2F Rebuild vs 3FE conversion for 82 fj60

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doctorfaustus

doctorfaustus

10 Year
Joined
Apr 13, 2014
Threads
9
Messages
82
Location
California
Hello Everyone, First of all thank you to everyone here, this forum has been so useful over the years!

So sadly my engine is shot and needs a complete rebuild or swap. it has about 275K miles and was never rebuilt. one piston died, it ran for a while like that and now has now completely died. It was already eating up oil so rebuilding just the head and doing a valve job etc is not enough, entire engine needs rebuild. I have owned my landcruiser for years, love it and do not intend to sell it. I use my truck quite a bit on long highway drives for ski trips, so it sees a lot of days at altitude and extreme cold.

A few questions:

1) What is the approximate going rate for a full rebuild(labor included) for a 2F these days from a Landcruiser specialist mechanic? I have been quoted $6500 from K&H Imports, they are a good shop and I have been using them for years for stuff I could not fix myself. The price seemed a little high to me.

2) My mechanic is against it but I am really tempted to upgrade to the 3F engine. It would be nice to not have to dread starts at 5 degrees farenheit and 8000ft, and to not lose so much power going up the hill. Any thoughts/experiences to share there? I would want to keep my 4speed manual. without the 5 speed is it even worth it to put the 3F in?

3) If i decide to stay with my 2F what do you recommend for the carb. My mechanic said if i want more power (which don't we all) to go with the Weber, but on this forum people tend to prefer the trollhole or a OEM Aisian carb rebuilt. I am in los angeles and Marksoffroad seems to be highly recommended here for carb rebuilds. what do you guys think? (one note to add, if i stay with the 2F engine, I intend to de-smog)

Thanks to all!
Long live Landcruisers and the people who love them!
 
You can prob drop in a lower mile used 2F for much less. Have seen them for $500. If you can find one with good compression numbers, but it and have it put in. It will prob cut the $6500 in half.

For $6500 your a good way to putting a V8 in if you take your time sourcing the parts. Something to consider when parts availability as more and more 60 parts become NLA.
 
Sweet Jesus what I could do to my cruiser for 6500! A lot more than just a v8 swap!

I want to tell you diesel swap, but it either takes a lot of money or somewhat less money and severe dedication.

But really, if you drive hwy miles, is any F engine going to make you happy? I love Toyota vehicles. But Toyota engines leave a lot of something to be desired.

Cheap out on a 2f used or save your money for something worthwhile.
 
The 2F and 4-speed do fine in my '84 FJ60, which I purchased new. I live above 7,500' and we have some pretty cold winters. A lot of the 185,000 miles have been in the Colorado high country, including passes over 12,000', and driving on pretty long Southern Utah road trips from New Mexico.

I recently had the 3FE from my '89 FJ62 rebuilt and the cost was a little less than $2,400 - I pulled the engine myself and stripped it down to the long block before delivering it to the machine shop. I'm in the process of bolting everything back on the engine (finishing up the final torque on the manifold this evening). It's going in my '86 FJ60, in front of an H55f 5-speed.

I'd find a good shop to rebuild the 2F and call it done. Personally, I'd reconsider the de-smog idea. When I moved back to Las Vegas a dozen years ago I had to pass smog. After I got everything tuned up and the emissions systems working as designed, I noticed how well the vehicle was running, almost like new.
 
ok a lot of good (and to be expected) different advice here, thanks!
I do believe prices are a bit higher in california. V8 quotes have been quite high and it seems like there is a plethora of potential complications or problems down the line, at least based on a lot of what i found here and on other forums.
I am not necessarily a "toyota purist." If I could get a good v8 conversion done for that price and not have problems I would do it. But unlike many of you here, my mechanic skills are fairly limited to simple things so I don't think a v8 conversion for even under 10k is realistic. I got quoted 43K from TLC, but they are crazy and swindlers. I'm pretty certain a V8 swap would cost over $10k but am welcome to other opinions.

