Specialist900:
Once the new wheels goes in, the truck appearance would be wow. Finally, the end isn't far. I really do admire your patience on this truck/job.

Weldone

Thanks buddy.

Siena:


Thanks buddy.

Lexusgs430:
Poor water melon got a squash !!!!!

Not guilty, officer! It was stone cold dead when I arrived on the scene.

Siena:


Not guilty, officer! It was stone cold dead when I arrived on the scene.

Siena:


No suspension lift fitted yet. It has however had a 2" body lift kit fitted. I'm also fitting a 4" suspension kit, and the wheels are going to be pretty high - I'm looking at 31's or 33's.

zinaLPF:
Love the seats! Really transforms the Hilux.

Thanks buddy!

Siena:
After much thought, I have decided to go with an alternative power plant in my truck. Initially the plan was to keep it all Toyota, and I ended up with a pair of Lexus' - a 1998 LS400 non-VVTi and a 2001 LS430 VVTi. Both are awesome V8 motors in their own right.

However, the V8 offerings from Audi do produce considerably more power and torque in stock form. Even the earliest 3.6 V8 32V in the 1988 Audi V8 D11 produced 250hp.

I have an S8 motor from a 1998 Audi S8, a 4.2 V8 32V, this produces 340hp and 430Nm in stock trim. It's also a very rev-happy engine, redlined at a heady 7000rpm. It sounds very different to both my Lexus' , a nice rumble at low to mid throttle, rising to an angry rasping roar when driven in anger.

The S8 engine is very different to the standard Audi A8 4.2 V8 32V engine, which produces 300hp and 410Nm torque (still higher than the Lexus' output) and is redlined at 6500rpm.

I'm currently working on either an adapter plate solution, retaining the Hilux bell housing, allowing the S8 engine to bolt up, or an adapter losing the Hilux bell housing, allowing a cut off and suitably modified Audi bell housing to bolt to the Hilux transmission. We are currently about to relocate, so not much will be taking place right now, in terms of stripping down an Audi (I have 2 A4's) or removing the S8 engine from my DTM Race Audi A4 Quattro, which is having an Audi A8 4.2 V8 40V in place of the S8 unit.

We'll see how it all pans out, I may have both Lexus' for sale depending on the outcome.

mastro:


hmm, thought the idea was to try something new hence the Toyota end-to-end, i don't see what power has to do with choice of engine as it's not a drag racer so would have thought >280bhp (LS400) should be more than adequate.

it's not my cat to drown and I will enjoy reading whatever you decide to do with this truck but really really think the original idea & plan of of the Lexus engine is much cooler, especially as there are very few project cars using those engines.

Power does make a big difference, Mastro. So does the pulling power the greater torque offers. As for originality, there are absolutely tons of Hilux's running Lexus UZ engines, the swap has become so common, it's almost like replacing the diesel engine with another similar one.

I'm on a lot of Hilux / 4x4 forums, everyone's done the UZ swap, no one has installed an Audi V8 engine. The Audi V8 in a a Hilux is as unique as it gets.

billy187:
Does it mean you won't be swapping out the dash? By the way do put up the pics of your Lexuses; you might even get a buyer here!

The dash will still be swapped, but with an Audi one.

The Lexus' will sell better in the UK, as they are RHD, and very sought after for their V8 motors in the Toyota scene.

cne010:
So Seina is building a hybrid, Your love for Audi is really so strong ands its contagious.

Siena:
When I initially trial fitted the OEM Hilux grille, I didn't really give it a fair go. I viewed it on the truck, but without a front bumper and valence. The hood was also open, so it was not easy to see what the grille looked like in comparison to the Hilux Sport Rider item, which has been on the truck with the front end pretty much done.

Today I decided to swap the Sport Rider grille with the OEM one. And I must say it looks better, looks like you guys were right after all. It's a keeper. :thumbsup:

And I was so sure the chrome one was the winner. *cough cough*

What do you guys think?

IHate9ja1:
cant wait to see those chrome wheels in full fashion and pls when u shop for them lets know the price.
Well done sir good job

grimadult:
This OEM grill is far better than d other one. Won't u be installing fog lamps for the truck

mastro:
so, we are waiting patiently for the next step...

No more updates will be forthcoming, bro. I got an offer for the truck, I simply couldn't turn down! Back to my Audi projects now.

Siena:

No more updates will be forthcoming, bro. I got an offer for the truck, I simply couldn't turn down! Back to my Audi projects now.

igomen:

Your "action" has forced me out of the shadows to comment; I've been following this thread from day one. I am heart broken to hear that this babe has been sold off, wished I was the new owner. Your tenacity in the face of setbacks is commendable and inspiring. You've sparked something in me by this venture and have made me decide to go into the restoration project, the "emotional reward" is pure and unquantifiable. Thumbs up bro!

adanny01:
Oh no! So i wont be seeing the much anticipated wheels on the truck or the engine swap.

I feel cheated like watching a block buster half way.

Sorry bruh.

Still, my Audi projects are still going strong.

Bossforeva:
At least should have shown us a last pic of it, running on a new wheel... *Am Weak*