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The impulse there is probably as uncommon as it is here.

Ive seen a few complete cars pop up on eBay. But then the US is a big place just like Australia.


The 2.6L motor without the turbo would be common enough.


No fear, i dont mind a V8, i just think in a Luv sized truck its over kill for an economical runabout. The V6 idea has merit but the cost might defeat the purpose.

I think im repeating myself. lol

Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

I think i am missing something here as for the bang for the buck kinda went out the window when you start on Impulse and turbo motors. If you want price and quick for a up grade and still retain the 4x4 you might want search for for a crashed late s-10 and its clones for the drive train. Even the 2.5 is better than the stock motor.There are a lot of these rigs out there with the 2.5,and the 2.8 v-6 let alone the 4.3.Just for thought the 4.3 with the auto trans and a early full size transfer case(clocks on the pass side)a 208 trans case would work make a very good 4x4 package in a LUV and be reliable for years of operation let alone fuel economy as the LUV is alot lighter than a s-10. But even the under rated 2.5 and 2.8 would be upgrage material and cheaper than the 4.3 setup.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

The imps are pretty rare around the US, especially the turbo models. I picked up a wrecked 2.3L one for really cheap a year ago though, and I looked at a running turbo one with auto trans for $600 about a month ago. They are out there, but you have to look hard. The one I bought was from a guy living out in the sticks who had it stashed for 5 years in the woods. I just happened to run into him and mention Isuzu.

tj white is right though, take that $600 donor, add about that for a running 2.6L unless you get lucky, bit more for injectors, exhaust work, etc etc. If you upgrade the turbo and push it over about 200HP you'll need to look into better pistons and rods, an AMC head wouldn't hurt, stock Imp ECU could stand to be replaced by a Megasquirt, and the costs just keep adding up. Yeah it would be cool, but in bang for buck terms it doesn't play well. The only win is that it can be done with minimal fabrication work for mounts. If you are paying a welder, I suppose that could make a difference.

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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

Nah my point was more the 100 (how much did the 2.3L have)-140Hp over the std 1.8L and its (guess) 60hp. Using the motor as a replacment but keeping it std.
To make it easier would be a 2.6L motor fitted with a 2.3L inlet and carby (or weber). No EFI to wire and plumb.
Its a bolt in proposition.

As opposed to the V6 ( V8 ) conversions which involve gearboxes etc as well. Sure your looking at a better HP increase but it involes a lot more and costs more as well.

All depends on the end result that you want.

I would be happy with a 4Z conversion as a power up.
If i were planning an off frame rebuild it might be a different story.

Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

if your lookin to keep it 4x4, do what i did. i got a g200 from a 84 impulse and put it in my truck. the compression bump alone would be enough to make you happy. the impulse motors have flatop pistons, opposed to the truck g200 which has dished.

add a g180 head to that flatop pistoned bottom end and youd have yourself a nice little compression motor. id suggest maybe a littel bit bigger cam with a free flowing intake and exhaust with that.

thats what im eventually gonna do the my truck. lookin to have a good 130horse maybe. im optomistic! lol

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"but its that gut feeling of you're drawn to what feels right for yourself and what you're passionate about..."

I'm right with you bob, the 2.6L with carb intake is my repower of choice. You could have the motor running with just a fuel line and a couple of wires instead of the ECU/wiring swap. The 4Z series also keeps you into minimal or no fab work for mounts, stock tranny is an option, and with the right power upgrades you could likely get up to about 160HP without getting too crazy.

We kind of got off track with the turbo 4Z stuff. Like I said above, it would be cool, but I would not give it a good bang for buck ratio. The carb 4ZE1 2.6L or even a 2.3L would be a lot better in terms of HP per cost. And, it doesn't rule out the possiblity of going EFI later, or even turbo EFI. It has a quick payoff, and room for growth.

Bottom line is that a G200 or 4Z*1 is less a swap and more like just an upgrade, relatively bolt in. Anything else is going to add fabrication and specialty parts costs.

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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