Builds 6.0 Vortec LQ9 - FJ60 Engine Swap - Old Blue's Heart Transplant (6 Viewers)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Threads
11
Messages
255
Location
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
IMG_2153.jpg

LQ9 Engine Swap
 
Last edited:
A little background on this rig - It had sat non-operational in a ranchers field for roughly 10 years here in Nevada. It was finally purchased by the previous owner who wanted to use it as his fishing rig. He managed to get it up running for the most part. But was a bit overwhelmed when it came to what it would take to get it “dependable”. Example (Front end seals, leaf springs, exhaust manifold, and a strange issue that caused the truck to completly stop moving after a while). It was this strange issue that landed me with what I call a “hell of a deal”.

At the time I didnt understand the “strange” issue myself. But a truck that doesnt move far isnt exactly a great selling point. So I purchased the FJ60 for $800 and began my 15 mile drive to my house.

I began noticing the truck getting slower and slower as I got closer to my house until eventually it came to a standstill a block away. No amount of gas pedal would move it. Turned it off put in neutral to see if it would roll. Nothing. So walked to my house to grab my cell, and walked back to the truck.

At the time I lived on a golf course. As i walked back down the road I noticed my new FJ sitting on the fairway about 40 yards from the street. Long story short, the front brake calipers were seized and as the rotors got hotter and hotter the truck eventually came to a complete stop. When they cooled the truck would move. (Pay no attention to the fact that I left the truck in neutral on slight incline) Mind was too busy troubleshooting why it wasnt going anywhere. Heh.

Quickly got it off the fairway and into my garage. Day 1 was a success in learning what was wrong. Luckily it was a slow day on the course.

Since then -
Front axel seals/Knuckles redone
OME springs
33” Tires
Exhaulst Manifold
Clutch
Minor this and that

Other than that she’s pretty untouched.
Pretty darn straight, minimal rust.

We are celebrating her 300k mark with a new motor! The 2F is getting pretty tired. For the past 5 years it has been and still is my daily driver. She goes by Old Blue.
 
Last edited:
All these cruisers come to that point don’t they... when the motor just needs to go. The maintenance on the 2F becomes a constant battle. This 60s forum is full of issues that develop in this 30 plus year old beast. Then we begin to dream of more power, better fuel economy and more fun. All of the sudden the swap desire kicks in with a rush of excitement. Now... go V8 or diesel. I chose the latter due to my love for everything diesel (4BT Cummins). But many on here are thrilled to stay gas and drop in a V8. Have you sourced a motor? Are you doing the swap or a shop?
 
All these cruisers come to that point don’t they... when the motor just needs to go. The maintenance on the 2F becomes a constant battle. This 60s forum is full of issues that develop in this 30 plus year old beast. Then we begin to dream of more power, better fuel economy and more fun. All of the sudden the swap desire kicks in with a rush of excitement. Now... go V8 or diesel. I chose the latter due to my love for everything diesel (4BT Cummins). But many on here are thrilled to stay gas and drop in a V8. Have you sourced a motor? Are you doing the swap or a shop?

Yeah. Motor and Transmission purchased a couple days ago. I’ll be starting on it this coming week.
 
I figure I am going to make a parts list in this post. It may be a bit pre-meditated, but better to be prepared. I will add/edit to this specific post as time goes on all the parts I am using or suggestions others have utilized. I'll try and include part numbers as time goes on as well. If it isn't here I may not have gotten to that stage yet (obviously), but appreciate suggestions. At the end the post will contain everything I utilized. I will also add PURCHASED in front of each item to keep everyone updated. This will also help me stay organized!

LQ9/4l60e to 1987 FJ60 Swap Parts List: *LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS BUILD PROGRESSES*

** PURCHASED ** Advanced Adapters Transfer Case Adapter Kit (Part #50-0408A)
50-0408A : 1997 & up GM 4L60E/ 4L65E 4 speed automatic transmission to the 1980-89 Land Cruiser 19 Spline transfer case,adapter kit. | Advance Adapters

** PURCHASED ** Muscle Car Oil Pan (Part # GM 19212593)
Chevrolet Performance Musclecar Oil Pan Kits 19212593

** PURCHASED ** Transfer Case Rebuild Kit - High Quality Transfer-case Rebuild Kits

** PURCHASED ** Camaro Exhaust Manifolds
(Part# GM 12611640 - Left) Exhaust Manifold - GM (12611640) | GMPartsDirect.com
(Part# GM 12611641 - Right) Exhaust Manifold - GM (12611639) | GMPartsDirect.com

