Any reputable shops for V8/LS conversion? (1 Viewer)

[Last Flight Out]

....asking for a friend, but couldn't reference any shops in my mind who does this. He does not want to go the DIY route...Maybe RedLine has does this in the past, but anyone have any recs in the USA who does a good job (meaning really does things the right way, and cost is not a huge concern).

I always thought that Anything Scout has a good reputation and LS Swap market - for you Scout owners out there with their driveability conversions. And who doesn't like a Scout II these days

 

[cruisermatt]

www.CruiserMatts.com

 

[Last Flight Out]

www.CruiserMatts.com

View attachment 3752296

Nice @cruisermatt

 

[cruisermatt]

still a few details to finish on that project. Fan shroud and some hose clamps that are a little too long
I also can't stand shiny radiators.

 

[Last Flight Out]

still a few details to finish on that project. Fan shroud and some hose clamps that are a little too long
I also can't stand shiny radiators.

Is that a crate LS or "gently used"?

 

[cruisermatt]

Is that a crate LS or "gently used"?

It's a rebuilt 5.3.

 

[White Stripe]

Try proffitts. They do nice work.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

For what it's worth, I think engine swaps are a bit like surgical procedures. You want to go to the surgeon who specializes in knee replacements, rather than the generalist who does one occasionally.

You want to take your FJ40 to a shop that has done the swap you want done - many times. They’ve “been there, done that” and know the drill. They know what parts they need, and where to get them.They have the swap down to a routine procedure, which means they can do it properly and more quickly; which saves you money. But it’s also imperative that they really sweat the details so the finished product looks like the vehicle left the factory that way. That’s a level of craftsmanship that’s hard to find, and usually expensive when you do.

I think it’s also important that you establish a relationship, and open lines of communication; so they know exactly what your expectations are, and similarly, you know exactly what you’ll receive.

The reality, at least in my experience, is that things will be discovered after the project starts that neither you, nor the shop, were anticipating. That will drive the cost up as those things are addressed. So the relationship and trust both ways are important.

By way of example, and this has nothing to do with FJ40s, I’m also a sixties Corvette guy. I bought a 1966 Corvette with the big motor and it was a mess. I wanted a car I could be proud of, and I don’t have the knowledge or skill set necessary to achieve that. I had the car restored by a guy who I think does world-class work. The original cost estimate went out the window pretty early on. But the quality of the workmanship was exceptional, and he more than bent over backward on multiple occasions. Yeah, I spent significantly more than I anticipated, but I got a finished product that far exceeds my expectations. At the end of the day I got a fantastic car, and I made a friend.

I don’’t think it gets better than that….

 

[Last Flight Out]

For what it's worth, I think engine swaps are a bit like surgical procedures. You want to go to the surgeon who specializes in knee replacements, rather than the generalist who does one occasionally.

You want to take your FJ40 to a shop that has done the swap you want done - many times. They’ve “been there, done that” and know the drill. They know what parts they need, and where to get them.They have the swap down to a routine procedure, which means they can do it properly and more quickly; which saves you money. But it’s also imperative that they really sweat the details so the finished product looks like the vehicle left the factory that way. That’s a level of craftsmanship that’s hard to find, and usually expensive when you do.

I think it’s also important that you establish a relationship, and open lines of communication; so they know exactly what your expectations are, and similarly, you know exactly what you’ll receive.

The reality, at least in my experience, is that things will be discovered after the project starts that neither you, nor the shop, were anticipating. That will drive the cost up as those things are addressed. So the relationship and trust both ways are important.

By way of example, and this has nothing to do with FJ40s, I’m also a sixties Corvette guy. I bought a 1966 Corvette with the big motor and it was a mess. I wanted a car I could be proud of, and I don’t have the knowledge or skill set necessary to achieve that. I had the car restored by a guy who I think does world-class work. The original cost estimate went out the window pretty early on. But the quality of the workmanship was exceptional, and he more than bent over backward on multiple occasions. Yeah, I spent significantly more than I anticipated, but I got a finished product that far exceeds my expectations. At the end of the day I got a fantastic car, and I made a friend.

I don’’t think it gets better than that….

Thanks for the detail....Ill pass this on to him. And I agree 100% - that is why I referenced a place like Anything Scout (above) as they have perfected an LS swap into that older chassis, but for $53k, you get all the things below...because they have perfected this install and upgrade. Many times when I listen to the owner of Anything Scout speak on podcasts, he does reference your 'surgery' reference above and makes a point that sure, you can go to someone and they will do a LS swap for say $7k, but they do not have a proven pattern or process for this and have figured out all the little nuances that one can expect. Really fascinating company really....here's what they do - above and beyond just putting a new lump in the engine bay:

• Conversion to a modern GM powertrain – engine, transmission, and transfer case.
• All new wiring – Not just wiring for the new engine: A complete, headlights-to-taillights rewire!
• Entirely new fuel system, including our custom 30-gallon tank, in-tank fuel pump, pressure regulator, filters, hoses, etc.
• Completely new cooling system, with our LS-specific aluminum radiator and fan shroud, and a brand new OEM water pump and thermostat.
• Totally new 3" exhaust system.
• Comprehensive rebuild of the existing power brake and power steering systems, even including all new stainless brake hardlines.
• Fresh paint for the engine bay, along with standard powdercoating of steering knuckles, brake backing plates, heater box, battery tray, and several other components.
• Heavy-duty Tom Wood's driveshafts, new ball joints, suspension bushings, bearings and seals at all four wheels, and thorough inspections of the front and rear differentials.
• Integration of the factory gauges and stock shifters - Climb inside and you'll still see the Scout you know and love!
• Time allotted to improve door and hood alignment, lubricate latch and roll-up window mechanisms, refresh dash knobs and controls, etc.

