Can it be done?
And what mods needed?

At the moment my car is a T5 manual VCT AU1

I want to convert my AU1 to a V8 and have found a EL series 2 185kw V8.
Can this be done? I was thinking the only mods needed were engine mounts, EL to AU bellmouth, ECU and loom..

Please someone help me..
Thanks.
-Andrew

Yes it's doable but it would be easier if you used an AU V8 EEC, harness and engine controls simply because it would be more of plug in deal and smartshield can be left intact.
Otherwise you'll have much more work to do harness wise.

i thought u cant use an old engine in a newer car due to the emmision control etc ,and that u have to run it on lpg and have a mod plate

He didn't ask about what is allowed he just asked if it's possible.
So with that in mind put a 351 in it!

If you had a T3 stroker to go in I'd probly understand, but why would you want to make your car slower?

Also the gearbox itself won't bolt up without changing the input shaft, you woul have to modify the sump/engine mounts and yes you would have to put it on gas to dodge the emmisions laws.

no no im just saying before he does it that using a older one in his car needs to run lpg due to emmsions lollol, but yes it can be done , but lot of work envolved

This is what i have to do if i go v8 conversion,

Auto would need to be swapped for a V8 version so that it bolts up to the Windsor. Wiring loom and ECU will be simple but tedious, fit the XR8 version (out with the old, in with the new, feeding all the old wires through the firewall and the V8 stuff back through). Swap engine mounts, fit the V8 exhaust system, fit V8 hoses (for coolant, power steer etc), beef up the front suspension to hold the extra 30kg or so of weight and improve the handling, diff ratio swap to get the XR8s acceleration and possibly an IRS install to further improve the handling, change the brake master cylinder to alter the bias to suit the weight change, fit the Tickford 330mm front disc brakes with twin piston calipers to maintain the stopping power after a string of corners, get the Tickford seats to hold you in place better (may as well be leather), get the bodykit so it looks the part....

Looking at all the differences, it makes the AU XR8 sedans I saw on Parramatta Road last year for under $10k look like absolute bargains. A trade in (at a dealer somewhere near you) will be far easier, and possibly cheaper too (depending on what you can get for your Forte vs how much you pay for all the mods required). You could even get an AU 5L V8 Ute for $8-14k, depending on condition, which derivative, which series, options, trans etc.