Say you've got a good clean shell with a good front end, besides the cost of the motor how much does the whole process cost?
 
Live in vic if that's any difference
 
thanks guys

Like whools said How long is a piece of string?/ lol
Your "good front end " wont be any good for a v6 or v8 conversion that would have to beefed up as well.
Id check your local RTA , I have heard somewhere that they are not passing these such conversions and varies from state to state.
You will have to spend some time researching it. That is why the cars with the v8's already engineered might be a better option in the long run..
My 2 cents anyway . Have fun

tferrier

Say you've got a good clean shell with a good front end, besides the cost of the motor how much does the whole process cost?

Live in vic if that's any difference

thanks guys

From what I've heard in the new Victorian regulations now, you can just about forget about it.  New regs came in on the 1st of July, so sus out your engineer AND someone who knows (which will be hard pressed!!) at Vicroads.  From all reports, forget about it.  Buy one already done.
 
Woz

Thanks for the info guys, really appreciate it.
 
Are they even that strict on a v6 essex/cologne conversion though?!

tferrier

Thanks for the info guys, really appreciate it.

Are they even that strict on a v6 essex/cologne conversion though?!

 
The regs use to state that "if an optional engine from the manufacturer is fitted, then all other options (eg: brakes) must be fitted as well".  I'm not sure of any changes to that rule, but anything is possible with Vicroads.  You'll have to make a call and find out.
 
Woz

The V6 and 4cyl shells are different strength-wise in the front - those in the know will know of what I speak. e.g. whooliigan
The V6 Capri also weighed 1080kg new, the 4cyls <1000kg.  Some states have/had permissable max engine size upgrade based on original weight of vehicle. The Essex V6 is 183kg alone, and I'm led to believe to 16oo Kent is about half that, with Pinto 2lt somewhere in between.
If you can actually legally go V8 route, then you will need a chassis strengthening kit for starters, then  $$$running gear, $$$brakes etc.
If you do, pls sacrifice a 4cyl shell and not a V6.
 
Heresy part - what about a TC/TD Te/Tf Cortina 6cyl donor car for your V8 project ?
 

It wouldn't be worth the trouble to put a v6 in 4cycl shell. At the end of the day its still a 4cyc and would only be worth that. I'd reckon throw in a Nissan Sr20 turbo .something different .just do your research

Im doing one at the mo - but the new regs from vic roads only allow for an engine size 4 times the tare weight of the car - so for a m 1 v6 shell (1057G) - the max engine sze would be 4228 cc.
 Which would eliminate a 302 windsor. I had to get a 2.8i shell - 1230g tare - so 4920cc - which is allowable. But u need a pollution set up to comply. In addition, they require a max 800kg load over the front wheels in this applcation.
 
u would also need: 5 stud rims, upgraded brakes, bronco sump, and hadfield kit (or similar). My donor car is an 89 model falcon (fuel injected). Engineer - depends on how switched on u r - if u get it ALL  together - maybe under 1k. (youll have to pay for a brake test)