Registry 8x Series V8 Swaps (16 Viewers)

[azcrackshot]

Any chance you are passing through Nashville on your return trip? Sure would like to take a look at the conversion.

I wish we were....Love Nashville. We are going the southern route mainly cause I need to stop in Dallas and to avoid the midwest weather. Anytime you are in AZ send me a message.

 

[azcrackshot]

Wish I could get over that way this morning but it's just not gonna happen... Safe travels and put up some. Pics/video...

Thanks man. Pictures soon to follow.

 

[azcrackshot]

could you take a more overhead picture of the engine, im curious about the passenger side of your engine if I can keep my alternator there or not

Absolutely. I will get some pics posted for you. Give me a little time for the drive and the appropriate weather.

 

[azcrackshot]

Was going to say this. That looks like the cleanest most wrench friendly engine bay I have ever seen. I would also like to see a more overhead shot if you get around to it.

Thanks for the kind words. It eases the pain my bank account suffered with this build.

 

[JeepinPete]

That is definitely a clean swap. Too clean to take and get all dirty

Two questions. Is that intake pipe something available off the shelf, or custom? Where is the MAF sensor?

 

[bloc]

Two questions. Is that intake pipe something available off the shelf, or custom? Where is the MAF sensor?

I thought about using that pipe as well, but it seems the engine position vertically and same intake manifold is very important to make it work on other trucks..

Also guessing they went speed/density on the engine tune, making the MAF unneeded. That or all ERods are MAFless?

 

[Squad1]

I'm curious too. I can tell you that the truck intake lives up at just about the same height as the factory air cleaner. I just cut off the flange and used a 135 degree bend that I extended 3" to reach. The tubing is 3.5" aluminum and the maf is mounted to a flange right next to the air filter coupler ( on the back side) . My install uses the factory 2013 maf. I found a mounting flange at ict billet for $20 . link below
LS3 MAF Mass Air Flow Sensor Weld Bung (for LS Custom Intake Tube)
I'm curious how it will run after I get the ecm tuned this week

 

[azcrackshot]

That is definitely a clean swap. Too clean to take and get all dirty

Two questions. Is that intake pipe something available off the shelf, or custom? Where is the MAF sensor?

LOL ....It will be getting used in the dirt and mud more than before since it actually has the power to pull my RTT Trailer up the hills now. The intake pipe is a one off custom built from Horsepower Solutions. MAF sensor is in the intake pipe.

 

[steven17]

For anyone that has used the marks adapters to a 4l80, how did you get the xfer case shifter to bolt into the intended spot? On their website they state that the shifter bolts onto the adapter, and its very obvious where it is supposed to be bolted but it would require me to shorten the shift linkage a few inches which would make me need to change the shifter hole into the cruiser. I will probably have to fab up an extender to put the shifter where it needs to go...

 

[MarkN]

View attachment 1383445 For anyone that has used the marks adapters to a 4l80, how did you get the xfer case shifter to bolt into the intended spot? On their website they state that the shifter bolts onto the adapter, and its very obvious where it is supposed to be bolted but it would require me to shorten the shift linkage a few inches which would make me need to change the shifter hole into the cruiser. I will probably have to fab up an extender to put the shifter where it needs to go...

I had to modify my bracket to work with the 4l60e. It seems to be common thing to do on many swaps.

 

[aktundra]

The 80 series came with two different tranny's. I had assumed the two were different lengths, and Marks was designed for one of them.

Notice 2 different shifters in this thread. Not sure if they came from different tranny's

T case spacers for 2" body lift

 

[bloc]

Also the marks kits are generally designed for RHD chassis.. for which the transfer shifter is in a different spot.

 

[Squad1]

I realize this doesn't directly solve your problem because my adapter is for a 6L80E but I had to do something similar on my '96.
I had to buy a '91-'94 shifter with the square bolt pattern ( although it's not exactly square) to replace the rectangular one I had. Marks adapter also put my shifter to low and to far to the side to fit up through the floor correctly. I was a little disappointed in the location that they had the boss ,so I had to machine a simple adapter to move it where it needed to be. maybe this will give you and idea how to make yours work

 

[half k cruiser]

@azcrackshot I can't believe no one has asked your average mpg yet.

