2F Rebuild vs 3FE conversion for 82 fj60
- Thread starter doctorfaustus
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yes , get the right bolts; yes, you can redrill or rather ream the flywheel- the pattern is the same. the 80 series 3FE has different brackets on the passenger side and a couple of different connectors for the harness. it is not more difficult than swapping in a fj62 3FE- same holds for using these parts to do the 2FE conversion- the key is to get the engine harness, cowl harness, ECU, and accessories all from the same donor rig as the engine...
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- #45
Ok guys it looks like I found a good and local 3fe from a fj62 with cpu, wiring harness and other goodies from JohnCapoccia. The engine has 245k miles on it so depending on compression numbers we get I might have Martin Davidson automotive do a rebuild on it. He quoted me 3200$ yesterday, 1-2months(alas). Since I'm not dropping in the engine myself I would hate to pay my mechanic (Mario at K&H) for the install and conversion only to have issues with the engine in a year or two and have to do the rebuild then which would end up costing me more overall. At 245k I figure it's going to need to be rebuilt soonish, so might as well do it now before conversion while the rig is out of commission.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
yes, it's likely going to need rebuilding very soon, if not already. Since it's already out of the truck, you might as well have it rebuilt. The added peace of mind that the motor is solid would be well worth it, IMHO.
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- #47
My thoughts exactly. Thanks for chiming in.
I have one obstacle that my mechanic doesn't want to use the inline fuel pump and wants me to get fj62 gas tank, which I don't want to do because j just had recall done last year and have a brand spanking new tank, fuel sender and lines. He says it is for liability issues. So either I will offer to sign a liability release or if he doesn't go for that I might have to find another shop which would be a shame because I trust K&H.
I have one obstacle that my mechanic doesn't want to use the inline fuel pump and wants me to get fj62 gas tank, which I don't want to do because j just had recall done last year and have a brand spanking new tank, fuel sender and lines. He says it is for liability issues. So either I will offer to sign a liability release or if he doesn't go for that I might have to find another shop which would be a shame because I trust K&H.
I would definitely keep your 60 tank and do an inline pump. If you're going to rebuild it, why not go ahead and convert to a 2FE?
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- #49
I know there are differing opinions but it seems like the 2FE still does not have the added 20HP of 3FE. this is my main reason for not doing 2FE. Also it may seem trivial but the bolt on accessories on my F2 are all old and needing replacement (PS pump leaking, alternator low output etc) while the accessories on the 3FE engine I am getting are all 2-4 years old and in good condition.
Plus my 2f block is an '82, my understanding after some research is that the pistons on pre '86 fj60s are different and will not work with 3FE head.
also I am hoping to get a few hundred bucks perhaps for the 2F core. If i do the 2FE i will have a 3FE bottom and 2F head which is pretty much unsellable.
Plus my 2f block is an '82, my understanding after some research is that the pistons on pre '86 fj60s are different and will not work with 3FE head.
also I am hoping to get a few hundred bucks perhaps for the 2F core. If i do the 2FE i will have a 3FE bottom and 2F head which is pretty much unsellable.
or just build the 3FE with the 2F head and slap a turbo on it
As someone running a 2FE, and picking away at a FJ55 trail truck project with a second 2FE......
A 2FE has more power than a 3FE, which itself has more power than a 2F. A 2FE is a stroker version of the 3FE. A 2F head on a 3F block would be underwhelming, you would lose displacement and compression. If turbocharged.....maybe.
Is your engine out of a FJ60? If so, it will have flat top pistons and be compatible with a 3FE head.
My non-binding vote is find a good running 2F someone has pulled for a V8 or diesel swap, pay $500 for it, drop it in for cheap, and drive on. Paying a shop to work through all the little issues of an oddball swap (that’s what a 2F to 3FE or 2FE swap is) won't make cents. If yo have the skills and drive to take on the swap yourself, sure
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X2 on staying 2F.
The best way to do a 2FE or 3FE swap is to have a donor vehicle from which to pull parts because of the small items that are often needed.
Agree - the only reason I'm putting a 3FE in my '86 FJ60 is because I have a complete, running '89 FJ62 donor vehicle with 165,000 miles that I purchased for only $1,500. Pretty much everything is making the move - engine, transfer case, axles, fuel system/tank, exhaust system, steering, brakes, wiring harness, dashboard, mirrors, etc. There are a lot of subtle differences between the otherwise identical FJ60 and FJ62, and you don't discover many of them until you're in the middle of things and need to buy something else or improvise on the quick.
And it's only possible because I have plenty of time (I'm pretty much retired), adequate space to work and stage parts, room in the driveway to park both vehicles side-by-side, a 30+ year collection of tools (there's always more to buy
), 40+ years of experience working on vehicles, and the wealth of help and assistance from Mud members (and Pirate4X4).Find a good used 2F and call it a day.
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- #54
Took my newly acquired 3FE engine that I got from JohnCapoccia (thanks John!) to Martin Davidson for a rebuild! a little sad to see the trusty old 2F go but more excited to have fuel injection and get rid of the carb! (plus the added 20Hp, which having owned both a 62 and a 60 does in my opinion make a palpable difference in power)
What do you guys think of putting in a RV cam and/or shaving the head? these are 2 things that Kyle at Martin Davidson mentioned as ways to get more power/performance from the motor. I run 33"s, 4-speed manual, and drive long distances on the highway for ski trips. Don't do much mud off-roading but I need good 4wheel performance in snow. (don't want to lose too much low end torque)
Would these upgrades make a noticeable difference in acceleration/power? would I lose MPG?
Not looking to make a race car, I mainly want to be able to make it up a hill at altitude without crawling.
Once again thanks for all your thoughts and expertise!
What do you guys think of putting in a RV cam and/or shaving the head? these are 2 things that Kyle at Martin Davidson mentioned as ways to get more power/performance from the motor. I run 33"s, 4-speed manual, and drive long distances on the highway for ski trips. Don't do much mud off-roading but I need good 4wheel performance in snow. (don't want to lose too much low end torque)
Would these upgrades make a noticeable difference in acceleration/power? would I lose MPG?
Not looking to make a race car, I mainly want to be able to make it up a hill at altitude without crawling.
Once again thanks for all your thoughts and expertise!
Any updates? I'm curious how this turned out.
I'm also wondering about this same motor conversion. Any opinions?
I'm also wondering about this same motor conversion. Any opinions?