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Location:
The Central Coast
Registered:
October 2002
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Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 03:45
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I've searched and searched for some info on the people that have done this conversion in a sprinter, and can't seem to find didley squat on some answers.
RWD 4AGE's are getting long in the tooth and getting hard to find in good condition and low kms. (Quote from someone else's thread)
FWD 4AGE's 86kW are plentiful, but still an old motor, can find good ones, low km import ones are around $750.
FWD 4AGE 100kW motors I have no idea about on condition of the motors, but the pricing sounds okay, around the same as 86kW but the computer is different.
Is it worth just modifying the FWD 100kW or 86kW motor if you don't want to go forced induction and just want a nice sprinter to drive around with a bit of punch?
Or for the fact of having more spare parts, using a RWD 86kW and combining parts from a good FWD motor??
I'm buggered if I know what to do and what is the cheapest option to get a RWD 4AGE configuration. I already have a FWD 86kW motor & computer with a blown head gasket. Thoughts?
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Club Member
Location:
sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 05:18
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Buy a rwd outlet pipe from toyota (around $70 last I heard) after that everything is easy, I would probhably err on the side of a 100Kw seeing as they are plentifull and have good power with minimal mods. all you need to do is give them a freshen up (rebuild or at least some new rings and a hone) and cut and shut the throttle body to suit the rwd application. an 86kw will probahbly work out cheaper as theres lots of parts around (look in the for sale section) but the same principles apply for rebuild unless you want to take the risk...it could be fine for 5 years or 5 mins  .
I dont know how you cant find info..the topics been done over and over and over on these forums and the old forums plus theres at least one write up I know of in the articles section of toymods. not to mention at twincam16, club4ag, and others.
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Location:
The Central Coast
Registered:
October 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 05:44
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Sure the topics been done over and over. But I just couldn't seem to find much info on what is the better option out of the 3 motors (RWD 86kW,FWD 86kW, FWD 100kW)
So a better option, rather than go for a RWD 86kW motor, use the money (and time) and freshen up the FWD 86kW motor with new gaskets, seals, rings and bearings, cut and shut the inlet manifold to mount the throttle body on the opposite side, obtain a RWD outlet pipe (I'm assuming water) remote thermostat, unless RWD water pump is found (I think...) and find some RWD 4AC engine mounts.
Correct? Thanks for the help IRA11Y, sorry to be a pain.
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Location:
Hornsby, N.S.W
Registered:
September 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 05:49
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i know of a guy in QLD, that can get the newest model 20v motors very cheap if your interested.
CHEERS
JUZZO
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Location:
The Central Coast
Registered:
October 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 06:00
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Damn Juzzo, that is tempting...I'm not too keen on cutting the firewall. But a just for reference sake, how much?
OKay, I've done another search on the 4AGE conversion and yes, people seem to ask the same questions....again and again. I even printed out that tech article.
Sorry guys. I think I've pretty much sorted it now.
Just for those that are asking similar questions in future, this is what I'll be doing.
Either buying RWD TVIS 86kW RWD manifold (approx. $120)
OR
cutting and shutting FWD 86kW manifold (approx. $150)
Buying a RWD water outlet for the back of the head (approx $70)
Running an electric fan (if the only difference between FWD and RWD water pumps is the alignment of the pulleys, using a FWD motor, no sweat, no need to change)
Find RWD engine mounts (approx $30-50)
Done! (Correct me if I'm wrong)
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 07:14
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Hey my fellow boat anchor owner, i have been through this a little already, and will be definately replacine the 4ac with the 100kw FWD 4age motor (smallport). this is what i plan to do, and what you should do.
correct me if i am wrong, anyone.
bits off the 4ac to use on the 4age.
engine to gearbox bracket things, engine mounts, oil pressure sender, waterpump (then you can use your existing fan),
cut&shut the 100kw inlet manifold (using a different one will result in port mismatching)
i think that is a bit more info.
by the way, there is a guy (don't know who he is, saw the thing on 4agze.com) who makes up what you need to run a 20v in an 86 without taking an axe to the firewall.
good luck!!
edit - just a few more things:
the cheapest option invariably is not the best, i have found this out a few times.
buy a froncut if you want the engine to run nice without too much screwing around.
when i do my conversion, i think i will write a comprehensive report on it, for future generations of people who have 4ac infected sprinters.
