HR front ends bolt straight in but HR outrigger has to be changed from HR to FE to EK outrigger.Technically, they have to be engineer approved because they are a non standard factory option for that model but I'll bet my left best friend that there are hundreds getting around that have never been near an engineer.
Have seen one that still used the HR outrigger but it was cut and shut and modified, looked ugly and I'm sure an engineer wouldn't have approved it.
Torana front ends are a lot more fabrication intensive.There is a "sticky" on one of the subject headins on a Torana front end how-to with pics kindly supplied by forum member V8EK4US ( Garry ).
hr front and rta in nsw
I have two CRS V8 ones here for future projects,although they are front mount shortened LH-UC racks which a lot of blokes who have used them say have some problems with a lesser turning circle and bump steer issues.
The shorter HQ "power steer" arms give an improvement in turning circle being 90 mm from tie rod boss hole to first arm bolt hole as opposed to the regular manual steering measurement of 120 mm.
Most blokes now go for the rear mount racks ( Commodore ) which gives better turning circle and less bump steer.
I think you will find the "$600" will only be for the modified HR crossmember, when you add up all the other parts, bought on an individual basis, then the costs hover up around the $1700 mark.They may do a better price for a bulk kit purchase maybe ??
The shortened rack is $795 changeover and HR arms are modified ( ie:- "bent" ) and done as a changeover as well.
Then if you go V8 you have chassis kit $1250 and other costs depending on V8 engine you are using, can be up around $1800 extra for V8 fitment.
The shorter HQ "power steer" arms give an improvement in turning circle being 90 mm from tie rod boss hole to first arm bolt hole as opposed to the regular manual steering measurement of 120 mm.
Most blokes now go for the rear mount racks ( Commodore ) which gives better turning circle and less bump steer.
I think you will find the "$600" will only be for the modified HR crossmember, when you add up all the other parts, bought on an individual basis, then the costs hover up around the $1700 mark.They may do a better price for a bulk kit purchase maybe ??
The shortened rack is $795 changeover and HR arms are modified ( ie:- "bent" ) and done as a changeover as well.
Then if you go V8 you have chassis kit $1250 and other costs depending on V8 engine you are using, can be up around $1800 extra for V8 fitment.
Last edited by FB MAD on Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:32 am, edited 2 times in total.
I can't think what to write here so this will do.
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mrs ratbox
i think at $600 you'll find that's either exchange or a bare crossmember and for a V8 you'll need a steering rack conversion aswell
yes there's plenty around unengineered as a matter of fact there's one outside, it's not actually any of the welding etc that the engineers report is for it's just that the brakes have been changed/modified
pretty stoopid that you can take old crappy drum brakes and and kingpins out and replace them with disc brakes and balljoints and you need an engineers report 
yes there's plenty around unengineered as a matter of fact there's one outside, it's not actually any of the welding etc that the engineers report is for it's just that the brakes have been changed/modified
pretty stoopid that you can take old crappy drum brakes and and kingpins out and replace them with disc brakes and balljoints and you need an engineers report Yep, agree with that one Rat, it's not a big complicated fitment engineering wise, it's really a brake safety upgrade and to me, this type of conversion inspection could be approved by a "blue slip" ( in NSW ) inspection,doesn't need an engineer.ratbox wrote:i think at $600 you'll find that's either exchange or a bare crossmember and for a V8 you'll need a steering rack conversion aswell
yes there's plenty around unengineered as a matter of fact there's one outside, it's not actually any of the welding etc that the engineers report is for it's just that the brakes have been changed/modified
I can't think what to write here so this will do.
I couldn't agree any more Terry,FB MAD wrote:Yep, agree with that one Rat, it's not a big complicated fitment engineering wise, it's really a brake safety upgrade and to me, this type of conversion inspection could be approved by a "blue slip" ( in NSW ) inspection,doesn't need an engineer.ratbox wrote:i think at $600 you'll find that's either exchange or a bare crossmember and for a V8 you'll need a steering rack conversion aswell
yes there's plenty around unengineered as a matter of fact there's one outside, it's not actually any of the welding etc that the engineers report is for it's just that the brakes have been changed/modified
There would be a multitude of modifications that certain blue slip stations should be able to approve on.
But unfortunately, that will not happen. Unless we get some nogs with common sense.
John
There's nothing as Sweet as a EK V8
done heaps in Vic myselfFB MAD wrote:HR front ends bolt straight in but HR outrigger has to be changed from HR to FE to EK outrigger.Technically, they have to be engineer approved because they are a non standard factory option for that model but I'll bet my left best friend that there are hundreds getting around that have never been near an engineer.
