mongoose2231
Supporting Vendor
Excellent thread, photos, truck...everything...
Builds 1985 FJ60 -> 6.0 Liter LS Swap Build Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter MBurroughs
- Start date
-
- Tags
- build thread fj60 ls ls swap v8
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
X2....
Awesome shots! so jelly
- Thread starter
- #44
Those are all pretty simple to answer, although broad.
I think I covered the cooling pretty well.
Integrating the alternator should be pretty straight forward - the harness has provisions for it, and the only thing that needs to be done is linking the alternator to the battery to complete the circuit. If anyone does have trouble there, please let me know.
For the AC, I have my system pretty simplified at the moment. I simply had two lines made to adapt the GM compressor to the FJ60's AC system. You can hop into the AC Amplifier, or you can wire a high and low pressure switch inline to the AC signal. This is how I'm doing it, and plan on solving the thermostat in due time.
Power steering was very simple. Again, it was just a case of having the factory lines adapted to the GM pump. I'm fortunate to have a hydraulic hose shop right next door though, so that could be a bigger hurdle for others, along with the AC.
For the engine harness, I used LSX4U's "Standalone" conversion. It wasn't cheap - $650, if I remember right, but it's well worth it. It made the engine just about plug-and-play, electronics wise. I think there were 5 or 6 wires to do. Things line 12v and switch 12v, ground, brake signal, 4-low signal, fuel pump, and a couple others.
For the fuel pump, I am simply using an inline fuel pump, and LS AN line adapters to mate the fuel lines to my engine's fuel rail.
Exhaust manifolds I used from Advance Adapters, and they fit perfectly. I wouldn't bother looking anywhere else. You can't beat $350.
I used a built 4L65E. My initial plan was to use a 4L80E, but the adapters were on backorder through the summer when I called. I wanted to start back in early spring, so I changed my plans and opted for an upgraded 65.
I hope that helps. Happy to go more in-depth on any of those.
Thanks Ed. I've done my fair share of cross-platform engine swaps, but this was my first LS. With such a huge aftermarket and knowledge base, it was pretty simple, but no less rewarding to fire it up!
Thanks for the kind words, too.
How have things gone with the BAR Ref?
Hey Mike - What model rear bumper is that?
Thanks - been following Sworks forever. Love it.
Thanks - been following Sworks forever. Love it.
pandasfj
SILVER Star
That is one sweet looking 60. great info and pictures, I dig those wheels.
One more question - why fifteen52 over Rays? Styling?
Rays are on my list in matte black ..
Rays are on my list in matte black ..
All looks fantastic. Any details on the cargo/mattress system in the back would be much appreciated. Best of luck to you and the new motor. Cheers.
This thing must be an animal with the 6.0. Is this registered in CA? My bud has a 350 TBI and it's so fun to drive you just start laughing when you hit the skinny pedal. How did it go with the DMV ref? I'm saving for a 5.3 or 5.7 TBI. I still want to run a 5 speed cause nothing sounds better than hearing a V8 shift with a clutch. I Also follow your IG. Clean work over there. Congrats on the swap. You made it sound so easy.
- Thread starter
- #52
The bumper was made by Trail Tailor here on the boards.
Thanks!
Rays have been done plenty, and I wanted to do something different. I also wanted to support my friends at Fifteen52. Getting to spec the wheels to my choice was an added plus, as well.
Thanks. I didn't take any photos of the cargo system in the back when I built it, but I'll be going on a week-long trip next week and will be sure to photograph some more photos of it for you. I'll get the name of the mattress for you too.
Sorry, I can't be of much help there. I'm a Tennessee resident, and my truck is registered in TN.
- Thread starter
- #53
I forgot to post my last trip. Here she is:
California is a big state. It's larger than most realize, I'd wager, with "NorCal" and "SoCal" only taking up the bottom half of the state. With its size and location comes one of the most geologically-diverse places in the world, and the most biologically diverse state in America. From the highest point in the contiguous US, to the lowest, and from the driest of deserts to snowy tundra, California seems to have it all. Luckily for us, it means we're never far from something new to behold. We set out this weekend for Anza Borrego, just a dozen or so miles north of the US-Mexican border, for a quick weekend trip.
My girlfriend Emily, our dog Chloe, our friend Josh, and I loaded up into the Land Cruiser on Saturday morning and set out for Anza Borrego State Park. With 600,000 acres, it's the largest desert state park in the nation. In fact, it's the second-largest state park in the contiguous US, following behind New York's Adirondack Park. Our initial destination was the Sheep Canyon campground. Buried within a trail book of mine, it sounded secluded, vacant, and perfect for a weekend away.
