Hey guys. im 80% through my 1200 ute conversion ( ca18det ). And was told originally by various people that it can be done for approx $12k. Im up to approx 16.5k with about $4k to go (upholstery, rego, enginering, & miscelainious). Now i have had alot of the work done myself, and cheaply by mates (Bed lip cut off and welded, bluebird tranny tunnel put in, both free of charge) . Im a little disheartnd by the total ACTUAL cost, and just curious to know what it has cost others. ( particulaly the ca18det ones ) I am running everything stock standard, computer, turbo, boost. And havnt rebuilt the engine incase your wondering.
Cheers Clayton.

See, here is a classic example of the both the first & second mistake that people make when geting involved in car conversions.

The first mistake?
They forget to double or triple the original estimate.

The second mistake?
They keep tabs on the actual cost.
These two things have sucked the fun out of more projects that you can count.

Once you start, its boots 'n' all, or nothing at all.

just building up a decent a15 gets to be expensive.

you can't really do much of anything for less than $5k

i've got close to 2k in suspension brakes and bushings

3k for rebuilt motor and new fuel system

2k for wheels and tires

maybe another 2k in random bits and pieces.

A15 & 5-speed conversion. It cost me $225 USD dollars:
- $200 for a rusty, but good driving B310
- $15 for welding the motor mounts
- $10 or new motor oil and gearbox oil
But then I got back $35 bucks for the rest of the car after I towed it to the wreckers.

I Stopped counting at $25k.......my guess would be between $35k - $40k...... so far.

So far Ive spent a touch over $30k and its drivable but still not finished.... But is ones car ever finished? times change technology changes and theres always something to make your car better. Adam.

Im at $13k...with a little help!!!

i have kept every recepit for my ute. so far its adding up 2 just ova 30k. and i dont have a super quick engine in(yet). The engine conversion has set me back around 2thousand. just the A15 with 30/70 cam, 32/36 weber. extractors, exhust. lghtened flywheel. Im looking at getting twin carbs very very soon so the price just goes up an up and UPPPPP

My KB10 owes me about 10k, with only an A15 in it and still the original paint, my Rapier owes me 20k and its still in pieces on the floor in the shed.(but it does have new paint)

Getting close to complete & looking like staying under the $12K figure that I set myself.

It has to be said that I've done most of the work myself + have a Mechanic & Panel Beater in the family so anything I can't do myself, I can get done cheap.

Special mention also goes to Kev Rowley - A gentleman & scholar of the 1200 scene.