LUVTruck.com

Is there an area on the forum that gives detail on mods that people might have tried to do on a 1.8? Success stories, or not-so succesful stories.
Shave a head? Port it with some larger valves? Maybe some cross reference Isuzu stuff?
I really don't want to do an engine swap, just looking to understand if some more performance can be squeezed out. (O.K., everyone can quit laughing now )

This is a frequent topic actually. Yes, there are some things you can do. It all comes down to getting more air/fuel in, and getting more exhaust out. Most of the aftermarket parts available out there are for the 76 and newer style motor though, so if you have a 75 or older you'll have to look harder for some parts.

On the intake side:

Get a Weber 32/36 DGEV or DGV carb on there. Besides a near 10% boost to power, you will likely see a bump in mileage too.

Offenhauser Intake manifold: http://www.summitracing.com lists them still, and they show up on ebay every now and then. The weber will bolt to them with no adapter (stock carb won't so a weber should go with this) and the manifold will flow more air.

Port/polish job on the manifold/head: It can be done. I don't know if there is enough meat around the valves to get anything bigger in there though. No one that I have seen has really tried though. Just cleaning up the ports and chamber would certain be a help though.


On the exhaust side:

Header: Just get one, it is well worth it. Pacesetter still makes and sells a new one, find them through JC Whitney. Thorley used to make a tri- design, though finding them is tough. http://www.calmini.com sells one just like the Thorley that is designed for newer Isuzu 4 bangers. The bolt pattern is the same but the runners are round instead of squarish.

Upgrade the exhaust system: 2"-2 1/4" pipe all the way back, better flowing muffler. You get more power and a better sound. Much bigger pipe than that won't gain you much though, and can drop the power.


On both sides: Cam upgrades
http://www.deltacams.com does regrinds to get better power. They take your cam and grind a different profile onto it. If you don't ask for super custom it is pretty cheap, but they can custom grind for a specific RPM range if you like.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

Just in case that isn't enough info for you, there is a motor swap option that is 100% bolt in. From 84-87 or so, Isuzu used a G200 motor that is externally identical to the G180 used in the LUV, only it is a 1.9L instead of a 1.8L. You can find them in 84-85 Troopers, and pickups up to 87s I think. They also used them in non-turbo Impulse cars up to 87. The first few years of S10 pickups also had the same motor. As they say, there is no replacement for displacement, but the G200 isn't going to gain you a huge amount of power.

For a bit more radical build, you can use the G180 head on a G200 block. This bumps the compression ratio up. From what I figured, it should be something like 10:1 or 10.5:1, which is still livable on pump gas. I've got a truck that has been setup like this by accident (prior owner) and it does run, though I have never had it out on the highway. All I can say is that it takes a stout battery to start it, and compression tests show 195PSI+ on all cylinders. Combine something like this with all the other upgrades and you can bolt on a very noticable gain in HP.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

You might want to keep seperate entries between the early and late motors. The early motors cannot handle extensive performance mods. Swap the carb for a Weber and go with bigger exhaust tubing is basicly all that should be done. Anything extra on the early motor can invite catastrophic failure in no time.

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Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

Great info! I appreciate the response. I can use this as springboard to get direction.

Last night I found a performance Isuzu website. They had a link to Jake (I think that's right) headers. There was a graph of performance between Jake headers and Pacesetter headers. I've used Pacesetter before, and was not happy, so I might give the Jake a try.

I didn't want to waste time trying to mod something that can't/shouldn't be done. I like the idea of the G200 motor and G180 head. Might be able to relieve the combustion chamber, reduce the compression a bit. Maybe even get some flow advantage with larger valves.

Yeah, good stuff. Thanks again for the jump off points.

There are plenty of us here that have modded our stock motors well beyond reason, so no matter what you do you will find someone will agree it should be done.

If you look around the internet for info on Holden Gemini cars, you will find the same motor and a whole lot of examples of what can be done. Turbos blowing through carbs, superchargers, G180s producing around 400HP. Those Aussies have done some crazy stuff with their Geminis.

