[instylefc]

ahh ok so the chev is not that hard at all sounds like it will be easier than the 308 im in victoria so i think it will be ok, my other delemar is that the engineers will not give me a list of things to do, they said it will cost 400 dollar to check car and they will giv me  a list of what i havnt done then i will have to pay another 400 dollar on the next visit and hope that it passes thats a bit unfair...

[FB_MAD]

Mark I'd be shopping around for another engineer.Sounds like he's trying to make some $$$ out of you.You tell the engineer what you want to fit to your car and if its legal in your state  he then GIVES YOU A LIST of what modifications he requires you to do to the car to pass the engine conversion for roadworthy.If the modifications you have done are not to his satisfaction he will then LIST THE MODS TO BE RECTIFIED,you go home and rectify the mods and then present the car back to him for further appraisal.He may be within his right to charge $400 for each appraisal but I consider this amount should cover the original check and another check if mods need to be redone.
I consulted an engineer here in N.S.W around 18 months ago and his charge was similar to yours but did include a second check included in the price if the mods done were not to his liking and had to be redone and the car re-presented for inspection.There are around 30 or so RTA approved engineers here in N.S.W and I'd guess the same would apply for Vicroads approved engineers. Good luck.........Terry.

P.S Like Ken said,I'd go for the Castlemaine HR front end modified for V8 fitment as it will come with an engineer certificate approved for all states.One less mod to be engineer approved for you.

[instylefc]

ok well thankyou for that and i didnt realise that they give u a certificate for the front end from caselmaine rod shop that would help alot, will lookforward to getting the catalog from the rod shop, and look forward to the chev going in....

cant wait

[bent8-58]

Hey Mark,
At this stage l wish you luck with your project,& the greatest piece of advice l can offer is PATIENCE! l have spent the last 5 years re-powering my FC with a bit of Chevy power,(although to be fair a lot of time is swallowed up with the old lack of funds gremlin). From all reports l have to agree with the others simply because the Holden v8's are a 90 degree & Chevs are 60 degree v,simply put the holdens are a bigger "vee"  making them wider across the top. (although there would be a bit more satisfaction for me in keeping a legendary Australian car "all Australian"--maybe next time!)
 The extractors were another exercise in patience,l didnt want to chop the holes in the inner guards, so l pestered,annoyed & bugged a mate of mine for about 5 years to sell them to me,he had a set of hand-made ,tuned length,3 piece extractors,l was determined that without them l lwouldnt start the big strip down,so it remained with 6 power until l finally scored them!
 There is also all the other "safety items" required(at least here in QLD) like 2-spd wipers,collapsible st-column,blah,blah,blah.So be sure you've got the full story before you dive in! Hope l've been of some help... Daz