Hilux 2005 4.0l V6 - What to do?

[redboss]

Hi All,

Would like some opinions/recommendations on my situation. Will start with what i have.

Its a Hilux 2005 4.0l V6 SR5 Dual Cab (5sp Auto).

It has 340k on the clock (owned since 200k). As far as maintenance goes, It has had a full gearbox rebuild, new radiator, new idler pulley and rocker cover gaskets. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the car mechanically or body wise.

Main extras are:
- 2" WCS Susp lift
- 32's
- Dual Battery
- Electric braking system

My dilemma is, what to do in the coming future? I would like a diesel, but thinking i cant justify buying another car just for the engine when there is nothing wrong with mine. Or is it possible to get an engine conversion down the track?

Recommendations to:
- keep mine and continue investing $$ into it?
- new engine?
- new car?

[HK1837]

Big backward step to a diesel after having a V6 with 5spd auto. Like buying an SLR5000 and replacing the 5.0L with a little 6cyl. People have diesel blinkers on and for a car in similar (and otherwise unknown) condition it will cost you probably enough $ that you’d never save the fuel saving difference. When I bought mine new in 2010 it was $2000 dearer for a diesel, would have taken 4-5 years before I even broke even in fuel savings, and that is assuming same cost per litre for E10 and diesel.

I’d upgrade the front brakes and keep it until the engine wears out. Then buy a used V6 engine to replace it. With bigger tyres your braking will be suffering badly.

[redboss]

Thanks mate, that's some useful info. Kinda what I'm hoping to hear, as getting a new car or engine is big $$.

I guess I just don't see too many v6 luxs around and wondering the reason. I don't want to do serious 4x4ing, but upgrade the bullbar, a winch, new wheels etc.

Apart from brake upgrade, are there any other recommend performance upgrades?

[HK1837]

There are threads on here about exhaust etc. but apart from the engine, any other upgrades apply equally to diesel or petrol, so go read a few and see.

As I said, people in Australia have blinkers on with regards to petrol 4x4. Sure they use a bit more fuel, and at the same purchase price it does make sense in a lot of ways to buy a diesel. I bought my V6 as I do a bit of country road (with hills) towing so I wanted to more powerful car. Mine is supercharged now too to make it more effective towing. I have been looking at US trucks recently and would have a TD but only if it was a big one, like 6L upwards. But have also been considering having two vehicles, like a little baby diesel Mitsubishi Triton (with 7 year new car warranty) for around town and an older big V8 engined truck for towing.

[redboss]

Spot on, main reason i got a V6 was for the regular country driving and camper towing.

Appreciate it, will check out the forum and get some ideas.

[m sciffer]

hi there
I did own a triton 2013 model sold it and purchased a 2wd v6 Hilux 2010 model that was the best choice I have made. I tow a boat and caravan with this Hilux and get about the same fuel consumption .and I do have a Suzuki jimny for playing in the mud and running around . I find this to be a good match , one for traveling and one for playing .
with the triton 5 year service was 2248 dollars, hilux I service it my self no timing belt one diff and no transfer case .and no worries , when I own the triton I was worried the engine in the triton going to over heat with the problem the mn do have .the reason I purchased the petrol Hilux I believe the diesels are getting smaller so they can pass the pollution test and they are trying to get more and more hp out of them which will make them unreliable if they keep going ,my farther always said nothing matches cubic compacity for hp . and less stress .

[gen7xtracab]

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