** PURCHASED ** Camaro Exhaust Manifold Gasket
(Part# GM 12617944) Manifold Gasket - GM (12617944) | GMPartsDirect.com

** PURCHASED ** GM Motor Mounts (Part# GM 25828247)
Mount - GM (25828247) | GMPartsDirect.com

** PURCHASED ** Lokar Floor Mount Cable Shifter (Part# Lokar COS64L60EBB)
Lokar COS64L60EBM: Cable Operated Shifter 4L60E | JEGS

** PURCHASED** AC Delco Knock Sensors (2) (Part # 12589867)
ACDelco Knock Sensors 12589867

** PURCHASED** Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus Intake Manifold Gaskets (Part# MS98016T)
Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus Intake Manifold Gaskets MS98016T

** PURCHASED** FEL-PRO PermaDryPlus Valve Cover Gaskets (Part# VS50504R
Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus Valve Cover Gaskets VS50504R

** PURCHASED** Knock Sensor Wiring Harness (Part# 12601822)
Chevrolet Performance Knock Sensor Wiring Harnesses 12601822

**PURCHASED** Dual Pass Griffin Radiator (Part #1-58272-X)
Griffin UniversalFit Radiator,Part Number: 1-58272-X for All Chevy, Dodge Racer

**PURCHASED** B&M Power Steering Cooler (Part# BMM-70255)
B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers 70255

**PURCHASED** B&M Transmission Cooler (Part# BMM-70266)
B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers 70266

**PURCHASED** Cadillac Escalade Fan Blade (Part #15017911)
Dorman Mechanical Fans 621-104

**PURCHASED** Cadillac Escalade Hayden Fan Clutch (Part #2786)
Hayden Fan Clutches 2786

**PURCHASED** Wiring Harness & ECM - HOWELL EFI
https://howellefi.com

**COMPLETE** Cross Member - Custom Fabricate

**COMPLETE** Motor Mount Brackets - Custom Fabricate

**PURCHASED** ACDelco D850AGM Original Brake Light Switch
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KFZ3UM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

**PURCHASED** Custom Spray Can Color Matched Paint (For Engine Bay)
Touch Up Spray Paint | AutomotiveTouchup

**PURCHASED** Summit Racing Universal Stainless Steel Battery Tray (Part# SUM-G1201)
Summit Racing® Stainless Steel Battery Trays SUM-G1201

**PURCHASED** Mark's Adapters - Oil pressure sensor adaptor - M16 x 1.5 to 1/8" BSP (Part# MFK669G3)
Oil pressure sensor adaptor - M16 x 1.5 to 1/8

**PURCHASED** Mark's Adapters - Water temperature sensor adaptor M12 x 1.5 - M16 x 1.5 (Part# MFK707G3L)
Water temperature sensor adaptor M12 x 1.5 - M16 x 1.5

**PURCHASED** ACDelco Transmission oil cooler lines - Upper and Lower (Part#s 15809053 & 15773661)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016IV82O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016IT9HU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

**PURCHASED** Howell MAF Mass Airflow Sensor (Part# HMAF5W)
https://howellefi.com/product/ls1-ls2-ls6-ls7-98-07-5-pin-mass-air-flow-sensor/

**PURCHASED** Bando Serpentine Compressor belt (Part# 4PK960)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CAYSK6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

**PURCHASED** Bando Serpentine Belt (Part# 6PK2345)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CAXIBQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

**PURCHASED** ACDelco Flanged Idler Pulley (Part# 38009)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C9M6EM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

**PURCHASED** Walbro High Pressure In-Line Fuel Pump (Part# GSL392BX)
Walbro High-Pressure Inline Fuel Pumps GSL392BX

**PURCHASED** Walbro Electric Fuel Pump Mounts (Part# 400-939)
Walbro Electric Fuel Pump Mounts 400-939

**PURCHASED** Tanks Inc. Fuel Filter Pressure Regulator 5 Micron (Part# LS9904)
Tanks Inc. LS Fuel Filter Pressure Regulators LS9904

**PURCHASED** Russell Competition Pre-Fuel Filter 40 Micron (Part# 650133)
Russell Competition Fuel Filters 650133

**PURCHASED** Russell ProFlex Stainless Steel Braided Fuel Hose 20ft (Part# 632090)
Russell ProFlex Hose 632090

**PURCHASED** Russell Fuel Rail Fitting Adapter (Part# 640940)
Russell Fuel Rail Fitting Adapters 640940

**PURCHASED** 5/16 Russell Push on EFI Fitting (Part# 644113)
Russell Push-On EFI Fittings 644113

**PURCHASED** QTY: 2 3/8 Russell Much on EFI Fitting (Part# 644123)
Russell Push-On EFI Fittings 644123

**PURCHASED** QTY: 2 Russell AN to Metric Adapter Fitting (Part# 670470)
Russell AN to Metric Adapter Fittings 670470

**PURCHASED** QTY: 10 Summit Racing AN6 Hose Ends (Part# 220690B)
Summit Racing® Hose Ends SUM-220690B

**PURCHASED** Summit Racing AN to Tube Adapter Fitting (Part# SUM-2200077B)
Summit Racing® AN to Tube Adapter Fittings SUM-2200077B

