'87 FJ60 Engine Swap

[WSOPgold2012]

Is there a list of reputable shops that are doing this. Is the 5.3 Vortex the best option?

I've read thru ALOTTTTA threads...and am finding it difficult following along. Prolly because.of my old eyes + small phone. There is alotta opinions and hard to find facts .

Appreciate anyone's help that could push me in the right direction on a FJ60 motor swap

Thanks a bunch!!! my baby needs a new !!

 

[FJACS]

Depends on how you define best.

Cheapest and easiest is to rebuild the 2F

 

[tmxmotorsports]

All depends on how big your wallet is there are a couple different heart transplants where are you located

 

[FJ60Cam]

“Best” is definitely subjective.

How do you use the truck?

 

[Spike Strip]

Location helps. There are a bunch of shops around the Country that will swap motors for you - Anything from a fresh 2F to a Mercedes Diesel to a later Toyota Diesel.

What's your budget?

 

[Beams37]

What these guys said.

 

[WSOPgold2012]

Ohh wow... appreciate the responses.

We are in Colorado/Denver area....and I pretty much just use it to get up + down my mountain to my cabin at 9700'. I'd use it more but it's a dog in the mountains and the gas mileage at nearly as good as my Civic

Guess I'm looking for more power/better mpg. And that's about it...I don't really off road at all.

 

[3_puppies]

it would be cheaper to sell yours and find one already swapped than to have the swap done for you.
my WAG would put the price around $5,000-6,000 for the engine swap and associated.
do you swap in a 5 speed at the same time, add more $$'s

 

[FJ60Cam]

The V8 will definitely help with the climb out of Denver. You’ll actually be able to pass traffic up to the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Mpgs won’t improve that much though. Backroads and highway mileage goes up a good bit, but city driving and interstate is not that much better - it’s still a heavy, unaerodynamic brick.

 

[White Stripe]

Classic cruisers and Proffitt's Resurrection Land Cruisers, as well as wolf Creek rod works are 3 shops in Colorado that do v8 swaps. I'm not as familiar with wolf Creek rod works. A used 5.3 is nice because they are inexpensive and powerful and plentiful. If u need it to pass emissions that will push up the price. Price of swap will be between 18k and 30k. I get about 20MPG in my cruiser with a 5.3 doing about 70mph. But I spent more than average on the engine tune.

 

[WSOPgold2012]

Classic cruisers and Proffitt's Resurrection Land Cruisers, as well as wolf Creek rod works are 3 shops in Colorado that do v8 swaps. I'm not as familiar with wolf Creek rod works. A used 5.3 is nice because they are inexpensive and powerful and plentiful. If u need it to pass emissions that will push up the price. Price of swap will be between 18k and 30k. I get about 20MPG in my cruiser with a 5.3 doing about 70mph. But I spent more than average on the engine tune.

20mpg would be dreamy emissions not an issue. Is it worth it at $20k?? Are you happy about getting it done,?

 

[White Stripe]

20mpg would be dreamy emissions not an issue. Is it worth it at $20k?? Are you happy about getting it done,?

My 80 series is Ls swapped with a 5.3. 20MPG is taking it easy and not getting on it fyi. 18MPG is more typical if u only get on it here n their on the highway. Keep in mind not adding emissions will hamper resale value. I bought one with a botched swap for cheap and unbotched it. Was a lot of work. Is it worth 20k? Call one of those shops and see if they have one u can drive to decide for yourself. Personally I would just buy this and sell yours...
1986 Toyota Land Cruiser(PRICE REDUCED)
It's already got tons of goodies on it with nice paint and bumpers and interior, as well as a v8 and you'd be all set for less than a new 4runner. Your 60 is in ok shape, but looks like it needs paint which can be pricy. You would get a fair amount selling yours too since it's fairly original.

 

[Cruzerman]

You have to ask yourself what you are wanting to accomplish and what you are willing to pay to get there. For some, putting in a V8 is right for them. Others, it's some other motor. But for me, the Toyota motor is just fine. It is the heart and soul of this beast. If I wanted a Tahoe, I'd have bought one.

