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Hello
- Tins
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I am 65, recently widowed, and I want to get away for a while. I want comfort and a vehicle I can live in, without the need for a trailer ( I drove B-Doubles for years and I am now allergic to trailers ) , but need to be able to do things like Canning Stock Route. I don't need extreme 4WD capabilities ( I have Land Rovers for that ), but I want something that can take me most places where the tracks aren't too tight.
I would be looking to find an OKA next year, if I can find someone willing to sell!
Is there any truth in those ads that say OKAs can now be ordered new?
Thanks for having me on this forum. I spend quite a bit of time on the AULRO forum, and know there are a few members there who have OKAs.
OKA #74
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- Alister McBride
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Welcome, and enjoy!
Cheers, alister
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- Tins
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OKA #74
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- Holmz
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Tins wrote: Thanks, Alister. Yes, while I'm a newbie here I've been looking at the OKA for about a year. I particularly like the long leaf springs. There's a company near me that has engineered a six cylinder Perkins to fit. Is it worth it, or would an intercooler and wastegate be enough to get the power up a little? I'm not looking for a tyre burner.
Where are you?
David Ribbins (god rest his soul)... well his son is selling David's OKA out of Adelaide.
See somewhere here in the classifieds.
I have not seen it, but I cannot imagine it is would not be worth a look.
...I got mine about a year ago.
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- Tins
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OKA #74
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- Holmz
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And it is usually free to have a look at them.
You may be able to get a new one as there were two rolling chassis in the HQ at Bibra Lakes.
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- Alister McBride
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You're talking about Darren Visser who does the perkins 6 cyl upgrades. I am personally doing a Cummins 6bt upgrade which is the most common and there are people around who do those conversions too including Paul Knott from East Coast OKA spares (i mention him as he's in melbourne). Knowing both these guys i'm sure they would both do a quality conversion. As far as i know they're the only ones over the east side of aus who do them.
There are people who would swear one engine or another but really between the 6cyl perkins and 6bt (the two most common) there's not much in it to drive them apparently. The 6bt is a more modern engine and i find spare parts easier and cheaper to get. Also, the 6bt i think may get slightly better fuel economy. Another benefit to the 6bt is the range of transmissions you can bolt behind it easily with off-the-shelf gear available from the states to do so. But the 6cyl perkins is a slightly cheaper and simpler upgrade. There's quite a bit of info on the forum detailing peoples trials and tribulations doing these conversions... have a look around.
One thing i would mention, with either engine the gearing on the oka isn't really ideal for highway cruising. It keeps the little 4cyl perky up in the rev range which helps ring what it can out of that engine but when you upgrade to something bigger it's probably revving a bit high at around 2200-2300 rpm (depending on tyre size) instead of 1800ish. It does help with gearing for 4wding though. A lot of people don't care, i do, so i'm changing trans too.
Anyway, that's enough technical oka engine garb for now! have a look around and ask as many questions as you can!
Cheers, alister
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- Paul Scherek
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I had my 6 cylinder Perkins fitted in Melbourne by a Land Rover mechanic who also owns an Oka - I think he works in with Darren Visser. Whatever, he did an excellent job. PM me if you would like his contact details.
But....I was quite happy with the four cylinder engine. However, mine had done huge kilometres and was using quite a bit of oil. I chanced upon a brand new 6 cylinder Perkins in a crate so the decision was obvious. The only time we felt the 4 cylinder Perky was under-powered was when we were on bitumen, causing road rage at every hill. On the dirt where we mostly drive, it was other vehicles holding us up as they pussy-footed their way over wash-aways and other obstacles that the Oka doesn't notice.
Good luck in your hunt, I don't think you will be disappointed if you buy an Oka.
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- Tins
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As for road rage, I don't care what the bloke in his car in a big hurry thinks, but I would definitely get on the CB to talk the trucks around me. But, as you say, I won't be spending too much time on roads like the Newell. Been thee, done that.
I have to say, you're a friendly lot here.
OKA #74
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- Paul Scherek
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- Tins
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OKA #74
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- Paul Scherek
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- Tins
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I'd love to see yours. Will you be in the eastern suburbs? Not that it matters.
OKA #74
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- Paul Scherek
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- Tins
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OKA #74
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- Alister McBride
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- Tins
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OKA #74
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- 210greg
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- Tins
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OKA #74
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- Holmz
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Tins wrote: I'm now much closer to being able to purchase. I've missed out on a few god OKAs, but I hope the right one is out there..
A few devils too…
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