**PURCHASED** Gates Belt Tensioner Pulley (Part# 38159)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C2UHZE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

**PURCHASED** Four Seasons Heater Valve (Part#74809)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C2QSVQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

**PURCHASED** Dorman Power Steering Pulley (Part# 300-200)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSZ4JM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

**PURCHASED** Griffen Universal Radiator Mounting Bracket (Part# KD-00050)
Griffin Universal Radiator Mounting Brackets KD-00050

**PURCHASED** Summit Racing Adjustable Aluminum Fan Shroud Kit (Part# SUM-380482-SH)
Summit Racing® Adjustable Aluminum Fan Shroud Kits SUM-380482-SH

**PURCHASED** PCV Valve (Part# ACDelco 19313318)
https://www.summitracing.com/nv/parts/ado-19313318/overview/

**PURCHASED** Griffen Radiator Cap (Part# KM-60)
https://www.summitracing.com/nv/parts/gri-km-60/overview/

**PURCHASED** QTY 2 Stainless Works O2 Bung Plug (Part# O2P)
https://www.summitracing.com/nv/parts/stw-o2p/overview/

**PURCHASED** 2010-2015 Exhaust Pipes Complete with Cats & both 02 Sensors
EBAY

**PURCHASED** Transitional Hose Splicer For Radiator Hose
1 3/4" to 1 1/2"
https://jagsthatrun.com/collections/best-sellers/products/transitional-hose-splicers

**PURCHASED** QTY 2 Radiator Hose Tees For Heater Hoses
3/4" x 3/4" x 5/8" (Tee) & 5/8" x 5/8" x 1/2" (Tee)
https://jagsthatrun.com/collections/best-sellers/products/brass-and-aluminum-tees-for-radiator-hose

**PURCHASED** Coolant Window Transitional Splicer with Air Bleed & Steam Vent
1 1/2" to 1 1/4" with 5/16 Steam Vent
https://jagsthatrun.com/collections/best-sellers/products/coolant-sight-glass

**PURCHASED** DENSO AC Condensor (Part# 8057-05239744)
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1987/toyota/land_cruiser/climate_control/a-fs-c_condenser.html

**PURCHASED** DENSO AC Receiver Drier (Part# 8057-09030401)
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1...er/climate_control/a-fs-c_receiver_drier.html

**PURCHASED** DENSO AC Expansion Valve (Part# W0133-1622760)
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1...r/climate_control/a-fs-c_expansion_valve.html

**PURCHASED** DENSO AC Evaporator (Part# W0133-1748697)
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1987/toyota/land_cruiser/climate_control/a-fs-c_evaporator.html

**PURCHASED** LS Swap AC Compressor Adapter Fittings Size #8 & #10 (Part# DENSO 10S17F & 10S20F)
EBAY

**PURCHASED** #10 45 Degree O-Ring R-134 13mm Suction Port Fitting
https://coldhose.com

**PURCHASED** #8 90 Degree O-Ring R-134 16mm Discharge Port Fitting
https://coldhose.com

AirRaid Intake

Accelerator Pedal - Cut Escalade Pedal - Weld Toyota Pedal

Dual in - Single Out Exhaust

*This list is almost done*
 
Last edited:
If you get your hands on some TLC motor mounts, the corvette manifolds won't fit. The hookers may or you can use camaro manifolds.
 
If you get your hands on some TLC motor mounts, the corvette manifolds won't fit. The hookers may or you can use camaro manifolds.
Thanks for the heads up. Previous experiences always welcome. I believe the corvette manifolds have a bit of a run in with AA motors mounts too.
 
Thanks for the heads up. Previous experiences always welcome. I believe the corvette manifolds have a bit of a run in with AA motors mounts too.
They do, I had to trim my mounts a bit to get the C6 manifolds to clear, but it didn’t take away from the integrity of the AA mounts.
 
Ok without further ado - lets get this show on the road.

First off I am swapping a LQ9 6.0 mated to a 4l60e 2WD Transmission into a 1987 FJ60. The motor came out of a 2004 AWD Cadillac Escalade with 104k miles on it.

