For a while I've been planning on (when I can afford it) an LQ9 swap with an NV4500 behind it. I still can't shake that little nagging desire to keep it Toyota though, and diesel is still a tempting option. Been wondering about a 12H-T with my H55F behind it, which would also involve the cost of regearing my diffs for highway driving (I turn 2700 RPM at 70 MPH with 33" tires and my stock 4.11 gears. Feels great around town getting up and moving, but since the 12H-T makes its peak power at 1800 RPM I would need to go down to maybe 3.73 gears?). I expect the Vortec conversion would out the door cost more than the 12H-T conversion (which could be offset by regearing). Someone familiar with both conversions, please correct me if I'm wrong. So if cost isn't a factor, what direction would you guys go, and why?
One downside of diesel is that diesel fuel in the US doesn't have the lubricity of diesel sold in other countries, so without additives, there is more wear than there would otherwise be if I ran it here in the US. I expect I would still get more life out of a 12H-T than an LQ9 though, regardless.
Toyota 12H-T (4.0 L) turbo diesel engine: specs and review, service data
Toyota 12H-T (4.0 L) turbo diesel engine specifications: layout, displacement, power and torque, compression ratio, bore and stroke, oil capacity, service data
www.engine-specs.net
LQ9 Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
The LQ9 is a 6.0L Gen. 3 small block engine used in GM trucks between 2002 and 2007. For marketing purposes, it was also known as the Vortec HO 6000 …
www.onallcylinders.com
One downside of diesel is that diesel fuel in the US doesn't have the lubricity of diesel sold in other countries, so without additives, there is more wear than there would otherwise be if I ran it here in the US. I expect I would still get more life out of a 12H-T than an LQ9 though, regardless.