Hey Cruiser Community!
Since I've bought my LJ78 with the dreaded 2LTE engine I have been bouncing the idea around of swapping my engine out with a more powerful engine (97hp just wasn't cutting it).
Just before Christmas, I blew my Turbo. So the question was: Do I sell the truck for a fraction of what I paid for it and start out with a better truck whenever I'd be able to save up enough money for one (we're not talking a couple months either...)? Or do I source a more powerful engine with higher durability (no major common issues like the 2LTE head)?
I decided it was in my best interest to look at replacing the engine. I have done some research into engines that could be swapped (fits in the engine bay, transmission bolt pattern, and ECU considerations).
This is what I've come up with so far,
I'm a novice wrencher for sure, but I've got a lot of support from a fellow wrencher that has a lot of experience and access to professional tools and wants in on my swap.
I'm very new to the world of Cruisers and any help and/or advice would be really appreciated!
Since I've bought my LJ78 with the dreaded 2LTE engine I have been bouncing the idea around of swapping my engine out with a more powerful engine (97hp just wasn't cutting it).
Just before Christmas, I blew my Turbo. So the question was: Do I sell the truck for a fraction of what I paid for it and start out with a better truck whenever I'd be able to save up enough money for one (we're not talking a couple months either...)? Or do I source a more powerful engine with higher durability (no major common issues like the 2LTE head)?
I decided it was in my best interest to look at replacing the engine. I have done some research into engines that could be swapped (fits in the engine bay, transmission bolt pattern, and ECU considerations).
This is what I've come up with so far,
1KZT: Seems like the best option so far. Hits 125hp which I've read is enough of a difference; however I am skeptical seeing as how it's only 28hp more... The bolt pattern for the transmission seems to match from what I've read, and the ECU already in my LJ78 should work for this engine.
Estimate engine price $3500
3L: This has been considered as I've seen that some people have already done the swap for the reliability. However, I don't see the point in doing all the work for an engine swap for no hp increase (also 97hp).
1KD-FTV: I know significantly less about this engine. I've only seen rumor that this engine has had successful swaps into an LJ78. This engine sports a much larger 170hp making this engine a much flashier pick. I'm really not sure yet what would have to be done to be able to swap in this engine. Because of that, I'm not sure if it's going to be way to big of a job...
Estimate engine price $5500
Estimate engine price $3500
3L: This has been considered as I've seen that some people have already done the swap for the reliability. However, I don't see the point in doing all the work for an engine swap for no hp increase (also 97hp).
1KD-FTV: I know significantly less about this engine. I've only seen rumor that this engine has had successful swaps into an LJ78. This engine sports a much larger 170hp making this engine a much flashier pick. I'm really not sure yet what would have to be done to be able to swap in this engine. Because of that, I'm not sure if it's going to be way to big of a job...
Estimate engine price $5500
I'm a novice wrencher for sure, but I've got a lot of support from a fellow wrencher that has a lot of experience and access to professional tools and wants in on my swap.
I'm very new to the world of Cruisers and any help and/or advice would be really appreciated!