 

[azcrackshot]

@azcrackshot I can't believe no one has asked your average mpg yet.

That's a good point. I really haven't hand calculated it yet because most of the trip home the throttle seemed to be close to the floor for some reason.

I need to go out for a spin and run some numbers. My guess right now based on the fuel stops and distances is around 15 mpg. Previously with the stock motor and trans I hand calculated 11.5 mpg. I did enjoy running 80 mph most of the way home at 2200 rpm in 6th. My 80 has a 4" lift and weighs over 6K and I run 35" KM2 mud tires and heavy wheels. I would bet with stock height and standard wheels and tires one could get 18 to 19 mpg. Give me some time to get an accurate number and I will post it. Considering the horsepower and torque has double I would be very happy with the same or better gas milage I had before. That's just my thought on it and to be honest after driving it with the 6.2 / 6L80E combo I am not sure how much the milage matters to me. It is fun to drive and it's not my daily driver.

 

[JeepinPete]

Last fall I took the family on a two week road trip up to NH. The original intention was to traverse Maine through the North Woods out to Bar Harbor, but due to a variety of factors, I decided against it once we got to the border.

We were packed to the gills weight wise. Popup camper in tow, four kayaks on top of that, but water and supplies for a week. The LC was maxed out, especially with the oversize tires. When we were on the highway, half the time was spent in 2nd gear wound out between 3k and 4k rpm. I average 8mpg over 1600 miles. I took the rig to the local scales after the trip, GCVW was 12k. Here is a picture of the rig:

I am relatively new to Toyotas, always been a Jeep guy. But I have owned the Cruiser for 3+ years now and am very happy with it, other than towing power. I am towing enough between the camper and hauling home coal for heat (5500 lbs) that I feel it is prudent to correct the situation.

I see two options. One is to sell the LC and but a early mid 2000 Tahoe/Suburban 2500. Pro's are the drive train is already stout, trucks are solid. Con's are they are huge, IFS, and lower quality interiors IMO. Second option is to re-power the LC. Pro's are more power in a truck I already like. Con's are a possible reduction in drive train reliability.

So why am I writing all of this? Mainly trying to get my thoughts in order. I've done a 5.3l swap a couple times, a Northstar swap in a Fiero, and a 289 SBF in a CJ5. It is fair to say I cannot leave well enough alone .

I am strongly considering swapping an GM 8.1L with a NV4500 or 4L80E into my Cruiser. Why? For me several reasons. It is something a bit different. It will loaf in this application. It is a 300k mile motor. The mpg will likely be better than the 1FZ, but probably inferior to any LS based engine. Torque will be abundant. Finally, I have a line on a wrecked van that will ultimately net me the engine and trans for a couple hundred bucks max.

Some con's

- Weight at ~750lbs dressed. Still 400 lbs lighter than a Cummings.
- Abundant torque, 355 ft lbs at idle, 455 ft lbs at 3200 rpm. I could see this tearing up axles, but guys are succeeding with Cummins swaps, and the torque delivery of a V8 gasser should be gentler than a 6 pot diesel.
- Physical size will cramp the engine bay.
- Fuel mileage. My 1fz gets 12mpg of a good day as the truck sits. Dragging around the trailer sends that down to 8mpg. Research online shows the 8.1 returning 12 mpg in 8k lb trucks, and dropping to 8mpg moving a load twice as heavy as I ever will. My LC is not an everyday driver, so max MPGs is not a driving criteria.

So pick this plan apart, what am I missing?

 

[azcrackshot]

Last fall I took the family on a two week road trip up to NH. The original intention was to traverse Maine through the North Woods out to Bar Harbor, but due to a variety of factors, I decided against it once we got to the border.

We were packed to the gills weight wise. Popup camper in tow, four kayaks on top of that, but water and supplies for a week. The LC was maxed out, especially with the oversize tires. When we were on the highway, half the time was spent in 2nd gear wound out between 3k and 4k rpm. I average 8mpg over 1600 miles. I took the rig to the local scales after the trip, GCVW was 12k. Here is a picture of the rig:

I am relatively new to Toyotas, always been a Jeep guy. But I have owned the Cruiser for 3+ years now and am very happy with it, other than towing power. I am towing enough between the camper and hauling home coal for heat (5500 lbs) that I feel it is prudent to correct the situation.