Within a couple of hours, we had arrived at the park's borders, where we took a bit of time to enjoy the scenery. An outcropping of rocks gave something to climb and photograph from, while the tall grass and numerous rodent holes gave Chloe something to put her nose into. Being so late in the year, the sun was low in the sky despite the time. We didn't stop long, in hopes of making it to camp before sundown.
We passed through Borrego Springs - a small town surrounded by the state park, with a population of around 3500 people. Recognized as a designated "dark sky settlement," the town had neither stop lights nor street lights, in an effort to preserve the town's view of the stars at night. After a quick refuel, we found ourselves on the town's northern edge, trailbound towards the southern Coyote Canyon.
The trail itself was well-maintained, with a couple of small water crossings and incredibly minor rock gardens. It led us up between two legs of the mountain range, and eventually, we arrived at the campsite.
Unfortunately, it was clear several others had the same idea. The site itself was packed, and each fire circle had been spoken for. I had hoped to find ourselves secluded and isolated, and the weekend's plans quickly felt dashed. The park's rules for fire pits require the use of a steel fire-containing vessel of sorts meaning dispersed camping was a slightly more difficult alternative. However, unwilling to camp without a fire, and unwilling to camp alongside others, we made the drive back out to Borrego Springs, making it to the local hardware store just minutes before closing time.
Armed with a fire bucket and now legally-equipped to camp anywhere we pleased, we made our way back into the park, under the cover of nightfall. We passed the trail for Sheep Canyon, and found ourselves towards the northern end of the canyon. Best of all, we were alone: there wasn't a sound to hear for miles, and no sign of life anywhere nearby. In the dark of the night, I put my camera away, and we set up camp. We enjoyed drinks and food, shop talk, and a good night of sleep.
We awoke the next morning, finally able to see our surroundings. The entire valley was cloaked in a warm, golden, almost-red glow, and the night's cold temps slowly rose as the sun grew higher in the sky. We built a new fire, cooked up a hearty breakfast, and frankly, enjoyed the silence.
As is typical, we lamented the fact that we only planned for a single night of camping. Everyone's busy work schedules often prevent anything more, but we always aim to make the most of the time we have off. Around 9AM, we packed up our gear, hoping for an early start to the day. We had the truck loaded up and ready for more, and slowly made our way out of the park, passing a few other campers as we neared town.
We left Borrego Springs on Highway S22, headed due east. Upon passing the badlands, we pulled along the cliffside to enjoy the view of one of several lookout points. One trail lead down into the ravine, and I was incredibly tempted to take the drive. As always though, time was of the essence, and we weren't far from where we were headed. In the distance was our next destination: the Salton Sea.
California is a big state. It's larger than most realize, I'd wager, with "NorCal" and "SoCal" only taking up the bottom half of the state. With its size and location comes one of the most geologically-diverse places in the world, and the most biologically diverse state in America. From the highest point in the contiguous US, to the lowest, and from the driest of deserts to snowy tundra, California seems to have it all. Luckily for us, it means we're never far from something new to behold. We set out this weekend for Anza Borrego, just a dozen or so miles north of the US-Mexican border, for a quick weekend trip.
My girlfriend Emily, our dog Chloe, our friend Josh, and I loaded up into the Land Cruiser on Saturday morning and set out for Anza Borrego State Park. With 600,000 acres, it's the largest desert state park in the nation. In fact, it's the second-largest state park in the contiguous US, following behind New York's Adirondack Park. Our initial destination was the Sheep Canyon campground. Buried within a trail book of mine, it sounded secluded, vacant, and perfect for a weekend away.
Within a couple of hours, we had arrived at the park's borders, where we took a bit of time to enjoy the scenery. An outcropping of rocks gave something to climb and photograph from, while the tall grass and numerous rodent holes gave Chloe something to put her nose into. Being so late in the year, the sun was low in the sky despite the time. We didn't stop long, in hopes of making it to camp before sundown.
We passed through Borrego Springs - a small town surrounded by the state park, with a population of around 3500 people. Recognized as a designated "dark sky settlement," the town had neither stop lights nor street lights, in an effort to preserve the town's view of the stars at night. After a quick refuel, we found ourselves on the town's northern edge, trailbound towards the southern Coyote Canyon.