[Updated on: Mon, 04 November 2002 07:18]
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Location:
Newcastle
Registered:
September 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 08:11
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sprocket: i have a set of RWD 4ac engine mounts if you are intrested? Send me a PM if you are or not!
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Club Member
Location:
sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 11:19
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what is the better option out of the 3 motors (RWD 86kW,FWD 86kW, FWD 100kW)
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I wouldnt bother redoing a 86Kw, stick to the 100Kw and convert it to RWD youll be happier with the outcome
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cut and shut the inlet manifold to mount the throttle body on the opposite side, obtain a RWD outlet pipe (I'm assuming water) remote thermostat, unless RWD water pump is found (I think...) and find some RWD 4AC engine mounts.
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yep cut and shut and remount the throttle body if youre looking for someone to do it send me an email and ill put you onto the right bloke .
you dont neccesarily need a remote thermostat ( I should really rewrite that article  ) a better way is this....take a rwd water pump off a 4AC split it in half keep the back half with the thermostat housing and buy a new FWD front half pump from repco or other , that is of course if you prefer to run a thermofan to reduce parasitic drag otherwise just use the whole 4AC pump with the clutch fan.
just use the rwd arms and mounts of your current 4AC ( im assuming by your avatar you allready have a sprinter) or goto P&PL and find an ae71 to get them off, dont forget to get the g/box backing plate while youre at it.
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Buying a RWD water outlet for the back of the head (approx $70)
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I wouldnt be paying more than about $30 if you have trouble finding it at this price let me know
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cut&shut the 100kw inlet manifold (using a different one will result in port mismatching
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depends what you mean by a different one...you cant use a 86Kw inlet on a 100Kw head and vice versa but you can use any 100Kw inlet on any 100Kw block
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the cheapest option invariably is not the best, i have found this out a few times.
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Oh so true
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buy a froncut if you want the engine to run nice without too much screwing around.
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for a 4AGE I wouldnt waste my money getting a half cut...maybe get an engine package because thats all you really need, but you can get stuff locally cheaper than what most importers will sell it to you for, a good place to start looking is a damaged car auction for a bargain or a specialist wrecker like Grahams in Smithfield
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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Mon, 04 November 2002 13:14
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Just my 2 cents worth...
DO NOT TRUST JAPANESE MOTORSPORTS!!!!!! 
I'm going through a 4age blue hat conversion so I decided to buy one of their 4AGE packages given that you get a genuine AE86 gearbox, engine & computer set complete + sensors so the job's a literal bolt-in.
Got the engine in last Saturday but damn engine's got a severe knock in it.  A compression test showed that the 4th piston had half the pressure as all the rest.
I'm steamin' cuz it's like 99% there but then you now have to take the damn engine out again.  Dunno but I'm chasing them for a replacement engine (I'll keep everything else though) but in the meantime have sourced another blue hat engine (this time FWD) to go into the Sprinter. I did law at uni so at least I know my rights & that there is an implied warranty that the engine be fit for sale. It's just the hassle of chasing them.
Not trusting them ever again! Oh, woes on engine conversions.
Engine aside, I must say that having the sensors, computer and a RWD configuration engine (including extractors & manifold) severely cuts down on installation costs.
Will update you on what happens. If they really screw me, I'll be post whoring about their service pretty soon ... Not happy Den-zo!!!
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Location:
The Central Coast
Registered:
October 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Wed, 06 November 2002 01:46
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Time to fess up I think.
I don't have a sprinter, but wish I did. Sorry about the avatar, it's just my favourite pic.
I actually have a Mazda 808 with a 10A Rotary. Before you throw stones, I have realised the error of my ways, but unfortunately can't afford to get rid of it and start again. It'll have to do for now.
Okay after many days of hard research at the following websites
http://www.billzilla.org/carindex.htm
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/phil.bradshaw/Index .htm
I have found pretty much all the information I need.
