1986 FJ60 1HZ Turbo Build

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jomelo

jomelo

SILVER Star
10 Year
Joined
Oct 27, 2015
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118
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3,169
Location
The Free State of Florida
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I figured it was time to go ahead and start a build thread since we are getting close to commencement. I've been using Rob Smith in Georgia for all my cruiser needs the last few years. A few months ago he talked me into acquiring a 1HZ to install in my FJ62. Found a solid motor, pulled the trigger, and it should be coming through customs in any day.

In the meantime, I came across a very clean 86 FJ60 that ran hot in Arkansas and cracked the head, among other things. The truck only had 125k miles and spent all its life in New Mexico and Texas. No rust and really clean. I pulled the trigger and sent a friend after it with a trailer and hauled it back to Rob's place to get the 1HZ (in place of my 62). I'm now the third owner.

The immediate plans are the 1HZ and 5-speed, along with a turbo/intercooler setup Rob has used successfully on other 1HZ's. I picked up a nice old-style ARB front bumper and a Kaymar rear bumper. He is also doing a Terrain Tamer suspension kit. The truck is going to get a fresh set of BFG KO2's in 33 x 10.50. Still not sure on my wheel situation though. Would love any thoughts anyone has on that subject.

The interior is blue/grey and really nice. I did find a nicer dash and some other odds and ends. Will also need a new set of mirrors - probably the Aussie style.

I'll post some more pics once he gets started. Like everything, we will probably add some ideas as things progress.
 
Subscribed. This will be killer.
 
Subscribed. I'm particularly interested in the turbo and intercooler setup. I'm going down this wormhole in a year or so.
 
boozewz said:
Subscribed. Also keen to know about intercooler set up and if you will run stock 1HZ pistons etc or upgrade to handle added boost.

Carry on.
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I'll post up more details once it gets started. There are a few threads in the 70 series forum that go into some details about previous installs. We will be sticking with the stock pistons.
 
Not a whole lot to update this week. I did pick up the old style ARB front bumper and the Kaymar rear bumper this afternoon. I think they are going to look great. Still on the fence about wheels. I'm now thinking something in the black variety.
 
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Found some photos of the front bumper. They were done in Line-X by the previous owner. While I was not initially overwhelmed with the idea, they look fantastic in person. I didn't really get any good photos of the Kaymar before I dropped it off at Rob's. It was also done in the same finish.
 
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This past week I got to thinking about doing some interior upgrades on the project rig. I began with the idea of some new carpet and reconditioned driver seat bottom. I then learned about the mythical suspension seats available in some foreign 60 series. After a great deal of searching, I came across a HJ61 being parted out and snatched up a very clean set of "turbo" seats with the factory suspension bases. I went ahead and got the matching rear split seat as well (will need a bit of fabrication for the rear but should work fine).
 
My '85 FJ-60 just got a 6BT conversion. The engine & intercooler are out of the donor truck - 1991 Dodge 3/4 ton 4WD. They did a little trimming to fit the intercooler but it fits fine.

Looks like a great build.
 
Great find. I found a set of non suspension turbo seats with split rear bench for my own planned FJ60 1HZ turbo build. I am running the turbo front seats in my 62 right now and love them.

Please document what fab work you have to do on the rear bench as I'm not too far behind you!
 
bottombracket said:
Great find. I found a set of non suspension turbo seats with split rear bench for my own planned FJ60 1HZ turbo build. I am running the turbo front seats in my 62 right now and love them.

Please document what fab work you have to do on the rear bench as I'm not too far behind you!
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Check out this thread: Who likes addition? (FJ-60 + 1HZ)

There is an install of rear split towards the end. Looks really nice. We will end up doing something similar.
 
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Where the magic happens .... Thomasville, GA.
 
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I needed aftermarket wheels for my build due to the lift and gearing and was hesitant to go with black wheels due to growing up in the days of chrome wheels. Wanted steel wheels and Pro-Comps are available with the correct backspacing but not many chrome options these days. The black wheels have grown on me and now I like them. 17" with 285-70-17's BFG MT's fit easily with the SOA lift. Bigger tires would fit but not sure I want them any taller.
 
It's been a slow go as we have been collecting parts for the build. As of now, the turbo, a/w intercooler and heat exchangers have been ordered. We also ordered the safari snorkel and various other miscellaneous parts.

I also finalized my decision on wheels. It seemed like every set of alloy wheels I liked did not come in the correct backspacing. I ended up going with a new set of 70 series wheels since they came in 16" and that was my desired size. I really wanted black. Maybe I should powdercoat them?

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Hopefully in a few weeks I can actually start posting pictures of the parts being installed instead of them sitting on my garage floor.
 
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