Co1 wrote:

Nice work, you must be chuffed. Don’t worry about the fuel, prices will come down again I’m sure…

Thanks Co1 I'm not gonna hold my breath on fuel prices though

LJMARSDEN wrote:

Timbo wrote:

It passed! Scraped by on the emissions but everything else no problem I can't get along with LS430 pedal so I've ordered the is350 one from phoenix £105 to fill up I've used over 1/4 of a tank already I'm smiling every where I go now

Bloody marvellous Tim, well done mate

Thanks Luke! It's a bloody joy to drive the sound is awesome

Co1 wrote:

What’s the insurance and V5 process like when doing this sort of thing gents?

Co1 in my circumstances it's a bit of a long story. I bought the donor car and removed engine. I sent the V5 back to DVLA to tell them about changes and got a letter back saying I needed to prove my ownership of engine with
A. A receipt from garage I bought engine off or
B. A letter from Toyota stating that it was their engine or
C. An inspection for insurance purposes from a MOT type garage

I sent an email explaining that I'd bought the car privately and registered it in my name and sold it complete minus the engine and gearbox with the buyers name and address. This it seems was proof enough as they returned my log book with engine change but still had it down as a diesel.
I pointed out the error and got a new V5 with the engine change, still as diesel but now only having 1 seat instead of 5!
I pointed this further error and am now awaiting the next V5 to see what they've screwed up this time

The insurance was a bit of a mine field as I use vehicle for work as well as SDP but Adrian flux sorted it. Nobody else wanted to quote

Are you thinking of a similar conversion?

Co1 wrote:

I am. I was thinking of going the more “standard” LS3 route, but your thread is causing me decision fatigue!!

My first choice was an LS3 but they priced me out of the market My neighbour told me about the viability of the UZ-1fe/UZ-3fe as a cheaper alternative. Donor cars can be picked up fairly cheaply and have lots of useable parts. The engine is really free revving and, although more technical, is very reliable to very high mileages 500,000 being a number bandied about. I have to say mine isn't as torquey as I'd expected but throttle response is instant and power is head and shoulders above the remapped puma engine I removed. If you want to boost the original engine I hear the LS400 UZ1 responds better than the LS430 UZ3 I have. Something to do with the thinner walls between cylinders. But overall I have to say I do not regret my engine choice. I think the transfer box needs to be a bit higher geared as I'm changing gears faster than Sterling Moss ( Kids ask your parents ) If, like me, you want more grunt and a lovely sound then go for it. I don't have a lot of mechanical experience but common sense and a little help from people who know better goes a long way. Good luck Co1 with whatever you decide to do and feel free to ask me any questions. (or better still DefenderMatt)