All Toyota Engine Swap Questions...

[dshock]

Guys, I need information.

I have been looking into an engine swap for my cruiser for several months. My first choice is a 1HDT, but I have been having trouble finding engines in the US, and anyone willing to complete the conversion for under $20k, total.

I can get the swap completed in Malaysia including parts, labor, intercooler and ff rear with disks for $12.5k, but I have to get it there, and manage the swap, remotely.

So, I am rethinking the swap, a little. I have started looking into the 4.7L or 5.7L Toyota V8's. Will these engines fit?

Were either of these engines available with a manual transmission from Toyota in the US? Worldwide? I have an H55F transmission, now and I really want to keep a 5 speed (or 6 speed) transmission. I would prefer to keep the stock T-case but not sure if it is possible.

Are there other major considerations in making this swap? I will likely buy a complete vehicle, or a cut-half to make this easier.

Don't bother trying to convince me to use a SBC...not interested.

Dan

 

[PhilC64]

There is a manual trans available for those engines. Currently there are no adapter kits available to mate your H55 or T-case to the newer engine/tranny combinations.

Getting a front half to do the conversion would give you most of the parts you need but you'll also need a centered diff. since the t-case output on the newer ones are centered. (Not off set to the passenger side like the stock models)

I'm sure there are a bit more difficulty's to overcome but I've only come up with the obvious.

 

[dshock]

Any info on the manual transmission used behind them? Particularly the 4.7 as it is much more available and affordable then the 5.7.

I wonder if any of the aftermarket t-cases would work, or could be adapted?

Dan

 

[grant5127]

Cummins power plant, NV4500 trans buckled to the Toyota transfer by the use of AA adapter.........

 

[Devils Paw 80]

So, I am rethinking the swap, a little. I have started looking into the 4.7L or 5.7L Toyota V8's. Will these engines fit?

Were either of these engines available with a manual transmission from Toyota in the US?

Sure they'd fit. There's a MUD member with the 5.7 and auto in a 55, but other than that I haven't heard of any other swaps. You might check with TLC regarding the feasibility of this swap. They could do it for you, but probably at least 20K!

 

[dshock]

If I could use a later model commonrail cummins, I would consider it. But, the mechanical 4BT doesn't come close to meeting my expectation with regard to performance or refinement. I have a lot of experience with Cummins engines and for my needs, it doesn't fit the bill.

All Toyota...

Dan

 

[Devils Paw 80]

And the Cummins requires a big lift, something you may not be interested in. I wouldn't be. Regarding the manual tranny, pretty sure that one wasn't offered on USA Cruisers but perhaps on the Tundra.

 

[exrsa1]

Dan, sent you a PM.

 

[wagon4wd]

There is a manual trans available for those engines. Currently there are no adapter kits available to mate your H55 or T-case to the newer engine/tranny combinations.

Getting a front half to do the conversion would give you most of the parts you need but you'll also need a centered diff. since the t-case output on the newer ones are centered. (Not off set to the passenger side like the stock models)

I'm sure there are a bit more difficulty's to overcome but I've only come up with the obvious.

X2 on the half cut or donor rig. There's manual trans tundras out there, don't think the 4.7 was available in a tacoma with a clutch, so I think you're looking for a manual tundra. Having the trucks side by side simplifies the wiring hookups, and having a manual trans truck also means you won't have to deal with auto trans hooks in the engine's computer.

If I was doing the swap with your parameters, I'd probably use the 60 diffs and an orion behind the tundra transmission, unless you had the skill/nohow to make an adapter plate to use your H55F (don't know how well it'll like v8 power for long) or stock split case with the tundra trans (which shouldn't be all that difficult). Don't know if those adapters exist in the open market or not.

 

[calphi27]

raddcruiser up north has done the 1hdt into a 60 series iirc. pm him.

 

[effjay60]

Swap, Conversion, Transplant, Specialty Vehicles & Project Diary (Members Only) [Archive] - Lextreme: Lexus-Toyota V8 Forum

all kinds of good stuff on the link above, including drawing and specs for adapter plates

 

[zuluzeugma]

There is a manual trans available for those engines. Currently there are no adapter kits available to mate your H55 or T-case to the newer engine/tranny combinations.

Incorrect. There is company now making this adaptor... Search on the board...

I stand with others, 4BT, NV4500, Split Case, poly performance rear shafts, Longs in front...

 

[cody c]

I would suggest starting a thread in the diesel section or going through old posts in there, or getting an aussie diesel and dropping it in your cruiser. I like the toyota diesels but parts are always a pain in the buttoks.

 

[dshock]

That is why I posted a thread here about a 4.7L V-8 conversion!! I have thoroughly researched diesel swaps, and don't really have any questions about them. Now, I am investigating alternatives before I make a final decision.

If you can add info regarding a 4.7L or 5.7L V8, PLEASE HELP!

Best regards,
Dan

 

[ntsqd]

Seeing your sig, I would look at it from a slightly different perspective.

What engine would you prefer to have to diagnose & get parts for in the middle of Baja somewhere, say El Currenta? Ideally you wouldn't have to at all, but it is Baja.........

 

[dshock]

Signature is outdated a little. It will probably be years before we make another trip to Baja. Last summer we took a 2 month, 11000 mile trip. Wow, what a trip. The 2F performed ok, but man is it gutless.

Dan

 

[DBS311]

Why not get a 1/2 cut with the 12-HT? It was available in the 60 series so it will drop in a lot easier than the 1HDT.

What about the 2.8 or 3.0 (electronically controlled) that TLC is now using in their diesel conversions?

 

[dshock]

12 HT - I am a diesel snob, and the 12 HT is 30 year old technology. I am not interested in spending 10-12 k (I have to pay someone to assist with the conversion since my current job assignment in Shanghai, CN doesn't afford me the time to tackle the conversion, myself) to have a truck that is basically very similiar in performance to the original gas engine. This was considered and ruled out.

2.8HS (engine design purchased from Land Rover (300tdi)) is built in Brazil by Ford - need I say more? Ok, actually, this is a good engine, though a little small for a fully loaded 60 with over 2500#s in gear. And, due to exhange rate issues and decreased volumes late in life, the prices have gone from 3.5k to nearly 10k in the last year. Good engine, but not worth the investment for 136 bph.

Did I mention that I work for the World's largest diesel engine manufacturer, and that I have already considered all diesel alternatives?

Please advise with the gasoline conversion!! Any advice, tips, and/or leads greatly appreciated!

Dan

 

[DBS311]

Ah, yes, the 12-HT is an old design..........then again, so is your 23 year old FJ60.

IMO, info on the 4.7 and 5.7 will be hard to come by due to the $$$ involved. Most people that go this route usually end up doing the SBC instead.

Good luck with the conversion you end up going with and be sure to post the build!

 

[dshock]

Yep, good point. I guess that is why my truck still has the 2F.

As far as trucks go, I don't believe that they build them like they used to. My 23 year old truck meets my needs perfectly and suits my personality a lot better than anything being built right now!!

As far as engines go, I do believe that they have gotten a lot better with time!! And, diesel engines more so than gas engines. If I am going to spend over 10k on any engine conversion, I am going to get something that is a really good match for the truck.

And, regarding the SBC - I know that a lot of people opt for this swap because it is easy, but there is absolutely no chance that I will put a Chevy engine in any vehicle that I own!!

Did I mention my other vehicle addiction is Mopar, and I have a collection of 4 vintage Dodge Power Wagons!! I could put a Hemi in the FJ, I guess... Just kidding, it will stay all Toyota.

Dan