Not sure, I should have taken pics before the wrap.... I was able to get a local guy to do it.
Registry 3FE Owners Check-In (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter alkaline747trio
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but they are longer pipes though in order to reach the Y-pipe? I'd like to get something like that rather than put some blank pipes where the cats are removed.
No, I had to have pipes welded in place of the cats, I looked for quite a while to see if I could get some headers and pipes but there is not a lot of support for the 3fe unless your in Australia...
I see. Thanks
I would also be down for a video call if you have any questions about the 3fe or anything else about the cruiser
Sweet! I appreciate the support here. I’ll take you up on the offer as well. Will be on the cruisers maiden voyage and out of cell service tomorrow morning till Monday evening but will reach out when I get back
Thought I would have a 3FE check in. I have owned my '91 FJ80 for a little over 3 years at this point. I don't daily drive it anymore, I just use it as a weekend rig. I know that is a huge luxury to be able to do that. The rig is running good, and I just rolled past 180k last weekend on a weekend camping trip to the OR coast. Just stayed in a state park, you could access the campsite in a slammed import car. Anyhow, I love the FJ80 specifically. I really like the early 80 series for its more utilitarian and rugged interior, and just what comes off as a commercial vehicle or heavy duty feel going down the road. I like its clunks, its lines, the solid front axle, the coil suspension, and its looks.
I don't like the low power and extreme inefficiency of the ancient 3FE engine. I do like the 3FE's early torque availability, the fact that it is at least fuel injected, and that it is a straight 6. But lets be honest, the motor is a turd and it eats gas and puts out a ton of heat. The fuel mileage is really bad, and the fact that the US market models came with a 25 gallon fuel tank is pathetic.
I am dreaming about a Chevrolet engine swap, but I don't have the space, or the skills - presently at least, to pull that off. I think I could do it though. Just thinking....what about you all?
I don't like the low power and extreme inefficiency of the ancient 3FE engine. I do like the 3FE's early torque availability, the fact that it is at least fuel injected, and that it is a straight 6. But lets be honest, the motor is a turd and it eats gas and puts out a ton of heat. The fuel mileage is really bad, and the fact that the US market models came with a 25 gallon fuel tank is pathetic.
I am dreaming about a Chevrolet engine swap, but I don't have the space, or the skills - presently at least, to pull that off. I think I could do it though. Just thinking....what about you all?
But it's an extremely reliable turd. Recognizing that everyone's needs differ, here's my thinking on the matter:
It's important to keep the FJ80 in context: It comes from an era in which the US was just moving to 65 MPH speed limits. Relative to modern power and highway speeds, what was then already slow is now much slower.
I daydream about a 23 mpg 2.8 Cummins repower. Or making better use of its power with a 5-speed manual. But then I come back to the fact that, after 27 years, the 3FE is still chugging along perfectly, and will likely out-survive every other part on the truck.
From what I can tell, slowness and inefficiency are costs borne by designers who put extreme durability and reliability first. That, and a motor that still chugs along perfectly after nearly three decades, is quintessentially Land Cruiser.
For me, rolling with it is in part a nod to the dignity of engineering for extreme reliability.
As for inefficiency and slowness, I doubled my fuel capacity to do away with range stress and plan for highway speeds of about 63 mph -- not because it won't go faster, but because that's where it feels happy.
For dirt touring--for galloping down endless dirt roads at 30 mph--the 3FE FJ80 is a dream, and that's my primary use. Maybe I'll change my mind and repower someday, but I doubt that will be for the 3FE giving up.
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I appreciate the reply Twilly. I maybe had one too many beers when I wrote that post.
I was dreaming about more power for the old girl, and frustrated at how much an engine conversion would cost. Overall I love my crusier, but sometimes I do get frustrated at the fuel economy when coupled with very low power. Pulling down 9-12mpg while netting 155HP (when new anyhow) totally stinks. I feel like it might be easier to stomach that fuel economy if it was coupled with gobs of power.I do appreciate the fact that it is 28 years old and still runs great. I agree, out on the backroads and trails, it is a nice power plant. Driving down the highway though, its not so great. That was an excellent point you made when putting the 3FE in context of the time the vehicle was released. Dating myself here, but 1991 was the year I got my driver license. I can think back on all of the low powered cars back then. The amount of power that cars put out now is pretty nuts, so it is a great point to keep in perspective that the FJ80 is a big durable beast from a bygone era!
Honestly, the most effective performance upgrade I did on my 3FE was moving from Albuquerque, NM to Portland, OR. That -5,000' of elevation is no joke. It is a noticeable difference! A cross country move can be pretty expensive though, so not necessarily a budget option.
Ditto on the Cummins 2.8 repower! I think that would be a good option for the FJ80.
What did you do to double your fuel capacity? I have a couple wavian nato style jerry cans. That is an all right solution, but I have been considering the Long Range Automotive 37 gallon replacement tank that is being sold by Long Range America. Another 12 gallons would be great, and not having to deal with jerry cans would be more convenient.
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I appreciate the reply Twilly. I maybe had one too many beers when I wrote that post.
I do appreciate the fact that it is 28 years old and still runs great. I agree, out on the backroads and trails, it is a nice power plant. Driving down the highway though, its not so great. That was an excellent point you made when putting the 3FE in context of the time the vehicle was released. Dating myself here, but 1991 was the year I got my driver license. I can think back on all of the low powered cars back then. The amount of power that cars put out now is pretty nuts, so it is a great point to keep in perspective that the FJ80 is a big durable beast from a bygone era!
Honestly, the most effective performance upgrade I did on my 3FE was moving from Albuquerque, NM to Portland, OR. That -5,000' of elevation is no joke. It is a noticeable difference! A cross country move can be pretty expensive though, so not necessarily a budget option.