I forgot one good easy upgrade, electronic ignition from a 81+ LUV or Isuzu. There is an article in the info section of the main luvtruck.com site. That should give a tiny boost to HP, and a big boost to drivability. Plus you never have to swap a set of points again.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

As far as the electric dizzy swap goes, That was the best mod I ever did to my motor i think(if you have any questions that the tech article I wrote dosnt answer feel free to ask). I was amazed at how that woke the engine up, the best thing is theres no more point float after 5500rpm so you can run a better cam. Im running a Delta regrind that was made for 3000-6000rpm, a Weber 32/36, ported and polished and milled(.020) head, i had the intake runners cleaned up by the machine shop too (kinda like a head pollish job), i have a pace setter header and 2" mandrel bent pipe and i had the block bored .040 (brining it basicly on par with a G200). From what i figure im pushing around 140hp. But then again i have never dynoed it so i cant say for shure.
Honestly though, just start with a weber and the electric dizzy. One thing i will say though, if you run a cam like i am, take the time and get a dual roller timing chain. My timing chain has about 100,000miles on it and its rattling perty good. So unless you like replacing timing sets, get a dual roller for a bigger cam.

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

Since this is a popular question, maybe it should be considered for a sticky?

Just a thought.

Chad

I assume the link you are talking about is http://www.isuzuperformance.com/bills/d ... mparo.html where they talk about Stan's headers. I did find a link to Stan's at http://www.stans-headers.com/index.htm but last I checked they no longer made a part for Isuzus. Wouldn't hurt to call them though. Be sure to let us know if you can talk them into building us a few of them.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

If you can't find the electronic ignition, you can always install an MSD 6A electronic ignition on it.

That's what I did with my 76 Mighty Mike along with the Weber, a little cam regrind and larger exhaust pipe/muffler. It again makes the points last forever and is a simple installation. I was able to run a good bit of advance with that ignition system.

Just make sure you use good U-joints after you beef up the engine. I ended up going through three of them.

-DK

I have a '78 2wd step-side and I already have converted to a 5 speed trans with the rear end out of an 86 isuzu pup to improve mileage and get a little more power. I also de-smogged it, put in a 55 amp alternator, changed to a accel high out-put ignition coil, added a weber with a k&m filter, a pacesetter header, and re-did the exhaust system....and I'm waiting on my electronic ignition module and distributor to show up that a friend picked up for me while he was on vacation out of state.

But it still doesn't seem to really have a lot of power.

(I know...quit whining...lol)

I read what you guys said about puting a 1800 head on an 2000 block and adding a cam and I do have a spare 1800 head....but before I trash my garage and run up my plastic...

Did isuzu make a 2.3 that was carbeurated and that has just the electronic ignition that can easily be hooked up? Since I already have the 5 speed trans that will bolt up to a 2.3...would that be a better way to go?

I would like to put the larger 2.3 engine in mine...but I don't want to have to monkey around with adapting or converting to a computerized system.

So if there is a simple way to do that then it would great if someone could enlighten me.

I sorta figured if I was going to build a more potent motor...I might as well go for the bigger block if I can...but if it's a major hassle...maybe I'll just try to build a monster 1800/2000 hybrid instead..

Thanks guys...all of this stuff is great!

It sure is nice to have you around when a guy needs some valuable info.

Isuzu Carb'd 2.3L: 86-mid 87 Troopers, 86-93 in some pickups and Amigos. (some where carb, some were FI)

The wiring isn't going to be as simple as the LUV's electronic ignition, but pretty darn close. I don't know if the later years got more complex or not, but the 86s have no computer, no O2 sensor, just a few relays to figure out how to move over or live without.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

So then it is feasible that you could use a 2.3 engine with a weber if you can find a decent carb'ed engine?

I wonder what else will fit from an 1800/2000 block...like headers, intake, clutch, etc.