Should come under the banner of Owner Certified Modification the same as,for example, putting a red 149 in an FB/EK.oldnek wrote:I couldn't agree any more Terry,FB MAD wrote:Yep, agree with that one Rat, it's not a big complicated fitment engineering wise, it's really a brake safety upgrade and to me, this type of conversion inspection could be approved by a "blue slip" ( in NSW ) inspection,doesn't need an engineer.ratbox wrote:i think at $600 you'll find that's either exchange or a bare crossmember and for a V8 you'll need a steering rack conversion aswell
yes there's plenty around unengineered as a matter of fact there's one outside, it's not actually any of the welding etc that the engineers report is for it's just that the brakes have been changed/modified
There would be a multitude of modifications that certain blue slip stations should be able to approve on.
But unfortunately, that will not happen. Unless we get some nogs with common sense.
John
Blue slip inspector checks the new welded engine mounts to make sure it isn't "chook poo" welded and the engine fitment and just adjusts the records.
No different to fitting HR front end, outrigger is welded on and it pretty much justs bolts up in place.
I can't see why a blue slip station can't do the same sort of inspection, they are mechanics FFS.
I can't think what to write here so this will do.
Here are some prices for V8 HR front ends available at Castlemaine Rod Shop, I know it doesn't show what it looks like but it will give you an idea on costings.Just scroll down the page to find the area referring to V8 front end prices.
http://www.rodshop.com.au/holden/fe-ek.htm
I think they now do a rear mount rack as well although it requires sump alterations, it uses a commodore rack.
Depending on your state and engineer chosen you will need an engineer certified HR front end, some blokes are fitting LX,LH,UC Torana front ends. Have a look at forum member v8ek4us.... Gary's black EK as he has modded a Torana front end in his car.
Front disc brakes with a power boosted dual circuit brake system with proprtioning valve and brake fail light.Collapsible steering column.Seat belts for all seating positions.Heater/demister for front screen,wiper washers,Electric wipers with a cycle speed of at least 45 cycles per minute etc etc etc ( I''ve probably missed a few things here ).
All drivetrain,braking and steering modifications must be fit for with the intended modification.
Eg........... An SBC T/400 running to a Datsun 120Y rear end would not be considered a sensible drivtrain/brake combo by any engineer!!....yep stupid example I know but had to mention extreme incompatibility differences to explain what I'm referring to
Other blokes might be able to add other bits of info for you.... this is a start..... hope it helps.......
http://www.rodshop.com.au/holden/fe-ek.htm
I think they now do a rear mount rack as well although it requires sump alterations, it uses a commodore rack.
Depending on your state and engineer chosen you will need an engineer certified HR front end, some blokes are fitting LX,LH,UC Torana front ends. Have a look at forum member v8ek4us.... Gary's black EK as he has modded a Torana front end in his car.
Front disc brakes with a power boosted dual circuit brake system with proprtioning valve and brake fail light.Collapsible steering column.Seat belts for all seating positions.Heater/demister for front screen,wiper washers,Electric wipers with a cycle speed of at least 45 cycles per minute etc etc etc ( I''ve probably missed a few things here
).All drivetrain,braking and steering modifications must be fit for with the intended modification.
Eg........... An SBC T/400 running to a Datsun 120Y rear end would not be considered a sensible drivtrain/brake combo by any engineer!!....yep stupid example I know but had to mention extreme incompatibility differences to explain what I'm referring to
Other blokes might be able to add other bits of info for you.... this is a start..... hope it helps.......
I can't think what to write here so this will do.
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DOLLER
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:17 pm
- State: NOT ENTERED
- Location: Shepparton, VICTORIA
FB Mad- Thanks for that. Front end is my only real concert at the moment i've kinda got that other stuff sussed out. I didn't really explain myself properly(as always). What I meant was is there any thing on a HR front end that needs strengthening to suit a SBC or LS1 or am I better off using a Torana unit. I had a look at Garys weapon and was wondering if the extra work to fit the torana unit was worth it. I'll only be using the FB as a cruiser, not really interested in draggin it or floggin it hard
Run what ya brung and hope it's enough
the actual front end will support a V8, but it'll come down to the steering side of it, ease of it...DOLLER wrote:FB Mad- Thanks for that. Front end is my only real concert at the moment i've kinda got that other stuff sussed out. I didn't really explain myself properly(as always). What I meant was is there any thing on a HR front end that needs strengthening to suit a SBC or LS1 or am I better off using a Torana unit. I had a look at Garys weapon and was wondering if the extra work to fit the torana unit was worth it. I'll only be using the FB as a cruiser, not really interested in draggin it or floggin it hard
Thats where the exspense comes into it, setting up a commadore rack. The very helpful and freindly staff at CRS will gladdly help you out. 
if your buying to change over, years ago, for eg, rarespares wouldnt take one if it had a dented under section where everyone jacks up the HR's, but as for wear, dont worry about it, and look for dodgey conversions (if already to suit a ek), cant add much more really.DOLLER wrote:Ah ha. Now we re talkin. Thanks yogie. I'll start looking for a HR front end then. Any tips on what to look for if I find a second handy eg quality, wear ect ect