The trail itself was well-maintained, with a couple of small water crossings and incredibly minor rock gardens. It led us up between two legs of the mountain range, and eventually, we arrived at the campsite.
Unfortunately, it was clear several others had the same idea. The site itself was packed, and each fire circle had been spoken for. I had hoped to find ourselves secluded and isolated, and the weekend's plans quickly felt dashed. The park's rules for fire pits require the use of a steel fire-containing vessel of sorts meaning dispersed camping was a slightly more difficult alternative. However, unwilling to camp without a fire, and unwilling to camp alongside others, we made the drive back out to Borrego Springs, making it to the local hardware store just minutes before closing time.
Armed with a fire bucket and now legally-equipped to camp anywhere we pleased, we made our way back into the park, under the cover of nightfall. We passed the trail for Sheep Canyon, and found ourselves towards the northern end of the canyon. Best of all, we were alone: there wasn't a sound to hear for miles, and no sign of life anywhere nearby. In the dark of the night, I put my camera away, and we set up camp. We enjoyed drinks and food, shop talk, and a good night of sleep.
We awoke the next morning, finally able to see our surroundings. The entire valley was cloaked in a warm, golden, almost-red glow, and the night's cold temps slowly rose as the sun grew higher in the sky. We built a new fire, cooked up a hearty breakfast, and frankly, enjoyed the silence.
As is typical, we lamented the fact that we only planned for a single night of camping. Everyone's busy work schedules often prevent anything more, but we always aim to make the most of the time we have off. Around 9AM, we packed up our gear, hoping for an early start to the day. We had the truck loaded up and ready for more, and slowly made our way out of the park, passing a few other campers as we neared town.
We left Borrego Springs on Highway S22, headed due east. Upon passing the badlands, we pulled along the cliffside to enjoy the view of one of several lookout points. One trail lead down into the ravine, and I was incredibly tempted to take the drive. As always though, time was of the essence, and we weren't far from where we were headed. In the distance was our next destination: the Salton Sea.
- Thread starter
- #54
The Salton Sea is an incredibly unique place, and it's one I'd suggest any Californian pay visit to, even if only for a moment. The Salton Sea occupies the Salton Sink, one of the lowest points in the US, at 235 feet below sea level. It is situated in the Colorado Desert, which, much to anyone's surprise, is not located in the Centennial State. What makes the Salton Sea unique, though, isn't just its location: its the fact that it exists by accident, and therefore lays claim to some one-of-a-kind traits. To make a long story short, thanks to the California Development Company, the Colorado River was diverted, and in turn, overflowed into the Salton Basin from 1905 to 1907. It took two years for the CDC to correct their mistake, and the resulting runoff created the Salton Sea. With almost no rainfall in the desert, the Salton Sea, today, is kept alive solely by agricultural runoff. Decades of fertilizer and agricultural byproducts have, in turn, caused the salinity of the lake to run rampant.
Initially, the Salton Sea was thought to be a blessing in disguise. Resort towns popped up around the lake's edges, and a local tourism industry exploded. As the lake's salt level increased, however, tourism waned. While salty water itself isn't a big deal, it was the droves of dead fish that washed ashore, and the putrid algae blooms that make the Salton Sea smell something like a sewer. Today, entire towns sit lakeside, abandoned and destroyed. It's an apocalyptic wasteland of sorts: a glimpse into a perhaps post-nuclear-fallout future.
Our first stop upon arriving to Salton Sea Beach was the beach itself. We drove out onto the bright white sand - not another person or vehicle in sight. There were no rules, no laws, just us, and a massive body of foul-smelling water. Upon exiting the truck, we looked down at the sand below our feet, only to find that the sand itself was anything but.
The bright white beaches of the Salton Sea are made of bone. It's the result of millions of dead fish and barnacles, killed by runaway salinity. It's unlike anything I've seen before, and likely will ever see again. Each pace toward's the water brought about bigger and bigger bits and pieces; eventually ribs, jaw bones, and even full skeletons could be seen. And to be clear once more - that's not sand and bone. The entire beach below us was made of skeletal remains.
The smell of the Salton Sea is unwelcoming if not foreboding. As we neared the water itself, we were hit with what seemed like a wall of stench. We struggled to hold our breakfast down - the algae is currently in bloom. Uninterested in spending any more time around the water itself, we drove back into the town itself, exploring the remains of a resort that once was.