I'm not very familiar with the 2.3 engine...and I was just trying to figure out if there is enough high performance parts available to make it worth the time and what I can use that I already have.

I'd sure appreciate any info from anyone that has built one up.

From what little I have found out from a couple of trooper owners...it's supposed to be a strong runner.

Thanks again for your help!

I really appreciate this.

The intake from the carb 2.3L (4ZD1) is a little different than the 1.8/1.9L (g180/g200) motors. Bigger runners for one, but also some changes in the heater hose routing. The carb base is a different bolt pattern, but the adapter for the weber is available from a lot of places.

Let me give you an idea of what I have planned for my 79 LUV:

2.6L 4ZE1 Isuzu motor with 2.3L carb intake
A mild overbore if I have to rebuild the 2.6L
Weber 38DGES carb
2.3L Impulse camshaft (6 degrees more duration, also found in 93+ 2.6L motors)
Calmini or similar tri-Y header
5 speed trans from a Trooper or 4x4 pickup
power steering hardware turning the stock front end (at least until I go straight axle swap)
4.56 gears in the front end (found in 84-86 Troopers)
12 bolt Isuzu rear end (also 4.56)
A little body lift and as much suspension lift as I can get in the front and match it in the rear
As much tire as fits (235/75R15s would be fine, 31s even better)

I think that covers the basic shopping list, except maybe a nice aluminum radiator to keep things cool. The end result would look basically stock, but just about double the horsepower of the 1.8L stock motor, and at least match it for fuel mileage.

_________________
95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

Alittle side note on the 235's, I was test fitting some on my Luv yesterday and found that If you use an Isuzu rim(the one that I had was the spare off of our 88 Trooper which are 15x6 with a neutral offset) they will tuck into the wheel well very nicely and not rub on the frame or suspension. And as far as turning those meats(haha 235 "meats"
) what 800 listed would do pretty darn good, I didn't know that the Impulse motors had 6* more duration than the truck 2.3's, or that the 93-97 2.6 motors had that as well. cool find i'll have to keep that in mind as I'm currently in the process of rebuilding the 2.6 in our Trooper(sadly it won't be going into my Luv, but i can dream can't I? )

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

The Impulse 2.3L also has bigger ports and valves. From what I've seen, it has basically 2.6L valves with shorter stems. If you happen to need to look for a replacement 2.3L head, look for one that says just 4ZD1 on the back, not 4ZD1/C1. That was the only external difference I could find.

I found the same thing on my 79, it has my Troop's first set of wheels/tires on it now. They are 225/75R15, but they actually fit without any lift. My other 79 I had 215/75R15 tires on it, but the wheels stuck out much further. It rubbed a little turning on pavement even with 2 inch body lift, about 2.5-3 inches of suspension lift, and trimmed fenders. I guess one of us needs to measure the width/offset of those stock troop rims.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

I have another quick question for you guys if you don't mind.

Is it possible to use a g180 crank and connecting rods in a g200 block with the g200 pistons, a good re-ground cam, and a milled g180 head?

A good friend of mine claims that by using the g180 crankshaft and connecting rods instead of the g200 ones...that it would provide a shorter stroke, wind faster and have more torque, and allow the engine to rev safely to higher rpm's than normal.

He also said that this combination would resolve the relatively high cylinder compression issue that occurs when you put a milled g180 head on a stock g200 block.

I was under the impression that the connecting rod spec's and the crankshaft journals spec's of the g180 and the g200 blocks were totally different, and that the g180 and g200 crankshafts and connecting rods weren't interchangeable...but I'm no expert.

I'm getting ready to build a g180/g200 hybrid and I just wanted to know if this all makes sense and will work..before I dig myself a deep financial hole that my other half will remind me about forever...lol.

Thanks a lot guys for all of your help...you've all been a huge help!

So a 1.9L G200 is a direct bolt in replacement? How do I find out what differentiating marks are for a G180 and a G200 at a junkyard? Thanks!

The block is stamped on the side G180 or G200

-DK

No, no, I need an easy way to tell.



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