For under $1500 registered a good EFI JD Camira
can be expected to provide inexpensive basic transport for 2-3 years. This isn't even equal to the cost of
repairing the scratches on a new car from parking in public places let alone covering the interest bill.
A Camira was not selected by choice rather more like what come up that would suit the minimal budget available
to my son a second year apprentice mechanic. Having fallen short of funds to complete his 1980 Rover SDI before
passing his driving test left both of us frustrated.
Me trying to hide my work ute from him and him disappearing in it at every oppotunity with me paying for the fuel
of course. A stop gap was needed fast and for the least amount of money possible.
The local Toyota dealer had a JD Camira 1.8 MPI wagon as traded for $500. Better service could not be found a
request at lunch time on Friday saw us with the car for 24hrs at my sons work where it could be looked over. A
few things were missed when it was checked for a roadworthy overnight.
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$500 Camira JD 1.8 Wagon
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We did know it needed roof paint, a head gasket, welsh plugs, front discs and pads without delving to deep.
With $440 of rego paid the car was a bargain at $60 despite its poor condition so a deal was made on the Saturday
morning.
The green wagon ran but just with water leaks and a suspect head gasket becoming undrivable within the first
200km travelled. Camiras like all alloy head motors are prone to head gasket failure but the occurance appears
more often now leaded fuel is not available.
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Stripping the motor with 250,000+ km's under its belt revealed a leak between cylinders 3 + 4 and it was not
the first time the motor had been apart. A donor vehicle with a 1.8 TBI unleaded motor was located for $200.
This was the begining of far more than what was anticipated.
A simple engine change from one holden to another of the same model could never be dreamed to be as dificult
as it was. The end result is was worth the effort, a sweet motor that is a true wolf in disguise.
The following pages put together from the learning experience provide information on fuel injection systems
and other intricies. The information is relevent to any EFI conversion so please read on and enjoy the story,
information or both by following the links below.
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Camira donor remnants
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