Hi guys,

I know this has been discussed a lot in the past, but I have some specific questions about this.

The 3.0 engine in my sister's TE needs a rebuild (Blown head gasket and significant amounts of blow-by) and I was wondering whether it would be better to just put a 3.5 in instead.

She will not be paying for any labour as our dad is a mechanic, so prices would be parts only.

Question time:


I have heard that the 3.0 ECU works with the 3.5 engine. Will it work with ANY 3.5 Magna engine, or am I looking for certain years only?

If we installed a new ECU would we need to change door locks, immobiliser, etc?

The timing will be out if using a 3.0 ECU. A piggyback chip might be needed, any idea what these could cost?

What additional parts will we need? I have read something about needing an exhaust pipe and accessories brackets from the 3.5, is this correct?

Does anyone have any idea roughly how much it would cost to buy a 3.5? Reco or wreckers with low kms...


Unfortunately a manual conversion is out of the question.
Appreciate the help.

Yes the 3.0 ECU works with the 3.5 engines. The ECU itself will make sure the mixtures and timing are all good and proper. However, if you want to get it retuned properly for the 3.5 you might not be able to as the earlier ECU's are locked down. You'll need a later ECU that can be matched up with your immobiliser etc.

There are plenty of engines on eBay, looks like there's one up there at the moment that's in SA.

I've been in your position and from experience, my biggest tip to you is make sure you get a complete motor, including alternator bracket etc. Also, check out my ride thread for a full list of things you will need/differences between the engines (yes you'll need the front exhaust section).

edit: http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64826&p=1143879&viewfull=1#post1143879

I have heard that the 3.0 ECU works with the 3.5 engine. Will it work with ANY 3.5 Magna engine, or am I looking for certain years only? Will work on any 3.5L

If we installed a new ECU would we need to change door locks, immobiliser, etc? Yes you will need to get new ECU, BEM module, locks, key ignition barrel, also depending which ECU you migh need to change the loom., unless you get ECU unlocked/untied from the BEM module (SKR tuning in SA might be able to do that for you), but if you going to go that that extent is probably easier to have you ECU remapped to run 3.5L engine

The timing will be out if using a 3.0 ECU. A piggyback chip might be needed, any idea what these could cost? Timing will not be an issue (please correct me if im wring)

What additional parts will we need? I have read something about needing an exhaust pipe and accessories brackets from the 3.5, is this correct? Not 100% sure about that one, is the car auto or manual?

Does anyone have any idea roughly how much it would cost to buy a 3.5? Reco or wreckers with low kms... You can get 3,5L around 100,000 from $550

The 3.0 ECU will work with a 3.5, HOWEVER due to the timing advance in the tuning you will need to run 95ron fuel at minimum to stop the engine from pinging. I have been doing so since July last year with no issues.

Thanks for the quick advice.


The 3.0 ECU will work with a 3.5, HOWEVER due to the timing advance in the tuning you will need to run 95ron fuel at minimum to stop the engine from pinging. I have been doing so since July last year with no issues.

Using 95 octane is not a problem at all, did yours ping much on 91?

i used 91 with no dramas

i used 91 with no dramas

Same. 91 has worked for me aswell.

I don't see why the ECU won't be able to adjust the timing. Unless it's only the newer ECU's that can do that.

I've data logged a fair bit with my current ECU's (2002 & 2005) and they have no trouble adjusting the timing depending on how warm the air temp is, etc etc

Same. 91 has worked for me aswell.

I don't see why the ECU won't be able to adjust the timing. Unless it's only the newer ECU's that can do that.

I've data logged a fair bit with my current ECU's (2002 & 2005) and they have no trouble adjusting the timing depending on how warm the air temp is, etc etc

What are you using to log the ECU???

What are you using to log the ECU???

EvoScan

Are you located north or south of Adelaide? I have a 3.5 here, no idea of the kms though. It had the timing belt done in late 2009 I think. Let me know if your interested and I'll have a closer look at it.

I rang my local Mitsubishi the other day as I've done a matched ECU/immob swap in my TF (immob issue) but want to keep my original key, asked the Service Manager how much to hook it up to MUTTII & recode a key, just $40!

Using 95 ron is crap. I have done this conv many many times and no dramas. If you really want to play safe i have verada 3.5 ecu here and can even programme to your own key if you get someone local like steve knight to use his mutt2

Parts. Provided motor is complete you use your existing upper manifold and tb and get a 3.5 engine pipe and upper alt bracket.

