1992 FJ80 6.0 Vortec Engine Swap

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Joined
May 10, 2013
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31
Messages
456
Location
Riverside, CA
Hello everyone,

I have been following different threads of engine swaps and decided to pull the trigger and get my done...

After a long time sourcing and looking for the best deal, I am set on swapping the complete power train to a GM. I will be keeping my stock shifter and transfer case... that is it!

I will be very please with your feedback and input during the process.

I will not be doing the work myself since I do not have the necessary equipment to make it happen, and my mechanic skills are not to the level required to succeed on this venture.

My good friend Hoang Ly from Mopar Alternatives in Murrieta, California will be doing all the work.

I already have a 6.0 Vortec with 70k miles and a matching 4L60E transmission. We are using a Marks adapter to the stock transfer case, motor mounts, and other brackets from Marks, and the computer and wiring from Howell...

I purchased my Toyota earlier this year. It was built by TJM here in California for last years Off-road and SEMA shows:

Follow this thread for that built:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/630488-tjm-usa-builds-some-fun-3-nights.html

A lot of great gear, but no power...

They left the Fog lights and tow hitch disconnected, and a lot of unfinished things, but I am not complaining since I got a great truck thanks to those guys ;)

The goal is to complete it before the end of August so I can participate in the upcoming Wounded Warrior event...

I will post a complete list of what we are using and start posting pictures and video...

I am also selling my stock transmission and engine with computer, wiring harness, a/c compressor, etc... The price is $2,000 for both or better offer. The engine has 180k and the transmission has about 37k. It was replaced two months ago... Yeah, once I put the transmission on it, it was evident that we needed something with more horses and torque...

Well... I will be keeping everyone updated here soon

Thank you for following along!!!

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Thanks... I originally planned to do a 6BT Cummings swap with Jonesy's Auto, but they were taking to long to put the kit together and their complete kit price was going to be a bit costly... plus it is unknown if the stock tranny would withstand the torque from the Cummings... it is also heavier....

I realized that this is the way to go since it has been done numerous times before with much success... It it should be more cost effective and it will be faster, leaner, and cleaner...

We should be very close to 300+ HP with the custom exhaust, headers and other custom parts...
 
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I am looking at spending about 6 to 7k on all parts and labor was worked out with my mechanic and good friend Hoang... He normally charges about 10k for this swaps (depending on what else you need or want)... This is about the cheapest you could find in Southern California. I called three other places that ranged between 15k to 40k...

I estimate that everything would be about 10k. I found another person that is in AZ and he does the work on his garage, he would charge me about 9k for everything, but he is located in Tucson... he was very helpful with providing the list of parts needed and seems extremely knowledgeable...
 
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Mario over at TopLinePerformace (Huntington Beach) has done a few, some lucky 60 is getting this brand new 6.0

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Mario over at TopLinePerformace (Huntington Beach) has done a few, some lucky 60 is getting this brand new 6.0

and how much is he charging???
 
That is great... I talked to TopLine as well and they quoted me at 16k before taxes, and other expenses...
 
He ask me to leave that between us since he is giving me a good discount because of our friendship... but he is a very talented mechanic and an awesome guy (prior master mechanic at Dodge)... He is always willing to work something out with people...
 
awesome, thanks! I can't wait to see some progress shots. Too bad the marks adapter is so dang expensive. Oh well, it is what it is I guess. Keep the updates coming as the build progresses :) Also, what kind of warranty is your guy offering?
 
I know he would solve any future issues related to the swap. We did not talk about a warranty because we know each other and I do not foresee any issues with him. However, his info is below should you like to give him a call and get more specific answers:

Mopar Alternatives

38415 Innovation Ct
Ste F
Murrieta, CA 92563

(951) 600-1166

Ask for Hoang (like in Hong Kong)

Look him up in Yelp, he has nothing but good reviews... I have known him for a few years and he knows what he is doing.
 
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It is better to buy the adapter directly from Marks... They are cheaper and shipping is FAST!! Got my parts sent from Australia in 4 days!!!
 
I'm more interested in the smog aspect of this. I have seen these swaps. However not many in a 80 IN california. I know a lot of the BAR guide lines through research I have done.

I'm assuming your not using the old cats and replacing them with Kalifornia approved cats.
What vehicle did you get the Vortec from? What transmission? Drive by wire?

I been contemplating doing this down the road, but the I'm always worried about the BAR.
 
Is a 4L60E transmission
The power train came of an 2004 2500 Silverado
The cats will more likely be out of a GM truck, have not gotten to that point yet. We will get it done at a muffler shop.

I am not to worried about the bar since we are going to do things the right way, and Mopar Alternatives has presented several vehicles in the past without issues...
 
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Is a 4L60E transmission
The power train came of an 2004 Escalade
The cats will more likely be out of a GM truck, have not gotten to that point yet. We will get it done at a custom muffler shop.

I am not to worried about the bar since we are going to do things the right way, and Mopar Alternatives has presented several vehicles in the past without issues...


Nice choice, keep us updated on the emissions and the BAR inspection.
 

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