Ditto on the Cummins 2.8 repower! I think that would be a good option for the FJ80.
What did you do to double your fuel capacity? I have a couple wavian nato style jerry cans. That is an all right solution, but I have been considering the Long Range Automotive 37 gallon replacement tank that is being sold by Long Range America. Another 12 gallons would be great, and not having to deal with jerry cans would be more convenient.
Good stuff.
So, I got my license in 1990. Two years later came our spanking new 80 series, which I later purchased in 2004 or so to keep it in the family. I remember distinctly how slow it was even as a new truck, and even by those days' standards.
It was many things awesome, but also damn slow.
It is astounding how much power the 3FE picks up at lower elevation. Sometimes, when driving out of Flagstaff--all ways downhill--I wonder if the acceleration owes more to oxygen than gravity.
As to fuel capacity, I added a 24 gallon Long Range Automotive tank. It works great. I once drive from Flagstaff to Aspen to the top of Pearl Pass and then back down valley past Glenwood Springs to some small town whose name I've forgotten all on one tank. It was like 670 miles. I still had a sliver in reserve.
I could be wrong, but I seem to recall that the 37 gallon replacement tank is configured for the 93-97 80 series but not our trucks. But, if it does fit, it would be a great option, especially in that, unlike the aux tank, it puts the weight between the axles. If there's one reservation I have about the aux tank, it's the placement of that weight aft of the rear axle.
That is awesome your LC has been in your family since new, and funny that you and I are the same age. Your folks must have been pretty cool to have purchased a '92 FJ80 off the lot new. That thing is an heirloom! Come to think of it, my dad bought a first gen '91 isuzu trooper new. It had a 5 speed manual and a general motors 2.8 v6. That thing was also slow. I just looked it up, and it was a GM LL2 - it put out 125HP (1k lbs lighter vehicle though). Sheesh. Once again, more perspective on the 3FE in its time period.
You are right about the 37 gallon tank from Long Range Automotive. It is just listed for the 93-97. I was getting it mixed up with a replacement tank that Man-a-fre sells, or at least did sell up until recently. I appreciate the example of the trip you took thanks to your 24 gallon sub tank. I grew up in NM, so I am familiar with the distances and towns you are talking about. That is an impressive run in an FJ80. That really sounds like it would be a seriously worthwhile upgrade, and one that I could more reasonably afford (as opposed to a professional engine swap). The range issue and power are two things I would like to tackle. In reality though, I am just going to live with the power. Solving the range issue would be fantastic though.
I appreciate your input, you talked me off the 3FE cliff. Going into the purchase of my rig, I was attracted to the lower prices that the FJ80s were commanding. At the time I knew I wasn't buying this rig for quick blasts down the highway, I was buying it as a classic adventure rig with an awesome pedigree. Sometimes I loose sight of that. I think I might be starting an aux tank fund too. That might lead to a rear bumper though for the spare...this dang hobby.....Ih8cash.
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The 3F-E is far from a turd IMO, it's great for what it's made to do and I find it interesting that the 60 series crew isn't constantly griping about them (?). The FJ80 is not a zippy highway vehicle and the MPG is what it is - that said I get 15mpg highway.
When you desmoged your fj80 did you totally remove your 02 sensors?
Replaced the oil pan gasket tonight. My engine bay is clean, it wasn't clean enough. F that noise. Took it off with a bottle jack. Bought an OEM gasket from Toyota on amazon and the dry fit around the humps was awful. Returned it and bought one from my local dealer for pretty much the same price, also awful. gooped it with "The Right Stuff" and slapped it on.
I have yet to put oil into but the way the gasket fit the pan I am not confident that it wont leak. It seemed to fit the block fine but the pan is another story. I recommend torquing it down twice before you slide out, I will probably hit it again before I drop the rig tomorrow. Cork needs time to settle.
I might have also painted my oil pan John Deer green after cleaning it.
I have yet to put oil into but the way the gasket fit the pan I am not confident that it wont leak. It seemed to fit the block fine but the pan is another story. I recommend torquing it down twice before you slide out, I will probably hit it again before I drop the rig tomorrow. Cork needs time to settle.
I might have also painted my oil pan John Deer green after cleaning it.
Purchased this thing about 6 weeks ago.
Vehicle: 1997 40th Anniversary Edition. 253K Miles on the clock
Location: Springfield, VA
So far I have put close to $5K into it. Replaced lots of stuff like the radiator, alternator, water pump, thermostat, drive shaft, and all of the areas where it's known to leak. Recently did the front main seal and oil pump gasket (It was leaking about 1 qt oil every 50 miles).
New carpet, new seat covers, new steering wheel leather, etc... Also getting body work and paint job on it very soon. Really excited to be part of this community!
Vehicle: 1997 40th Anniversary Edition. 253K Miles on the clock
Location: Springfield, VA
So far I have put close to $5K into it. Replaced lots of stuff like the radiator, alternator, water pump, thermostat, drive shaft, and all of the areas where it's known to leak. Recently did the front main seal and oil pump gasket (It was leaking about 1 qt oil every 50 miles).
New carpet, new seat covers, new steering wheel leather, etc... Also getting body work and paint job on it very soon. Really excited to be part of this community!
Yes, keep that faded paint. Gives it character. clay bar it, compound rub it by hand and put a coat of wax on it. It will develop a fantastic patina. My paint looks like some kind of textured wall paper to the touch and has a sheen to it that could not be duplicated in a 100 years. Enjoy your project.
Man your truck looks awesome! What tire size are you running? That set up looks like exactly what I want
