Need V8 swap in advice
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- Regular Member
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2021 9:36 pm
- Location: Purcell oklahoma
- Isuzu vehicle(s): 1988 pickup
Need V8 swap in advice
I have a 1994 Isuzu pickup. I am buying a 1991 Ford F250 with a 5 liter automatic transmission in it. I want to take the 5 liter out of the Ford and put it in my Isuzu pickup. Does anybody know the rear end ratio. Will the rear end hold up? I might hit the lottery in want to put a street performer cam in the motor, maybe put some bigger pistons in it so the compression rate will go up, and maybe even get a small nitrous kit I don't know. You guys help me out I think my little 1994 Isuzu pickup will scoot along pretty good with a Ford V8 in it. I have a welder oh, I do post lift and all kinds of fabrication tools
- AuDMAX
- Regular Member
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- Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:29 am
- Location: Sydney AUSTRALIA
- Isuzu vehicle(s): 1992 Rodeo 2.4 Turbo IC Petrol, 2011 Dmax 3.0 Turbo IC Diesel, 2014 Isuzu Mux 3.0 Turbo IC Diesel, 2003 RA Rodeo SpaceCab 3.5 Petrol
Re: Need V8 swap in advice
The first issue I can see with this idea, is not enough research.
The second issue is the blue oval badge..
Maybe consider one of the many LS options you guys have in the states..
Its been done numerous times.
You might even find parts purpose built for your thing on the shelf?
Best thing to do is research as much as you can before you put anything on your hoist and attack it with your welder.
The second issue is the blue oval badge..
Maybe consider one of the many LS options you guys have in the states..
Its been done numerous times.
You might even find parts purpose built for your thing on the shelf?
Best thing to do is research as much as you can before you put anything on your hoist and attack it with your welder.
CHEERS!
AuDMAX
AuDMAX
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- Regular Member
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 11:20 am
- Location: Southeast TX
- Isuzu vehicle(s): 1993 Isuzu pickup Spacecab, 2.6, 2wd, MUA-5
Re: Need V8 swap in advice
Purist, ignore the above response. A windsor in good running condition is as good as a SBC any day of the week. An LS swap is a headache and a half.
Regarding the rear, the GM 10 bolt that came behind the 2.3L will be fine if you keep an open diff. Don't try to build it, it's just entry corporate junk but will hold up fine 1 wheel peel. People have ran MUCH MORE power than what youll be putting down through a stock 10 bolt (7.5" or 7.625", whichever it is). I personally have ran 3.08 open diff 7.5" with 450-500 HP/>500TQ and it fine for years (not an Isuzu
).
The Isuzu 12 bolt is stronger and should easily take the torque (these are in 2.6L trucks - either 8' bed or spacecab).
If your transmission is strong, then all you'd need are universal Windsor brackets to weld in. Then, the transmission mount and some thick @$$ steel to extend from the cross member. Obviously you'd need to have the driveshaft made. This isn't rocket science and GM rears have been bolted to Ford drivetrains forever. Keep in mind that if it doesn't fit the transmission tunnel, that'll require body mounts and/or dash surgery. Same for inner fenders. Either can be made to work.
This sounds like a big project, but isn't that difficult.
Regarding the rear, the GM 10 bolt that came behind the 2.3L will be fine if you keep an open diff. Don't try to build it, it's just entry corporate junk but will hold up fine 1 wheel peel. People have ran MUCH MORE power than what youll be putting down through a stock 10 bolt (7.5" or 7.625", whichever it is). I personally have ran 3.08 open diff 7.5" with 450-500 HP/>500TQ and it fine for years (not an Isuzu

The Isuzu 12 bolt is stronger and should easily take the torque (these are in 2.6L trucks - either 8' bed or spacecab).
If your transmission is strong, then all you'd need are universal Windsor brackets to weld in. Then, the transmission mount and some thick @$$ steel to extend from the cross member. Obviously you'd need to have the driveshaft made. This isn't rocket science and GM rears have been bolted to Ford drivetrains forever. Keep in mind that if it doesn't fit the transmission tunnel, that'll require body mounts and/or dash surgery. Same for inner fenders. Either can be made to work.
This sounds like a big project, but isn't that difficult.
- AuDMAX
- Regular Member
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:29 am
- Location: Sydney AUSTRALIA
- Isuzu vehicle(s): 1992 Rodeo 2.4 Turbo IC Petrol, 2011 Dmax 3.0 Turbo IC Diesel, 2014 Isuzu Mux 3.0 Turbo IC Diesel, 2003 RA Rodeo SpaceCab 3.5 Petrol
Re: Need V8 swap in advice
Are you even allowed to throw an older Engine into a later model vehicle?
CHEERS!
AuDMAX
AuDMAX
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- Regular Member
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 11:20 am
- Location: Southeast TX
- Isuzu vehicle(s): 1993 Isuzu pickup Spacecab, 2.6, 2wd, MUA-5
Re: Need V8 swap in advice
Most places don't care if vehicle is about 25 years old or older. Unless in California or one of the big cities/counties with emissions inspection, this is fine.
In some locations like mine, I could drop a BBC in a new Camaro and they would not care as long as all safety features work.
- AuDMAX
- Regular Member
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:29 am
- Location: Sydney AUSTRALIA
- Isuzu vehicle(s): 1992 Rodeo 2.4 Turbo IC Petrol, 2011 Dmax 3.0 Turbo IC Diesel, 2014 Isuzu Mux 3.0 Turbo IC Diesel, 2003 RA Rodeo SpaceCab 3.5 Petrol
Re: Need V8 swap in advice
You guys get all the fun over there.
In Australia, it's a Nanny State.
The hoops you have to jump through, to even reregister a Box Trailer. Ridiculous.
In Australia, it's a Nanny State.
The hoops you have to jump through, to even reregister a Box Trailer. Ridiculous.
CHEERS!
AuDMAX
AuDMAX