It was originally mated to a 4L65e AWD transmission. I was lucky enough to have the option of swapping it with the 4l60e 2WD transmission instead. There are many different transmission options, however I chose to stay with what was originally mated to LQ9 motors. I believe 4L65, 4l60 or 4l80 were all options for the LQ9. If you wish to keep the 19 spline Toyota stock transfer case you will need the longer 2WD output shaft on any of these.

This leaves ya with 2 options - tear apart the AWD/4WD transmission and replace the output shaft with a longer 2WD output shaft or find a 2WD transmission from the get go. The reason you need a longer output shaft is to accommodate an adapter that runs between the transmission and stock Toyota Transfer case. (For me it is an Advanced Adapter part #50-0408A). - I realize this is common knowledge for those who have done these swaps, but it may help someone new to this whole process as I am. I’m sure someone will say the 4l65e is a stronger transmission and you may be correct. However, I decided against it, bought the the 4l60e and as any good used car salesman will say “All sales are final”

I prefer to make the process as simple as possible as this is my First Motor Swap (yep you read that right) so I opted to just go with a 2WD from the get go. One less step.

You may notice this build is brought to you outside in the comfort of a beautifully landscaped backyard. This wasn’t my first option.

Option A. Air conditioned Mega Shop

Access denied.
I know of 2 Shops I could utilize. The First so new it still doesn’t have electrical to it. No Bueno. The 2nd I will utilize during the finer moments but is to jammed packed with other projects to accommodate the entire duration of my build.

Option B - My garage

Access Denied I own an Outdoor Adventure company - Translation - it looks like an REI threw up and has no room. A positive or negative depending on where you stand.

Option C - My Driveway

Access Denied
I Live in Lake Tahoe. Flat driveways are hard to come by. Neighbors that love the idea of fellow neighbors tearing apart a FJ60 in a driveway next door even more difficult to find.

Option D - Backyard build

Access granted
I figure Overcoming adversity will be a central theme throughout the build so may as well start it off in a similar fashion.
————————

Lets get to the theatrics. As mentioned above this will be my 1st swap. I am throwing myself to the wolves. Which in my opinion is the best way to learn anything. Any help, suggestions, constructive criticism, humor or full frontal nudity is welcome. (That last bit was just to make sure you’re still reading my long winded intro - someone got excited out there ... or offended. :hmm:

Day 1 - Got a late start today, but should have the front clip off tomorrow and the old motor pulled by Friday.

2F is patiently awaiting retirement. 300k is a hell of a run. She’s just getting tired. I’d trust it with another 100k if I didn’t have high elevation passes to climb each day.

1414F360-084C-4D25-BD4A-E31E6A9F91C3.jpeg
311C7F2D-D513-40AD-8C76-FEBBA33C0099.jpeg

Stay Tuned....... :beer:
 
"Access denied"
"Access denied"
"Access denied"
"Access granted" :lol:

Looking forwards to the project. I'm more looking forwards to seeing how you use the engine hoist on what looks like dirt. :)
 
"Access denied"
"Access denied"
"Access denied"
"Access granted" :lol:

Looking forwards to the project. I'm more looking forwards to seeing how you use the engine hoist on what looks like dirt. :)
Yeah crossed my mind as well before I began and was looking at options. Ground is flat gravel. Theory is a few 3/4 plywood sheets. We’ll see. If not I have access to a tractor that can lift it out and make short work of a futile situation.
 
You're gonna love it when it's done... but it's no small feat to get there. :rofl:

My build thread (in the sig) may have a few hints you find helpful. I went the manual trans route but engine installation and integration issues there are covered pretty well. I also have a spreadsheet with part numbers and costs. Guess I ought to share that, but sometimes it hurts to look at it!
 
Following along...just in case, you know, I get a 60 some day...and if some day after that, it needs a V8 swap. Nice score, by the way!!!

Okay, I enjoy threads with humor and appreciate your willingness to document everything so thoroughly. I'll drink some bourbon and watch from the sidelines.
 
Making progress. Radiator and Front Clip off. Taking off anything that will bind up a smooth transition as I pull it out. This portion is all pretty self explanitory. Nothing too complicated. Find what need to come off and take it off. Decided to label everything with blue painters tape and a sharpie. Easier now than when I’m trying to figure out what went where.

Drivelines will come off this eve. Should be close to ready for the cherry picker by around noon tomorrow. If not - Friday for sure.

This portion of the build was sponsored by Bud Light. (As can be seen below)

Disclaimer - its all that was available within walking distance..... to the fridge. :D

37F60E6E-48BB-4958-8AE7-3FAC7555A300.jpeg
E0E55FE9-236F-4954-9614-0603B4D7B98C.jpeg
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom