I am considering a 2.8 re-power on one my of 80s. Does anyone know of shops in Arizona that do 2.8 conversions on Land Cruisers?
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You still selling your 1FZ or already sold?I have been eyeing the R2.8 for a project since release. I would be interested to hear your thought process that brought you to that engine for the 80. I considered it heavily for my diesel swap project I am just starting, but opted for a 6BT/NV4500 combo.
What XMSN do you want to run? Who are you considering for the adapter? Have you ridden in an R2.8 swapped 80? I'll stop myself there and save you the endless questions. Maybe a call would be easiest if you had the energy to talk to someone who geeks out on this stuff. Regardless, best wishes on the effort, and please keep us informed. If I can find a donor 60/62/80, I would like to build an around town rig with weight and ease of use as the highest priorities.
Jason
I haven’t pulled it yet. I am tearing down the 94 Ram first. Gunna go theough the engine and XMSN. I expect to pull the 1FZ in the fall.You still selling your 1FZ or already sold?
I have to second the notion on the 1HD. It is a fantastic engine! I got to drive an HDJ100 and an HZJ80 in Australia and was impressed with both. The 1HD-FT in an 80 would be magic. I actually went down that rabbit hole before settling in on the 6BT. The issue was that a 1HD in almost any variant was going to be in the neighborhood of 15k landed here in the US, and it would still need to be refreshed. I bought my whole running and driving 1994 Ram 2500 for 5k, and that gave me a 6BT, an NV4500, and. Dana 70 for another project. I do agree that the 6BT is a pig, but having seen them just go and go and go on the farm while getting better mileage than anything else, AND never getting hot made me a true believer in them.I was considering an R2.8, but bailed after doing a little research on them. Lots of not good feedback and they are not at all related to the B series motors that are a large part of what built the Cummins reputation. They are built in the USA but all of the parts are made in China. There are some Chinese trucks that were sold in Australia that use the 2.8, can’t remember the model but there is a lot of info around on them.
After all of the research I have done, go figure - the 1hdt is the perfect diesel match for an 80 series. IMO the 6bt is way too much motor, 4bt is too heavy and industrial, and the 2.8 is not going to be any more powerful than a 1fz - though much more fuel efficient.
Another downside is the 2.8 cannot handle power upgrades like the b series. Can’t remember where I read it, but a shop that does a lot of conversions in Washington said their safe limit is 10% over factory output.
I have to second the notion on the 1HD. It is a fantastic engine! I got to drive an HDJ100 and an HZJ80 in Australia and was impressed with both. The 1HD-FT in an 80 would be magic. I actually went down that rabbit hole before settling in on the 6BT. The issue was that a 1HD in almost any variant was going to be in the neighborhood of 15k landed here in the US, and it would still need to be refreshed. I bought my whole running and driving 1994 Ram 2500 for 5k, and that gave me a 6BT, an NV4500, and. Dana 70 for another project. I do agree that the 6BT is a pig, but having seen them just go and go and go on the farm while getting better mileage than anything else, AND never getting hot made me a true believer in them.
A 6BT in an 80 would be really under stressed, even towing would be a breeze. In fact, that is my plan. 300hp/700lbft with ease and high teens for mpg.
Separate note, i rode in a Land Rover Defender 130HC with an R2.8 and i was pretty impressed with the pep going doing the road. I would love to see one in an 80, especially one kitted and loaded for a long trip. If Cummins would do the same package with their QSB4.5…in my mind that would be the ticket!
@TWILLY I wish you great results on your build. Keep us in the loop!
Thanks for the replies and insights, guys. I appreciate it.
@Pitch - I didn't know that Spencer is opening a shop; that's great news. Flagstaff could support a specialty shop like that. I should talk to him.
@peacesells63 @Cruiserhiggs and @ARJMN -
I have not decided whether to do a repower, or, if so, which motor to go with. At this point, I'm sussing it out; beyond my broad goals, I would rely on a shop to sort out the many technical details that outrun my mechanical ineptitude.
The goals would be renewal (replacing an old, tired powerplant with one that's entirely new and worry free), improving efficiency and range, and, generally, keeping an old truck going. The more likely candidate of the two 80s is my ugly old '92 because:
On the 2.8 vs. 1hdt...
- As I understand it the 2.8 bolts in fairly easily, allowing use of the existing transmission (as would the 1HD, I assume);
- Efficiency gains over the 3FE would yield vastly better mileage and 1000+ miles of range given her 49 gallon fuel capacity;
- Power gains over the 3FE would vastly improve highway manners, making it a more well-rounded truck.
I'll need to read up on the 1hdt. The big questions would be whether a 1hdt can be obtained new, or nearly so; cost, and if there's a significant difference in cost of installation; and how efficiency compares to the 2.8.
I've read that a downside of the 2.8 is parts availability, but the 1hdt would be no different here in North America. Parts for either are obtainable, but with a wait. I assume a 1hdt will outlive a 2.8. Still, I've talked to a number of Land Cruiser 2.8 conversion owners and they all love them, reporting mileage into the mid 20s. And, serviceability--if something goes wrong, is one more easily serviced than the other in Flagstaff?
I agree on the 2.8 reliability comments, but I have not seen enough info to say it has REAL issues. I think if you keep in mind it is a 2.8l 4 banger and never gunna make an 80 a drag car, i think it could be the best(only) option for a new powerplant that has tons of support. I have been impressed with them. I think Land Cruiser Phil has driven an 80 with an R2.8.