wil628 Posted August 6, 2014 Report Posted August 6, 2014 Hi guys. doing up a ke55. I'm 36 and this is my first rolla. All new brakes and suspension. Extractors and exhaust. The tiny little 4k is in the shop getting warmed up for summer. I already know that in the near future I will want a 4age. I'm trying to find a mechanic in vic that knows rollas and 4ages. I'm happy to pay that bit extra for tidy work. Backyard or shop mechanic is fine. If anyone has used someone, or knows a mate who has please let me know. thanks Quote
silverra23 Posted August 9, 2014 Report Posted August 9, 2014 I have yet to hear about a shop in Melbourne that specialises in Corollas and 4AGE conversions. I am sure there is a market there though :) "KE Conversions" - find them on facebook - can do some of the hardware for you - engine mounts, hydraulic clutch pedal conversion... Carbs or EFI? EFI will need fuel system upgrade - pumps etc, and wiring. There might be guys on AE86 Driving Club who can help do it in their backyard shops for you. 1 Quote
parrot Posted August 9, 2014 Report Posted August 9, 2014 The mechanical bits are pretty straightforward. It is getting the wiring right that is the hard bit. so often it's bodged up to "get it running". Don't believe anyone that tells you different. Just look at the multitude of threads for people whose cars won't run right. 1 Quote
silverra23 Posted August 9, 2014 Report Posted August 9, 2014 Ain't that the truth... as well as there being a market for a mechanic who specialises in 4AGE in Victoria.. there also be a market for plug and play wiring harnesses..... I am full of business ideas, just ask me :) 1 Quote
wil628 Posted August 9, 2014 Author Report Posted August 9, 2014 Iv done all the reading and been in touch with jordo about mounting kits. I'm looking for a workshop that I can drop it all off to and not have to come back a few times to get things fixed up. Plug and play loom would be great. There is a mob I found on the net that makes them, just have to post off both the looms you need spliced. Cheers guys the hunt continues.... Quote
ke70dave Posted August 9, 2014 Report Posted August 9, 2014 I don't think you are going to find what you are looking for, and if you do I bet the cost will be unjustifiable. 1 Quote
silverra23 Posted August 10, 2014 Report Posted August 10, 2014 As it stands the workshop you seek does not exist in Melbourne. 1 Quote
wil628 Posted August 10, 2014 Author Report Posted August 10, 2014 I hate to say it, but would I have more luck with an sr20? Quote
carbonboy Posted August 10, 2014 Report Posted August 10, 2014 DIY & learn a few things along the way, 4AG conversions are not all that difficult, if I can do it in my driveway, anyone can. With these cars/engines, when you start paying labour charges, costs go astronomical real quick. Quote
ke70dave Posted August 11, 2014 Report Posted August 11, 2014 (edited) Fact is most mechanics don't want to touch engine conversions. What you are looking for is a sort of performance shop, race preparation shop, or even a car restoration shop, as they are happy to deal with custom jobs. Ke55 is not the most standard 4age conversion so the costs will be very high, and in my opinion the wiring is the least of your worries. Hard/expensive parts will be custom gearbox and engine mounts, custom driveshaft. And yes you see alot of people with wiring issues, but you don't hear about the 4age wiring that is done properly (like mine, 6 wires to run a 4age engine in a ke70, did it in a few hours and it was fine for years). Edited August 11, 2014 by ke70dave Quote
wil628 Posted August 11, 2014 Author Report Posted August 11, 2014 The custom pedals and mounts are no problem. I found a guy who makes them for ke's. Fuel pump is a pretty standard vl turbo setup. 6 wires? I think I could handle that myself. Might be time to buy an engine crane/stand and take a bit off work. Cheers guys. Quote
maccat01 Posted August 17, 2014 Report Posted August 17, 2014 (edited) Either do the work yourself, or find a good mate/ skilled family member to do it for you. Talking to a bloke who did a fairly idifficult engine conversion, he told me that he got a few mates to help him out. Even with his mates doing the work, he was charged $2500 to do a harness, $2000 to weld manifold, ect. If these were done diy, would have probably cost $200 to do a harness and $250 for materials for a manifold. When I was looking to get my car seam welded, tunnel welded in and all the engine/gearbox mounts done i was qutoed $10-$15k by a place in sydney. Lucky my uncle is a welding wizard otherwise my project would have been scrapped. Edited August 17, 2014 by maccat01 Quote
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