While much of the town of Salton Sea Beach is abandoned, there are a select few that have chosen to stay. Amongst a sea of dilapidated trailer homes, a few remain inhabited by the likes of those that could only be described as siblings of Trevor Philips, a-la Grand Theft Auto V. In a way, they add to the eeriness of the wasteland.
We poked around and admired the chaos, but in all, not much remained to be seen. It's the closest I've come to fulfilling my dream of seeing Chernobyl in person - and again, I recommend anyone reading to make the trip as well. Abandoned resort towns litter the lakeside, offering me a reason to make another trip out in the future. It's something I'll try to do sooner than later, as it sounds as though the runoff water that feeds the lake will, in due time, be diverted. The clock will begin ticking, and the Salton Sea will disappear. Some say it may even release a toxic cloud upon Southern California as all of the lake's contents are exposed to air for the first time in a century. I say bring it on. We're ready for the trip.
Initially, the Salton Sea was thought to be a blessing in disguise. Resort towns popped up around the lake's edges, and a local tourism industry exploded. As the lake's salt level increased, however, tourism waned. While salty water itself isn't a big deal, it was the droves of dead fish that washed ashore, and the putrid algae blooms that make the Salton Sea smell something like a sewer. Today, entire towns sit lakeside, abandoned and destroyed. It's an apocalyptic wasteland of sorts: a glimpse into a perhaps post-nuclear-fallout future.
Our first stop upon arriving to Salton Sea Beach was the beach itself. We drove out onto the bright white sand - not another person or vehicle in sight. There were no rules, no laws, just us, and a massive body of foul-smelling water. Upon exiting the truck, we looked down at the sand below our feet, only to find that the sand itself was anything but.
The bright white beaches of the Salton Sea are made of bone. It's the result of millions of dead fish and barnacles, killed by runaway salinity. It's unlike anything I've seen before, and likely will ever see again. Each pace toward's the water brought about bigger and bigger bits and pieces; eventually ribs, jaw bones, and even full skeletons could be seen. And to be clear once more - that's not sand and bone. The entire beach below us was made of skeletal remains.
The smell of the Salton Sea is unwelcoming if not foreboding. As we neared the water itself, we were hit with what seemed like a wall of stench. We struggled to hold our breakfast down - the algae is currently in bloom. Uninterested in spending any more time around the water itself, we drove back into the town itself, exploring the remains of a resort that once was.
While much of the town of Salton Sea Beach is abandoned, there are a select few that have chosen to stay. Amongst a sea of dilapidated trailer homes, a few remain inhabited by the likes of those that could only be described as siblings of Trevor Philips, a-la Grand Theft Auto V. In a way, they add to the eeriness of the wasteland.
We poked around and admired the chaos, but in all, not much remained to be seen. It's the closest I've come to fulfilling my dream of seeing Chernobyl in person - and again, I recommend anyone reading to make the trip as well. Abandoned resort towns litter the lakeside, offering me a reason to make another trip out in the future. It's something I'll try to do sooner than later, as it sounds as though the runoff water that feeds the lake will, in due time, be diverted. The clock will begin ticking, and the Salton Sea will disappear. Some say it may even release a toxic cloud upon Southern California as all of the lake's contents are exposed to air for the first time in a century. I say bring it on. We're ready for the trip.
Jeeze man, getting ever more excited to pick up my own FJ and move on from lowered Subarus and VW's .. iti s all so great. Thank you!
Thanks boss - awesome pictures and truck. Congrats!
Subscribed as I am doing an LQ4/4L80E into my FJ60.
Quick question about the exhaust manifolds. You said you used the ones from AA....which ones? Where did you plug in the upstream (pre-cat) o2 sensors?
1) Thanks
2) Bad ass truck!!!
Quick question about the exhaust manifolds. You said you used the ones from AA....which ones? Where did you plug in the upstream (pre-cat) o2 sensors?
1) Thanks
2) Bad ass truck!!!
Just did a little lurking through your build @MBurroughs . Love it! Temps me to add an FJ60 to the fleet.
While looking through your Instagram I see you have the new 1552 analog wheels. What is your feedback on these? They look perfect for older cruisers.
While looking through your Instagram I see you have the new 1552 analog wheels. What is your feedback on these? They look perfect for older cruisers.
Im not sure how I didn't see this thread earlier. This is an amazing build! Keep the pics coming !
What OME lift do you have? Do the 34's rub when flexed? Love the look and stance!