I'm still yet to decide whether it is worth selling the 86kW TVIS motor and computer I have and go for the 100kW version.
I've decided to steer away from the 4AGZE and 20Valve for now (it's just a friggin Mazda!) Maybe later...in a decent car.
I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with Japanese Motorsports, Dodgy_Haro, your experience has made me just a little bit more wary of the typical importer, I'll be steering toward Ichiban because I've heard they've got written test results on their motors. I'm not sure about SSS Automotive, but I'll cruise past their place and have a sticky beak soon.
IRA11Y, I'll definately be checking out Grahams in Smithfield and be looking further into the 100kW motor. I'll be wandering down to P&PL after I move out to scavange all the necessary items off an AE71...thanks for the info. The more parts I can scavange...the better and easier it will make it.
FLYPSI, I'll PM you after I get settled in my new place
Shinybluesteel, looking forward to that report, I think it's been done and done though....(look above) I was more looking for the best N/A version to use and the cheapest, but as you say, it's not necessarily the best....
As for my problem with owning the wrong car....I'll see you on the road.
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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Wed, 06 November 2002 08:23
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Okay, just an update ... I rang up JMS today and they said they'll replace the engine. Not much questions asked so guess they knew it was a botchy one from the start. Still, I'll have to fork out $$$ for the postage and it's only a FWD 4age given they don't have any RWD in stock.
On a plus side, they said I could keep the RWD 4age motor so dunno, paid for one, got 2 so perhaps I'll strip the RWD one and see what's salvage-able? Not holding my breath so will wait until I see another motor in my driveway to believe it. That would make 3 4AGE's I'm sitting on then. I'll just tell my folks they're mating & multiplying beyond my control ... 
At least JMS is doing the bare 'minimum' rather than refusing to send a replacement motor. 
Not sure about Ichiban but SSS Automotives has been good. I got an AE86 disc brake end off them. Delivery was fast, condition good and it had all the parts including calipers, pads, cables etc.
Good luck with the conversion and don't let my experience put you off! I'll probably look back on this one day & laugh. All part of the fun doing an engine mod.
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Location:
Adelaide
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Wed, 06 November 2002 14:54
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well if you keep the RWD motor im looking for a RWD inlet manifold
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Location:
melb
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Sun, 10 November 2002 00:50
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100kw is the better motor as its newer.
but what do you do about the exhaust manifold - I havent seen to many of these for sale?
Id go for a rwd 86kw motor as it will work out the cheapest and is a massive improvement over the 4ac.
for example I picked up mine for $450, it came with ecu/wiring and sensors. but was missing flywheel and had gze rocker covers and no leads. It also has the wrong water outlet on it (I think it was off a camry) - didnt matter theres heaps of space behind the head so it still fitted.
My point is 86kw rwd is the easiest and cheapest for a rwd conversion. people are selling them for good prices also - youve just got to be patient and have your money ready.
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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Sun, 10 November 2002 11:22
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Sorry Faulksy, that's the main reason why I bought a RWD motor in the first place ... to get the RWD manifold & extractors as well. I'll still retain these off the original RWD and bolt / transfer these onto the replacement FWD engines.
My impression is that these parts were readily available in the past but are rare as hen's teeth these days. Wreckers are smart enough not to separate these anymore as they know a RWD conversion without these parts is practically pointless.
You'll have to perhaps consider custom fabrication if you can't get these parts although there were a couple of RWD manifolds being sold in the parts section a while ago.
I'll be scrapping the existing RWD 4AGE but still retain the parts so as to convert my FWD ones into a RWD 4AGE.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.victoria.austra...
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Sun, 10 November 2002 20:04
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bear in mind that the RWD inlet manifold will not bolt up to the 100kw small port head dudes.
the 100kw motor i have already has the throttle body chopped off one end, just gotta tig it to the other end - no real fuss (except for the throttle mounting, but who cares about that)
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Club Member
Location:
sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Cheap 4AGE RWD Conversion
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Sun, 10 November 2002 20:13
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You guys make it sound like getting an exhaust system is hard! a set of rwd extractors to suit either head is only about $250 and a RWD outlet pipe is only $70 new from toyota.
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