So my 1990 BJ73 with the crap VM itialan diesel has locked up and I’m looking to replace. I would love to replace with a Toyota diesel but absolutely no one knows anything about these trucks in Alabama. I’d even consider a Toyota gas replacement. I have the 5 speed tranny. I’ve researched these forums with no luck. I bought this truck for my wife’s 40th bday and needless to say she’s not too happy. Is there a plug and play option? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
1990 BJ73 help!
- Thread starter Dalexa001
- Start date
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You may want to contact
Joes Classic Cruisers LLC importer of Diesel parts and Diesel Cruisers
(JOEKATANA here on mud)
Joe frequently has engines and parts in-stock that you may be interested in to fix your bride's Cruiser. You might be able to turn her VMJ73 into an actual BJ73.
Good luck.
What part of Alabama?
Joes Classic Cruisers LLC importer of Diesel parts and Diesel Cruisers
(JOEKATANA here on mud)
Joe frequently has engines and parts in-stock that you may be interested in to fix your bride's Cruiser. You might be able to turn her VMJ73 into an actual BJ73.
Good luck.
What part of Alabama?
- Thread starter
- #3
Anniston. This truck is so clean but isn’t worth a damn without an engine!!
Joekatana would be a good option for sure.
I think with your transmission, you can swap to 12HT YES! H/2H (I wouldn't do this) and 2F, 3F (probably wouldn't do this either...I'd go V8 if I had to go that route) without changing transmission input shaft. Otherwise you are going to need to change at least the input shaft on transmission.
Then you are looking at a bit of fab for motor mounts, wiring (not much), fuel lines, cooling lines (possibly), throttle connection and all other bits and such.
The other, not so popular option, could be to swap to V8. I know I know, this is a Toyota site...but a used 12HT or 1HZ or 13BT is pretty pricey. A few 12HT/H55 combos were for sale from $5500 ~$7K on this forum. Ranging from 150,000Km to rebuilt within a few months.
You can pick up a nice low mile Chevy LS V8 for pretty cheap. You still have motormount, cooling, wiring transmission adapters to deal with...but you also have 300hp and parts you can basically find anywhere.
Just some options. At the amount of money I'm into rebuilding my 13BT, I could have done a V8 swap.
I think with your transmission, you can swap to 12HT YES! H/2H (I wouldn't do this) and 2F, 3F (probably wouldn't do this either...I'd go V8 if I had to go that route) without changing transmission input shaft. Otherwise you are going to need to change at least the input shaft on transmission.
Then you are looking at a bit of fab for motor mounts, wiring (not much), fuel lines, cooling lines (possibly), throttle connection and all other bits and such.
The other, not so popular option, could be to swap to V8. I know I know, this is a Toyota site...but a used 12HT or 1HZ or 13BT is pretty pricey. A few 12HT/H55 combos were for sale from $5500 ~$7K on this forum. Ranging from 150,000Km to rebuilt within a few months.
You can pick up a nice low mile Chevy LS V8 for pretty cheap. You still have motormount, cooling, wiring transmission adapters to deal with...but you also have 300hp and parts you can basically find anywhere.
Just some options. At the amount of money I'm into rebuilding my 13BT, I could have done a V8 swap.
I can at least offer some insight but I'm out of town till end of April. Shoot me your contact info if you want.
I would get a 14B or 15B and add a turbo or get a factory turbo version, I think they will mate up to your gearbox if is has the same G/B as a normal 3B.
I dont see the point in using a 3B.
All the 6 cyl options will require the gearbox to be dismantled to fit a new input shaft.
Ive driven a few 7* series with SBC and I wasnt impressed and they take a bit of work to get the cooling under control in hot climates
I dont see the point in using a 3B.
All the 6 cyl options will require the gearbox to be dismantled to fit a new input shaft.
Ive driven a few 7* series with SBC and I wasnt impressed and they take a bit of work to get the cooling under control in hot climates
Don't know where you are in AL but these guys are great:
www.accgarage.com
ACC Garage
www.accgarage.com
13B-T or 1PZ would be sweet.
- Thread starter
- #10
Update on engine swap. I contacted Peter Merriam at Merriam Automotive in Georgia for engine swap and Dan at 4 Wheel Auto Wholesale in Canada for engine and parts. I cannot thank these two people more for their insight and knowledge. And patience!! So very pleased with the end result. I would highly recommend both for your Land Cruiser needs!! Cheers!!
Looks nice and tidy - 3B-T? Most importantly your wife looks happy!
Interesting roof rack - custom or was it on the truck already?
Cheers
Interesting roof rack - custom or was it on the truck already?
Cheers
- Joined
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- Joined
- Sep 9, 2004
- Threads
- 184
- Messages
- 13,070
- Location
- Boise - Idaho
- Website
- www.snlandcruisers.com
You drove the wrong ones or don’t like hp or a petrol engine.
I have driven crappy v8 swaps too and yes they do not impress. Poorly installed and poor choice of engine is why. A good v8 will get 15+mpg with 400+hp and are super fun with an auto or manual.
Cooling is not hard to solve at all, much more difficult to keep EGTs under control on a diesel. Most people fail at cooling on a v8 swap because they run electric fans, awful shroud and don’t understand a GM v8 is fine at 190-220*. Mechanical fan with it placed the correct depth in the shroud and a good shroud sealed all around and you will have zero cooling issues.
Cheers
I have other toys that go fast. Its a matter of personal preference, but 300-400hp is not needed for offroad and I cant see why you would spend the time and effort doing so.
Im past smoking tyres , breaking diffs etc.
Im past smoking tyres , breaking diffs etc.
He posted he was in Anniston - but yes, because you are in Anniston, you are not terribly far from ACC and, if you have time to stand in line, they could do just about anything you want to you 7x.Don't know where you are in AL but these guys are great:
ACC Garage
But congrats on your successful upgrade!