 

[bkfj40]

Do you have a certain region in the world you are wanting this conversion done? Does it have to meet any emissions standards?

 

[clrussell]

still a few details to finish on that project. Fan shroud and some hose clamps that are a little too long
I also can't stand shiny radiators.

That looks absolutely fantastic

 

[Pighead]

Two names come to mind, Mudrak or Georg

 

[Wasatch Jay]

White Stripe mentioned Proffitt’s….

I had Proffitt’s install the LS1 and NV4500 in my FJ40, but that was many years ago. Back then they were doing mostly Chevrolet Ramjet 350 crate engine swaps, and I think mine was the first LS1 they did. This was also what I’ll call the “Original Proffitt’s”.

If my understanding is correct, and it’s probably off at least a little, I think it was the son of Larry Miller (of Larry Miller Auto Group fame) who was/is a big LandCruiser guy and they bought Proffitts, or part of Proffitt’s, and moved at least some of the operation to Utah. Jeremiah is back in Colorado in a new and much larger shop than the “Original Proffitt’s”. It’s called Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers. They have a youtube channel.

My impression is the knowledge level has always been exceptional. They did a lot of work for me, and they were really easy to work with. I had bought the engine/transmission/transfer case on ebay and they were okay with installing parts I brought them. I think many shops would say "no”. There was a lot of project creep as the scope of things kept growing, but that was entirely my fault. At the end of the day when I got the bill, I had to restrain myself. I almost blurted out “Is that all”? No kidding.

The value received for the dollars spent was truly exceptional. To be fair, I had them do only part of the total project and I intended to finish things myself…(which I’m finally getting around to doing).

The shop is larger now, there are significantly more employees, and I think they’ve upped their came on restorations, but Jeremiah is still the boss and he is a truly great guy. Some people in his position have a big ego, and the attitude of tremendous knowledge and experience... that they keep close to the vest. Jeremiah is the opposite. He is very generous with his time; and sharing what he knows, and what he has learned. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring a vehicle there again, and I recommend them highly.

 

[pjohnson]

Ron at Custom Cruisers FJ40 in Gilroy has been doing V8 swaps for decades.

Custom Cruisers FJ40 | Gilroy CA

Custom Cruisers FJ40, Gilroy, California. 3,529 likes · 1 talking about this · 20 were here. Local service

www.facebook.com

 

[Last Flight Out]

White Stripe mentioned Proffitt’s….

I had Proffitt’s install the LS1 and NV4500 in my FJ40, but that was many years ago. Back then they were doing mostly Chevrolet Ramjet 350 crate engine swaps, and I think mine was the first LS1 they did. This was also what I’ll call the “Original Proffitt’s”.

If my understanding is correct, and it’s probably off at least a little, I think it was the son of Larry Miller (of Larry Miller Auto Group fame) who was/is a big LandCruiser guy and they bought Proffitts, or part of Proffitt’s, and moved at least some of the operation to Utah. Jeremiah is back in Colorado in a new and much larger shop than the “Original Proffitt’s”. It’s called Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers. They have a youtube channel.

My impression is the knowledge level has always been exceptional. They did a lot of work for me, and they were really easy to work with. I had bought the engine/transmission/transfer case on ebay and they were okay with installing parts I brought them. I think many shops would say "no”. There was a lot of project creep as the scope of things kept growing, but that was entirely my fault. At the end of the day when I got the bill, I had to restrain myself. I almost blurted out “Is that all”? No kidding.

The value received for the dollars spent was truly exceptional. To be fair, I had them do only part of the total project and I intended to finish things myself…(which I’m finally getting around to doing).

The shop is larger now, there are significantly more employees, and I think they’ve upped their came on restorations, but Jeremiah is still the boss and he is a truly great guy. Some people in his position have a big ego, and the attitude of tremendous knowledge and experience... that they keep close to the vest. Jeremiah is the opposite. He is very generous with his time; and sharing what he knows, and what he has learned. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring a vehicle there again, and I recommend them highly.

Thanks for this....so the smaller shop - or at least from what I recall is located in NC (called TLC4x4)? Maybe I am getting this completey wrong....its early and no coffee yet.

 

[macdaddy59]

My vote is for CruiserMATT

 

[REKCUT]

Ozark overland outfitters is a full service Cruiser shop from slight mods to complete frame off changes. Always a large variety of cruisers parked in and around his place

 

[peesalot]

X2 on Cruisermatt

 

[Firemedic831]

Thanks for this....so the smaller shop - or at least from what I recall is located in NC (called TLC4x4)? Maybe I am getting this completey wrong....its early and no coffee yet.

I believe you are thinking of Johnathon Ward. from Icon