1FZE Engine Advice

[Beardo]

I'm new to this forum and a soon-to-be cruiser owner. I've just moved to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and have test driven a ton of cruisers recently. I am very interested in a 1997 Landcruiser VX with a 6 Cylinder 1FZe engine with only 80,000KM on it.

I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with this engine, its reliability and durability?

Also, if there is one engine that is most recommended based on its reliability, what would it be? The 1KZ diesel?

The car has 'african spec' dobson shocks and some aftermarket parts that make it safari-worthy. The goal is to build a true expedition rig for our time here.
I am looking forward to digging into this forum and learning quite a bit. Any advice you guys could give would be most appreciated.

Cheers,
-Beardo

 

[Beardo]

^BUMP^

 

[jamisobe]

The knowledge you seek is definitely on this forum, but I would recommend searching engine rebuild, 1FZFE, reliability, and probably some other key terms. Once you soak up some basic knowledge it will be easier fo you to get more specific in your questions...

 

[bugsnbikes]

assuming diesel is more readily available.....you might be more happy with a diesel equipped 80 if they are available at similar prices.

 

[Beardo]

You're right. I spent the day navigating through this forum. The engine has a fantastic reputation, is thirsty, but will last as long as I care for it.

The plan is to build it into a safari rig so we can hit the national parks here on our own. I am thinking an excursion gas tank, snorkel, etc.

The car has really low miles and has been coddled for the past three years by the same owner just after he imported it from Japan. I know I need to check for factory lockers and make sure the wiring is still connected.

I have a feeling this truck is my best bet if I don't want to get stranded miles from nowhere with lions between me and safety, and I'm lucky to find this one available.

I'll make the dude an offer in the morning.

 

[Beardo]

Bugnbikes - We originally wanted diesel, but it seems opinions on the interwebs go back and forth between the advantages of each. They're both great engines, and the rest of this '97 VX is in such great shape that it tips the balance.
Diesel is slightly more readily available, but it doesn't do me any good if I can't find any diesel LCs with the specs I want.
We're headed to the Selous game reserve in mid-Oct- Africa's largest reserve, so we need to pull the trigger soon. We'll take it there as the ultimate test drive after a once-over by our mechanic, and decide on what mods we'd like to make.

 

[Kernal]

What is more available, (clean) gasoline or diesel fuel?

 

[beachcomberspi]

I'd take either one as the best in the world. I'd pick the specific one based on parts and fuel availability.

 

[80Greg100]

wish we had options like that here in the US....

 

[Tapage]

the comparable diesel engine you look for in any 80 it's 1HD-T / 1HD-FT ( second one 24V ) ... both great engines .. just matter of simplicity in the diesel ones .. ( less sensors and electronic stuff to keep 'em running )

 

[DSRTRDR]

What is more available, (clean) gasoline or diesel fuel?

X2 - buy according to the local availability

 

[Rambo5972]

Experience in Uganda

Well, I've only been to TZ once, but I do just fine with with my '93 FZJ80. The biggest thing I've found to be trouble is getting people to actually believe you need parts for a petrol engine. Just the other day i went in to get an oil filter and they tried to give me the one for a diesel engine because "that is the one all the land cruisers use." For more unusual parts, you may need to have them ordered.

I second your ideas about an auxiliary gas tank and a snorkel, the dust is a killer here.

 

[shaggy_mutt]

Is this 1FZ-E or 1FZ-FE? Carbureted or fuel injection?

I remember one of our listers in ?China? posting pictures of his 1FZ-E...

 

[Beardo]

It is the 1FZE engine. Thoughts?

 

[alia176]

The 1FF-FE is a very good engine but the actual hp/torque to the rear wheels is pretty abysmal. I think somewhere around 133 hp at 2500 rpms. What this means and what I experience with both of my 80s is a very sluggish vehicle when weighed down with the usual armor/tank/tires/lift/etc. My 80 can't pull its own weight easily. When you air down the tires for driving in the bush, you're going to drink the petrol like crazy. If you had a diesel, I think you'll fare better driving in the bush, loaded down with gear.

On all of my overlanding trips, I'm fuel limited and it sucks. Even though I carry 40 gallons of petrol, my range is not very far in the bush.

Just something to think about.

 

[86tuning]

Diesel will give you better range, but IMO petrol with fuel injection gives better performance. As for the carbureted 1FZ I have zero experience.

Just to clarify, the 1FZ-FE is the north american spec fuel injected engine that everybody is familiar with over here. The diesels can only be imported into Canada so most people think they want one, but it's the same way with any unobtainium.

 

[Beardo]

Yes. The 1FZE that we're looking at was imported from Japan and is right-hand drive.
We're expecting low mpg's, but willing to sacrifice that for safety on the dangerous highways here, and bomb-proof reliability. We won't be driving it very often, anyway, as we can bike or walk to work.

 

[rcrossley]

hi Beardo I'm also a new B. This is my first post I have had two land cruisers for about 9 years now my first was a 89 DX 60 series diesel with 320,000 kms on it and it still going my son broke down so he borrowed the 60 to get to work. and over the 9 years put an other 150,000 kms on it. he needed the land cruiser so 9 years ago I bought 94 DX 80 series with 220,000.kms on it, but after 9 years it now has 340,000. kms on it and has done a lot of beach work the sea salt water has rusted the 80 out but the motor in it just fine So Three weeks ago I bought an other 80 a 97 GLX 80, it done over 360,000 kms, and it also has a 1FZE motor in it. and apart from a rear oil seal that's liking a little bit ( Its a common problem with 1FZE) it also still runs just find
Toyota recommend doing a rebuilt around 400,000.KLM but I seen them with 540,000 KLM on them and there still going good. I have found as long as you can keep up with the servicing they should just keep going. and going. as long as it been services regular I fell you should do well with it
Ray

 

[Beardo]

Great to know! We should keep in touch regarding maintenance on the 1FZE, etc, or start a separate thread for 1FZE engine owners if one doesn't already exist.

I am going to make an offer on it tonight. Hopefully I can take delivery soon and get some pics up.

What kind of gas mileage are you getting on the 1FZE? It seems that is the most common criticism of the engine...