Engine swap question

[Mrmonk7663]

If one were to install a different engine in the vx...say a sb v8 could we keep the 4wd no problem?

[vt_maverick]

Search for the Axiom Engine Swap thread and take a read. That should give you an idea of the problems you'll face, even when you're using another identically sized Isuzu engine, much less a SB V8.

I think someone here was thinking of swapping an LS1 into their VX, but I don't think it ever got off the ground.

[circmand]

How big a check can you write?

[Mrmonk7663]

Not real big lol. I'll check out the axiom thing. Sounds like upgraded internals and turbo is the way to go then

[circmand]

Not real big lol. I'll check out the axiom thing. Sounds like upgraded internals and turbo is the way to go then

Welcome aboard! Glad to see you can appreciate a joke. Seriously we try to help each other out as much as possible here and you have some on here (not me) who have more knowledge than an Isuzu dealer.

[WormGod]

Search for the Axiom Engine Swap thread and take a read. That should give you an idea of the problems you'll face, even when you're using another identically sized Isuzu engine, much less a SB V8.

I think someone here was thinking of swapping an LS1 into their VX, but I don't think it ever got off the ground.

It did but the electrical was a nightmare and I think that was the end of it, IIRC.

The electrical is 80% of your problem with any swap. Engine, tranny, drivetrain, ECU, misc wiring.... more work that it is worth if you ask me. In the VX's case (given a VX, Axion, Trooper), a swap is going to be the end of your existing AWD.

[TheGanzman]

I'm not "above" a small block Chevy V8 engine swap - down the road, and with the required "windfall" of $ that it would take. My current driveline is performing FLAWLESSLY though - ZERO oil consumption, smoove shifts, no driveline noises, AWD works perfectly. If I DO do a SBC schwap, it would involve removing the ENTIRE drivetrain, lowering the stance by 1-3 inches, and setting it up w/2WD and Positraction, prolly w/a beefed up 480 trannie, and full emissions/computer from whatever donor vehicle (Camaro or Corvette) I ganked it from...

Ya' never know from where ya' sit how your pants hang, but from where *I* sit NOW, I'm more inclined to go "full electric", assuming the driveline swap is several years down the road. By then the battery technology will be infinitely better than now; hell, a man MIGHT even be able to get a full electric donor vehicle out of the 'yard...

[Mrmonk7663]

Electric would be cool but I want 4wd. What is the benefit of the axiom engine...was something revised to make oil control better ?

[vt_maverick]

I think the 02 and 03 model years saw a small rise in horsepower and efficiency, but nothing worth swapping for IMHO. In 04 (the last model year) Isuzu introduced a direct injection engine which increased horsepower slightly again as well as improved fuel economy. My understanding is that the 02-03 engine is a challenge, but the more advanced 04 engine is "a bridge too far."