 

[Boss Hog]

Ohh wow... appreciate the responses.

We are in Colorado/Denver area....and I pretty much just use it to get up + down my mountain to my cabin at 9700'. I'd use it more but it's a dog in the mountains and the gas mileage at nearly as good as my Civic

Guess I'm looking for more power/better mpg. And that's about it...I don't really off road at all.

I’m in the same area (Denver) & feel your pain. Any mountain pass & crazy front range traffic has me considering the same. But around town & offroad is no problem (for me). Have you considered other options like fuel injection, gears & rubber o/d, &/or five speed? That’s around $9-$10k in parts & shop work. Far less than a professionally installed engine. I’m not trying to open a can of worms by arguing which, if any provide the greatest benefit. This is an argument I have with myself regularly. I have to say personally I’m in love with the tractor-like qualities of the 2F and am exploring those options as well as various engine swaps. I’ve spoken to Classic Cruisers & Robbie at Adventure Offroad in Boulder and have seen their very good work. Robbie just did my clutch. Lots of ways to skin this cat...

 

[Beams37]

Not sure on shops, but I love my 5.3. Tons of power when needed and consistent mileage. The PO did a crate motor in mine, but if I were to do stout of pocket, I would find a drop out from a Tahoe. They are abundant and will go forever.

 

[mike mooradian]

Or you could be really cool and drop in a diesel. You wouldnever regret it

 

[erse]

You wont regret a bigger engine at all when you're driving it day to day. Maybe when you sit down to do the bills but not when driving. I agree with @White Stripe buy one already done if you can with a word of caution.

Unless of course you are deeply attached to your own then just save the cash and get someone at the top of their game to do the swap. @NCFJ , @torfab , @orangefj45 come to mind, Though I am not sure if valley hybrids do full on swaps anymore?
@FJ60Cam is now doing conversions I think and they look remarkably well done. He is the new guy on the block so maybe he is hungry and offering introductory mud pricing

The longer you plan on keeping your rig and the more you use it the more the $$'s spent make sense.

Like whitestripe I bought one already done that needed much sorting out. The word of caution previously mentioned is, be careful with an already converted one. If its done poorly it could end up costing you more money and time in the long run than starting from scratch with a quality builder. Any redneck shop in the USA can slap a V8 in a big engine bay and charge you for it. Making it look and work like it belongs there is an art that very few do well.

With all that said the one whitestrip posted has been for sale for a long time and is near you and worth a look. This one looks like it might be worth investigating also. Far away from you but I am sure you can find someone local to it to check it out for you

For Sale - 1988 FJ62 5.3Vortec Swap Maryland

 

[WSOPgold2012]

Lotta great resoonses and the are appreciated. Not sure I'm any further along in making a decision but, it makes me happy knowing others love their rig as much as I do

 

[WSOPgold2012]

I’m in the same area (Denver) & feel your pain. Any mountain pass & crazy front range traffic has me considering the same. But around town & offroad is no problem (for me). Have you considered other options like fuel injection, gears & rubber o/d, &/or five speed? That’s around $9-$10k in parts & shop work. Far less than a professionally installed engine. I’m not trying to open a can of worms by arguing which, if any provide the greatest benefit. This is an argument I have with myself regularly. I have to say personally I’m in love with the tractor-like qualities of the 2F and am exploring those options as well as various engine swaps. I’ve spoken to Classic Cruisers & Robbie at Adventure Offroad in Boulder and have seen their very good work. Robbie just did my clutch. Lots of ways to skin this cat...

I'm a mechanical dud...changing a flat is about the extent of my ability. You mention some options i didn't realize we're possible ..like, fuel injection. Switching from carb to FI would be very attractive if only I'd be able to add a remote truck starter....it gets cold at 9700' and starting it up from inside would be sexy. I've tried a Kat inline radiator heater...zero success...prolly a bad install. Is switching to FI difficult??

Thanks

 

[lovetoski]

There are a couple of threads on here about going to FI.