Anyone have feedback on dropping the 3FE in the fj60? more importantly, someone in the LA area that is good for that.

( thanks vailTRD I will call Specter tomorrow, but based on their online prices for engines I think they will be more expensive than K&H)
 
For a V8 swap call Georg up at Valley Hybrid in Stockton or the guys at Mudrak in Sonoma. Yes you will have to tow the truck to them but bet it would say you lots of money compared to TLC. There are a couple guys running 3FE in their 60s with great results/experience. A somewhat plug and play swap.
 
yes TLC can go f&*# themselves. $43,000.00??? really?
I prefer someone in LA area in case I have any issues. But I will give those guys a call tomorrow, thanks for the advice !
 
My project to put a 3FE in my '86 FJ60 is made easier by the fact I had a complete, running '89 FJ62 donor vehicle. The H55f 5-speed install is made easier because the '86 FJ60 has the 4-speed with extension housing, which is the same length as the 5-speed, so no crossmember, driveshaft, transfer case, bellhousing, etc. changes are needed. I bought the rust-free FJ60 for $1,200 (bad engine) and the running FJ62 for $1,500 (some body damage). A lot of work to swap a lot over from the FJ62, but I'm not in a big hurry ( we have a '76 FJ40 for 4-wheeling), and I'm pretty much retired at this point. So for me it's well worth the money and effort.
 
you're not really going to save yourself work by doing the 3fe (work = money in your case). i'm not saying you shouldn't jump on the 3fe, but a 3fe that doesn't need rebuilding isn't going to be super cheap. And even if it doesn't, it'll still take a bit of work to make it run in the 60 that the 2f wouldn't require. there's a lot of little costs that add up super quick to make the conversion work, especially if you don't have a doner rig (i didn't when i 2fe'd the 60). BUT. if money isn't your priority, GO FOR THE 3fe.
 
CALIFORNIA guys...you might not be able to swap in the 3FE. you will NOT be able to use a weber. An F type engine will cost around 4 grand to have built by a non cruiser shop. add cruiser to the shop title, and add another grandish for expertise(worth it if you don't spin your own tools) 4 speed behind a 3FE is like a sports car with a glass ceiling- kick in the pants till 75 MPH(which works for me). NOW if your mechanic thinks he can get the CARB to accept a 3FE into your fj60, LET US KNOW, and let us know if he's right, in the end. The smog ref told me no SMALLER engines are allowed. I'd love to hear otherwise...
 
I have a 3fe with pretty much everything for $800. Compression numbers are close to 180 in each cylinder. I was tild it was rebuilt but cannot confirm. Missing witing harness, power steering pump and mads airflow. Have everything else. It is out of a 1991 fj80
 
NOW if your mechanic thinks he can get the CARB to accept a 3FE into your fj60, LET US KNOW, and let us know if he's right, in the end....[/QUOTE]

AFAIK this is only possible with a non us 3f head
 
doctorfaustus said:
ok a lot of good (and to be expected) different advice here, thanks!
I do believe prices are a bit higher in california. V8 quotes have been quite high and it seems like there is a plethora of potential complications or problems down the line, at least based on a lot of what i found here and on other forums.
I am not necessarily a "toyota purist." If I could get a good v8 conversion done for that price and not have problems I would do it. But unlike many of you here, my mechanic skills are fairly limited to simple things so I don't think a v8 conversion for even under 10k is realistic. I got quoted 43K from TLC, but they are crazy and swindlers. I'm pretty certain a V8 swap would cost over $10k but am welcome to other opinions.

Anyone have feedback on dropping the 3FE in the fj60? more importantly, someone in the LA area that is good for that.

( thanks vailTRD I will call Specter tomorrow, but based on their online prices for engines I think they will be more expensive than K&H)
Click to expand...


I have been looking at a V8 conversion as an option for the future.

I have spoken with or emailed the "big 3" respected providers here, Georg, Tor, Stan. Depending on what you are looking at putting in V8 wise (pulled motor vs. New) and transmission choice and all the peripherals you need Transfer case adapter, wiring harness, water pump etc. etc. etc. You are looking at at least 15k to double that or more depending on your choices.

From what I have found out your suspicion that a V8 conversion by someone other than you doing all the work for under 10k is unrealistic is 100% correct. Having said that I would do it in a heartbeat if I had the cash but its a very individual and potentially expensive decision.

However if I had to choose between rebuilding the 2f for 6500 and waiting a long time to save the cash for a V8 swap I would be prepared to exercise a lot of patience. Again thats just me.
 
Im in the middle of collecting parts for a 5.3 swap, fj80 frame with FJ60 body. I am close to 20k so far and have a long way to go. I did find a fuy wgo is going to shorten the frame, mount the body, install engine tranny, toybox, transfercase and complete the exgaust for 3k. Ibthought that was a good deal. I still need the entire fuel system and wiring for the 5.3.

Things add up quick.
 
I reread your post and don't understand how you intend to desmog and stay registered in CA. Unless you're in an exempt county, or can perform magic with CARB/DMV, your path of least resistance is to rebuild/replace your 2F.
 
FJ60Seth said:
I reread your post and don't understand how you intend to desmog and stay registered in CA. Unless you're in an exempt county, or can perform magic with CARB/DMV, your path of least resistance is to rebuild/replace your 2F.
Click to expand...

My first question as well. I'm not aware of any smog exempt counties near LA. But I'm not a cali guy.
 
Once again thank you all of you for chiming in and for your advice and expertise!

So to answer a few questions, first of all for the smog issue, I already replaced smog pump with an idler last year when it seized and had removed the associated smog stuff so it is already partially on its way to being de-smogged. It wouldn't pass smog before that anyway, probably because it was eating up oil. There are ways around this by certain connections, no further need be said. So between the fact that im already partially de-smogged and the fact that de-smogging does add a little bit of performance I will be de-smogging for sure if I go the 2F route.

Thank you "erse" for confirming that a V8 build is easily 15K and up to double that. That was what my research and calling had suggested. I do not and cannot spend that much so the V8 is out of the question.

I am leaning towards the 3FE based on the feedback here, but again that will depend on if i can find not only the donor engine but all the other stuff needed. My specific needs (high altitude, very cold starts and steep inclines uphill would all benefit from the fuel injection. What are your thoughts on the fuel pump issue? I just had the gas tank recall done by Toyota last year. I would hate to replace a brand new gas tank with some old used j62 one just because it has the pump in it. Cruiser parts.net has in their 3FE conversion kit and external pump that goes in the engine bay. Thoughts? Is that too "mickey-moused?"

megolfer I will send you a PM to inquire on your motor.

fj60Seth does Mark rebuild engines as well? I thought he only does carbs. I ve tried calling his shop but he never answers and there seems to be no voice mail set up.

lambcruser thanks for confirming prices. so in your opinion 5000$ is more like a good price for a rebuild from a cruiser specialist? do you know any you can recommend in LA area? K&H is quoting 6500$ and won't budge on price, even when offered cash. Also, I'm ok with fun until 75MPH, don't really want to drive the rig faster than that anyway.

Thanks again everyone for all your help, this is helping me a lot!
 
I didn't read thru all the other responses, but K&H will have Martin Davidson Automotive, in Reseda do the rebuild. Martin is one of the best. He rebuilt my 2F and it's fantastic.

Do not go with the Weber. 1st, it's not smog-legal, and you will fail if you have to do the test. 2) It's not designed as an off-road carb specifically like the stock Aisan is for the 2F

Just me, but I wouldn't even look at a V8 conversion. Don't like them. Diesel, now, that's something else.... 3FE? You'll have some trouble with smog, if you want to keep a manual trans, and it's going to cost the same as a 2F rebuild by the time you're done. Good motor, though, but not as robust as the 2F.

You could call Marksoffroad.net in Burbank, but I don't think he does engine overhauls, anymore.
 
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