I see two options. One is to sell the LC and but a early mid 2000 Tahoe/Suburban 2500. Pro's are the drive train is already stout, trucks are solid. Con's are they are huge, IFS, and lower quality interiors IMO. Second option is to re-power the LC. Pro's are more power in a truck I already like. Con's are a possible reduction in drive train reliability.

So why am I writing all of this? Mainly trying to get my thoughts in order. I've done a 5.3l swap a couple times, a Northstar swap in a Fiero, and a 289 SBF in a CJ5. It is fair to say I cannot leave well enough alone .

I am strongly considering swapping an GM 8.1L with a NV4500 or 4L80E into my Cruiser. Why? For me several reasons. It is something a bit different. It will loaf in this application. It is a 300k mile motor. The mpg will likely be better than the 1FZ, but probably inferior to any LS based engine. Torque will be abundant. Finally, I have a line on a wrecked van that will ultimately net me the engine and trans for a couple hundred bucks max.

Some con's

- Weight at ~750lbs dressed. Still 400 lbs lighter than a Cummings.
- Abundant torque, 355 ft lbs at idle, 455 ft lbs at 3200 rpm. I could see this tearing up axles, but guys are succeeding with Cummins swaps, and the torque delivery of a V8 gasser should be gentler than a 6 pot diesel.
- Physical size will cramp the engine bay.
- Fuel mileage. My 1fz gets 12mpg of a good day as the truck sits. Dragging around the trailer sends that down to 8mpg. Research online shows the 8.1 returning 12 mpg in 8k lb trucks, and dropping to 8mpg moving a load twice as heavy as I ever will. My LC is not an everyday driver, so max MPGs is not a driving criteria.

So pick this plan apart, what am I missing?

Let me give this some thought after I pull my trailer. You will get some feedback from others as well. I would like to see how the 6.2 / 6L80E combo does towing up some hills and then report back to you. The 6.2 is better in my opinion then the 5.3 for towing and mountain passes. It reminds me of riding a KTM 500 versus the 250 or 450. They tractor up the hills without having to rev them. You can lug a 6.2 up a hill with less effort then the 5.3 and the 8.1 would even be better at this. Gas milage probably sucks with the 8.1 / 4L80 combo. Let me get back to you after I have factual data rather then guessing.

 

[azcrackshot]

could you take a more overhead picture of the engine, im curious about the passenger side of your engine if I can keep my alternator there or not

Does this help? My cell camera does not go wide enough. Let me get the wife's camera out in a few days.

 

[JeepinPete]

BTW AZ, like the trailer...

Obviously before the tires were upsized. There is two tons of coal in the trailer in that picture, trailer hardly even knows it. The rear suspension of the LC on the other hand...

 

[bloc]

Uh Oh...

L92 All-aluminum 6.2L 403hp/417tq (on premium) out of an 08 escalade, and the 6L80E that came with it. 120K on both but I did really well on price, considering what I'm seeing these things go for on ebay with northeastern levels of rust. This was a Houston, TX truck.. very little corrosion. Got everything I need from the donor chassis as well.. including the body control module. I'm going to see if I can integrate that thing to control the p/n interlock, reverse lights, cruise control, etc.

Just realized a small nipple on the intake manifold is broken off.. not sure how difficult that is going to be to deal with. Also I broke off an exhaust bolt pulling the manifolds.. Apparently this is VERY common on gen3&4 LS engines.

Has anyone considered using toyota O2 sensor studs & copper nuts? From my reading they are the same thread..

I'll soon be ordering the adapter from marks, manifolds, motor mounts, and a few other things I need to get started placing the engine in the bay. Waiting to order an oil pan until I can take some measurements and determine if my idea for an 8-qt LS3 pan will work. Until then I'll be stripping the block and cleaning things up. I do intend to replace all rubber seals/gaskets.. maybe do the head gaskets too once I get the valve covers off and see how dirty things are in there.