LUVTruck.com

I have a 1980 Luv that my father bought new. It's all stock and is still in good shape. I want to make a "sleeper" out of it. Something that looks stock, but runs like a scaled ape! What motor, transmission and drivetrain are best adapted to convert over to something like this? Any help is appreciated.

Robert

If you want something that will fit nicely without much body work, a 4.3 V6 is a good way to go, and you can build one up to 200hp easily. Im in the middle of a 4.3 swap, going smoothly when i actually have the time to work on it.

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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:56 am Here is a ford 2.3 turbo that a guy in oxnard built. Don't know how to link it to the post but you can search it

Hey Roscoe.....If you manage to get your project finished, don't get trash the old engine/trans. Some other LUV guy will want it. Thanks Don

Welcome to the world of Luv! You have picked what is undoubtedly the hottest subject on this entire site!! Just read the "drive train" section and you will glean a book of information, there are people who have swapped in almost any engine that will phyically fit into a Luv. One guy swapped in a rotary engine while another one stuck a big block chevy in his! The popular choice is a small block chevy, (sbc), but the V6 engines are almost as popular.
And virtually every person who has done a swap will gladly share their information about the swap so read on. You can save a fortune learning from other people.
I drive a 81 LUV powered by a 5.7 FI sbc backed up with a 700R4 overdrive trans. With the 3:42 rear end gears it will easily light up the tires from a stop and still cruise at 2100 @ 70 mph, getting me around 20 mpg
Nice trucks in your photos.
Good luck, dusty