Use 3.5 injectors with your injector loom. Use your air con bracket

If no engines locally i have heaps here starting from the 450 mark for a 3.5 and upto 950 for very low mileage ones

Are you located north or south of Adelaide? I have a 3.5 here, no idea of the kms though. It had the timing belt done in late 2009 I think. Let me know if your interested and I'll have a closer look at it.

I'm in the Southern suburbs, but I travel all over the place.



If no engines locally i have heaps here starting from the 450 mark for a 3.5 and upto 950 for very low mileage ones


Eddy Wreckers want $1000 for a ~100,000km 3.5L with the engine pipe and alt bracket. Does this sound reasonable, or would I be better off freighting one of yours from Vic?
What sort of mileage would be on a $950 engine?

I'm in the Southern suburbs, but I travel all over the place.



Eddy Wreckers want $1000 for a ~100,000km 3.5L with the engine pipe and alt bracket. Does this sound reasonable, or would I be better off freighting one of yours from Vic?
What sort of mileage would be on a $950 engine?

Gotta be careful with Eddy's. They know what they're doing but they keep their engines out in the rain. They say it's fine to do so but I wouldn't buy one from them.

I'm doing a conversion in a week or two if you're interested in coming over and watching/lending a hand. I'm in the northern suburbs with Timi.

Wont comment on the other engines as I have not seen them but

If you want an engine with 166k on it, the bonnet has a sticker stating the timing belt was done at 96k, you can have that one for $450 OR $550 with engine pipe and anything you need to do the conversion, freight will be around $90 at a guess depot to depot

For $950, you will get an engine with between 60 - 90k's, I have one here with 74 on the clock, is out of an awd but is still essentially the same engine.

Hope that gives you an idea of pricing

I'm doing a conversion in a week or two if you're interested in coming over and watching/lending a hand. I'm in the northern suburbs with Timi.

Might have to take you up on that if I'm free.

Whatever we decide to buy we will be doing timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs before it goes in. Is there anything else that should be done while it's easy to access?

Might have to take you up on that if I'm free.

Whatever we decide to buy we will be doing timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs before it goes in. Is there anything else that should be done while it's easy to access?

Won't be this weekend. Next weekend on the 16th there will be an epic upgrade going on.

Might as well get a cheaper engine that has done a few KMs seeing as you're doing all the servicing before it goes in. The engines last ages if you service them :)

I would say CAMs and headwork but I doubt your sister is looking for that sort of thing :P
The extra torque alone is enough to put a smile on anyone's face after coming from a 3.0l :)

I can do the 166k engine with

New belt Kit
Water pump
Plugs

All fitted before shipped for $900.00 plus freight

Gotta be careful with Eddy's. They know what they're doing but they keep their engines out in the rain. They say it's fine to do so but I wouldn't buy one from them.

I'm doing a conversion in a week or two if you're interested in coming over and watching/lending a hand. I'm in the northern suburbs with Timi.

Im interested in watching/helping too so I have some idea on what to do...

I don't see why the ECU won't be able to adjust the timing. Unless it's only the newer ECU's that can do that.

I've data logged a fair bit with my current ECU's (2002 & 2005) and they have no trouble adjusting the timing depending on how warm the air temp is, etc etc

You need a knock sensor to adjust timing based on fuel octane rating, and 3rd gen Magna ECUs don't have knock sensor support.

my 3.5 ran fine on 91 ron stock 3.0 ecu, now running tighe cams advanced with a piggy back for timing for 98 ron car hasnt missed a beat even tho it needs dyno time for fule and fine tuning

I can do the 166k engine with

New belt Kit
Water pump
Plugs

All fitted before shipped for $900.00 plus freight

Thanks for the offer, but I think we'll probably look around locally for this one.

Well, the engine swap is complete. Everything seems to be working well.

We did find that we needed a new driveshaft piece for the drivers side. The mounting on the block was flush on the 3.0L but stepped on the 3.5L. Not sure if all 3.5s are like this or just the later ones. The engine is from a TL.

Well, the engine swap is complete. Everything seems to be working well.

We did find that we needed a new driveshaft piece for the drivers side. The mounting on the block was flush on the 3.0L but stepped on the 3.5L. Not sure if all 3.5s are like this or just the later ones. The engine is from a TL.


How is your fuel mileage now XiLurk?

The owner has not reported any noticeable difference in fuel usage.