[lucas832]

Hey all, Suziworld seems a good bet, but does anyone know any other good Suzuki mechanics around Melbourne for an auto G16B conversion into a Sierra?

Thanks very much.

[Gwagensteve]

I'm not sure there are many workshops I'd recommend - This is a very substantial and fairly specialised job which requires lots and lots of labour and custom fabrication. ANY cut corners will bite you later - especially when it comes to wiring. Workshops want to get a car in and out as fast as possible.

What would you be supplying? Which version of the G16B? Which transmission? Will you supply the Trail Tough fitting kit and/or rear bushing? Do you have a shifter, so you have the Power/economy switch if you intend on using an AW-4? Do you have a whole car (i.e vitara) to use as the donor? - if a workshop has to chase parts or come up with solutions, you'll be paying for that time and effort.

You'll also need to shop this around with very clear demands - for example it seems common that many workshops don't fit the VSS or the CE light when carrying out a G16B conversion, making diagnostics a mess. Some workshops will just throw an 044 pump on the chassis rail and call the fuel system done - how do you want the fuel system done? You'll need to be clear on the exhaust specs, airbox, fan, fitting a bypass heater tap, modifying the dash for the CE light, (also, the Power/Econ and OD Off lights from the TCC if you're using an AW-4). Fitting an automatic brake pedal, transmission cooling (and temperature gauge) - there are just heaps of things you'll need to be across (or supply) and have itemised on the quote before they start. Remember, the shop wants it in and out. If they hit lots of barriers it will move to the end of the queue and you'll see it next year.

Do you have an engineer lined up?

[lucas832]

G'day Steve, thanks so much for your substantial response and for all the time and expertise you give on here, it's hugely appreciated.

I'd happily supply a good condition donor Vitara - and the Trail Tough kit, but it probably goes without saying I don't have the mechanical knowledge to properly oversee a mechanic's work on a project like this. I was asking for recommendations in the hope someone may be able to advise a Suzuki specialist who will know the extensive steps required to get the best possible result from a conversion like this, and quote accordingly. It's clearly not the best idea to put my car so completely in someone else's hands however, so thanks very much for the information - especially for accounting for my rookie error of not providing enough info.