Gonna be honest, I am new to this forum and I am very new when it comes to cars (and in this case FJ62s).
I have a 1989 FJ62 in near original condition. My mom has owned it since 1989 and is now selling it to me. I have held off so long in purchasing it because I live in Colorado and I have been terrified of driving it in its original stat anywhere in the mountains. When I say original state, I mean it. Has 168K miles and all original parts.
I have started researching ways to make this cruiser and every day cruiser. I went down the path of a potential engine swap (GM 5.7L Vortec) but have since re-thought this decision. I am now trying to figure out how to keep this car in as close to original form as possible while still making it fun/easy to drive on I-70.
My current thought process is one of the following 2 ideas:
- Purchase a h55f transmission and transform into a 5 speed manual. No extra HP here, but I have read it would make a significant difference (on top of this get some enhancement work done on the engine)
- (Have yet to find someone who can do this) Have a custom turbo charge built and installed
On top of this I am also planning on putting a 2-3 inch lift, updating the suspension and getting larger tires.
This is really all the truck needs at this point.
I am looking to keep the total cost (excluding the purchase of the vehicle) under $10k.
I was hoping some of y'all might have some advice/opinions on what you think the best approach here would be and if you might be able to point me in the direction of someone who could build a custom turbo charger?
Also, I am really curious as to if y'all think the h55f would make this truck driver friendly in Colorado?
Thanks for the help in advance! Really appreciate it and I am really looking forward to getting more involved with this community and learning as much as I can.
I have a 1989 FJ62 in near original condition. My mom has owned it since 1989 and is now selling it to me. I have held off so long in purchasing it because I live in Colorado and I have been terrified of driving it in its original stat anywhere in the mountains. When I say original state, I mean it. Has 168K miles and all original parts.
I have started researching ways to make this cruiser and every day cruiser. I went down the path of a potential engine swap (GM 5.7L Vortec) but have since re-thought this decision. I am now trying to figure out how to keep this car in as close to original form as possible while still making it fun/easy to drive on I-70.
My current thought process is one of the following 2 ideas:
- Purchase a h55f transmission and transform into a 5 speed manual. No extra HP here, but I have read it would make a significant difference (on top of this get some enhancement work done on the engine)
- (Have yet to find someone who can do this) Have a custom turbo charge built and installed
On top of this I am also planning on putting a 2-3 inch lift, updating the suspension and getting larger tires.
This is really all the truck needs at this point.
I am looking to keep the total cost (excluding the purchase of the vehicle) under $10k.
I was hoping some of y'all might have some advice/opinions on what you think the best approach here would be and if you might be able to point me in the direction of someone who could build a custom turbo charger?
Also, I am really curious as to if y'all think the h55f would make this truck driver friendly in Colorado?
Thanks for the help in advance! Really appreciate it and I am really looking forward to getting more involved with this community and learning as much as I can.