Attempting the next best engine swap for 80s IMO (10 Viewers)

[Drewthecarguy]

It’s crazy how good 37s fit on a 80

New MAF fixed my issues so now it’s time to start putting miles on this thing

 

[Drewthecarguy]

Ok, I'll say it. You're an idiot

How many decades will it take for fuel savings to recoup what you've spent swapping engines.
Fuel savings has to be the most fragile justification for an engine swap in almost every scenario.

I love the idea of a big V8 diesel in an 80, but would want a manual behind it for fun.

I forgot you said a big V8 diesel in a 80, did you ever read my build thread on that too

D

Thread 'My 80 series Duramax swap build'

Jun 10, 2022

Hello all, I’m going to start a build thread here to show my progress on my current Duramax swap in my 94 FZJ80

Little history first, i bought this cruiser basically from the original owner with around 320k on the clock. But it was very well taken care and had almost all of its service records from the local Toyota dealership where it was from. Hardly any rust and all original which was exactly what I was looking for

First thing first was a quick wheel swap to a newer set of 17s and some decent all terrain tires

I...

• Drewthecarguy
• Replies: 73
• Forum: 80-Series Tech

• 

I personally didn’t like it compared to this LM2

 

[Dragos80]

It was only a few short years back when they said it can't be done. Ha!

 

[clx16]

You planning on doing a hwy vs overlanding mpg comparison? Not sure if you tow anything but I would imagine it shines with a load on it.

 

[Dragos80]

The low RPM torque a diesel has to offer, beats any other choices we have, all this on top of the fuel economy.

 

[Funner]

Not impressed, I put a harbor freight gas motor on a Chinese go cart a while back and increased power by 15%. Also put on some knobby tires and a blue tooth speaker. Good for you, but whatever. Current project is putting extended arms on my wheelbarrow to reduce fatigue with increased leavarage.

 

[smorkington]

Seems comparable to an m57 but with no aftermarket support...

 

[Drewthecarguy]

Seems comparable to an m57 but with no aftermarket support...

Yea you’re right. But I’d rather have easily accessible replacement parts over aftermarket support. I can run to a local junk yard and get a replacement engine for fairly cheap. Can’t do that with a M57.

 

[Bennymic]

I mean why not Mercedes om6026?

 

[Drewthecarguy]

I mean why not Mercedes om6026?

I want to be able to pull a 5-6000lb camper across country and don’t think a OM606 has the power plus I can’t really pick one up easy and cheap like you can a GM engine

 

[TWILLY]

Following. The GM 3.0L straight six diesels seem like a great repower option. Eager to read about your efficiency results.

 

[Marvelicious]

I want to be able to pull a 5-6000lb camper across country and don’t think a OM606 has the power plus I can’t really pick one up easy and cheap like you can a GM engine

Plus, I don't know that any of these other options mentioned comes mated to a transmission with such a wide range. If that BMW came mated to a ZF 8 speed, it would be one thing, but I don't think it does. Manual die-hards will disagree with me, but I've spent enough of my life riding a clutch while stuck in traffic. The fascination wore off in the 90s for me.

I'm really looking forward to hearing long-term feedback on this... what are the bugs, and how did you work them out. Y'know, provided you don't decide to swap in something else next month.

 

[smorkington]

Yea you’re right. But I’d rather have easily accessible replacement parts over aftermarket support. I can run to a local junk yard and get a replacement engine for fairly cheap. Can’t do that with a M57.

Fair enough as m57 are rather rare in the states

 

[Dragos80]

Plus, I don't know that any of these other options mentioned comes mated to a transmission with such a wide range. If that BMW came mated to a ZF 8 speed, it would be one thing, but I don't think it does. Manual die-hards will disagree with me, but I've spent enough of my life riding a clutch while stuck in traffic. The fascination wore off in the 90s for me.

I'm really looking forward to hearing long-term feedback on this... what are the bugs, and how did you work them out. Y'know, provided you don't decide to swap in something else next month.

I believe the M57 was mated to a stupid 6 speed transmission only. Maybe, just maybe it was also used with an 8 speed in the X5. Not sure.

I had a 335d for almost 10 years. While the engine was fantastic, the transmission (6 speed) was absolutely horrible just like any 6-speed transmission of the same period made by Ford/GM/Chrysler since it was the same design).

My engine was tuned to make roughly 345 horsepower and 480 ftlb.

I think the N57 came mated to a 8 speed tranny only.

And yes, that was my dream swap years ago. BMW diesel in my 80 series.

 

[Dragos80]

The Europeans have done a bunch of BMW diesel swaps into Nissan Patrols using manual trannies.

You can see them on youtube. I have not seen one done in a Land Cruiser yet, but I haven't searched for the past 2-5 years either.

They sell swap kits too but again for Patrols.

 

[Marvelicious]

Fair enough as m57 are rather rare in the states

Exactly. Honestly, my first choice would be to stay with a Toyota diesel engine, but importing makes them expensive and relatively difficult to get.