Hello Everyone!
I've been on here for the past few years (joined back in July 2020), but haven't really posted too much - wanted to share the process of my 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser LJ70 (European model) engine swap (2L-T) to a Cummins R2.8 in the first half of 2022 (between January in June 2022).
I purchased my LJ70 from Cars and Bids in July 2020. The car had already been imported from Europe and sold in an auction on Bring A Trailer - it was purchased new in Germany in 1987, before making its way to Spain before import.
These European Model LJ70s come with an 2LT 2.4L turbo diesel engine, and when I purchased my car, it was said that the odometer showed accurate mileage around 66k miles.
I had the car inspected by Mudrak right after purchase - and Gary did not believe those miles and had believed that someone probably rolled back the kilometer counter on my dash.
Lots of unexpected repairs happened in the first 6 months of ownership, as I drove the car consistently at highway speeds , probably putting a decent amount of stress on the old engine.
After going overseas for work for a few months , in June 2021 - after the car being started occasionally, I started to experience rod knock - and knew this meant the death of the engine.
I had seen some examples of Cummins R2.8 engine swaps - with this one being the most attractive by Well Sorted Automotive.
Inspired by this video - I decided to order the crate engine + bell housing adapter from Quick Draw Performance, along with universal engine mounts - thanks for the advice @Dpiro34 in the initial purchases!
Engine and Adapter - Cummins R2.8 Crate engine & Toyota R151 Adapter Kit - https://quickdrawbrand.com/cummins/engine-and-adapter-cummins-r2-8-crate-engine-toyota-r151-adapter-kit/
The kit comes with most of what you need - except for the cooling package - which I mirrored mainly off the build from Well Sorted Automotive (Mishimoto Radiator + Griffin Radiator).
I trusted a friend - Juan Ortiz - who I’ve served with in the Air Force with to do the build over three months - his family business is trucking so he had a lot of experience on the side wrenching on diesel engines.
Here are some pictures of the build - he also was kind enough to help me replace my suspension with Dobinson’s 4x4 and replace all the old bushings in the car.
He takes a lot of pride in his work and works on all types of off-road vehicles as a hobby, this is the first time for him working on a Land Cruiser....he is based out of Southern California but is open to taking on more work - feel free to direct message me if you would like his contact information.
Old Engine in the Engine Bay:
Engine Removed:
Cummins R2.8 on a Crane:
Cummins R2.8 being placed into the Engine Bay:
Engine Bay with Cooling System sorted out:
I'll attach more final photos on the next post!
---
I'm happy to answer any technical questions on parts / fitment / etc. if anyone else is considering an R2.8 conversion.
I've been on here for the past few years (joined back in July 2020), but haven't really posted too much - wanted to share the process of my 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser LJ70 (European model) engine swap (2L-T) to a Cummins R2.8 in the first half of 2022 (between January in June 2022).
I purchased my LJ70 from Cars and Bids in July 2020. The car had already been imported from Europe and sold in an auction on Bring A Trailer - it was purchased new in Germany in 1987, before making its way to Spain before import.
These European Model LJ70s come with an 2LT 2.4L turbo diesel engine, and when I purchased my car, it was said that the odometer showed accurate mileage around 66k miles.
I had the car inspected by Mudrak right after purchase - and Gary did not believe those miles and had believed that someone probably rolled back the kilometer counter on my dash.
Lots of unexpected repairs happened in the first 6 months of ownership, as I drove the car consistently at highway speeds , probably putting a decent amount of stress on the old engine.
After going overseas for work for a few months , in June 2021 - after the car being started occasionally, I started to experience rod knock - and knew this meant the death of the engine.
I had seen some examples of Cummins R2.8 engine swaps - with this one being the most attractive by Well Sorted Automotive.
Inspired by this video - I decided to order the crate engine + bell housing adapter from Quick Draw Performance, along with universal engine mounts - thanks for the advice @Dpiro34 in the initial purchases!
Engine and Adapter - Cummins R2.8 Crate engine & Toyota R151 Adapter Kit - https://quickdrawbrand.com/cummins/engine-and-adapter-cummins-r2-8-crate-engine-toyota-r151-adapter-kit/
The kit comes with most of what you need - except for the cooling package - which I mirrored mainly off the build from Well Sorted Automotive (Mishimoto Radiator + Griffin Radiator).
I trusted a friend - Juan Ortiz - who I’ve served with in the Air Force with to do the build over three months - his family business is trucking so he had a lot of experience on the side wrenching on diesel engines.
Here are some pictures of the build - he also was kind enough to help me replace my suspension with Dobinson’s 4x4 and replace all the old bushings in the car.
He takes a lot of pride in his work and works on all types of off-road vehicles as a hobby, this is the first time for him working on a Land Cruiser....he is based out of Southern California but is open to taking on more work - feel free to direct message me if you would like his contact information.
Old Engine in the Engine Bay:
Engine Removed:
Cummins R2.8 on a Crane:
Cummins R2.8 being placed into the Engine Bay:
Engine Bay with Cooling System sorted out:
I'll attach more final photos on the next post!
---
I'm happy to answer any technical questions on parts / fitment / etc. if anyone else is considering an R2.8 conversion.
