Builds Back in a 60 series - 1HZ Swap (1 Viewer)

[davegonz]

I've wanted a 60 series for a while now. I really dig the round headlights and the overall look of them. Recently, my buddy Heath offered to sell me his 1987 FJ60. It has a lift, 33's, front ARB bumper, roof rack and an H55F tranny. The bad part is that the engine has a bad rod knock and the paint is in bad shape. I really couldn't pass this up for the price I got it for and also the fact that it has been my group of friends for a long time.

The plan is to repower her with a diesel. I really want a Toyota power plant, so that's what I'm going to aim for. I'll ultimately paint her, but I just want to get it 100% mechanically solid before that.

 

[Forerunner]

Looks like an awesome starting point! I was/am in the same camp. I wanted my 60 to be mechanically sound before I started tackling cosmetics. **cheers**

 

[Nostradamus]

I've got an 85 FJ60 with an H55, and I have a 1HZ diesel sitting on a pallet in the garage to do a swap. Going to swap timing belt, water pump, rear main seal, belts and hoses and clutch before I stuff it in. Need to swap input shaft on my H55 as well. Going to be fun!

 

[dcoy]

Looks like an awesome starting point! I was/am in the same camp. I wanted my 60 to be mechanically sound before I started tackling cosmetics. **cheers**

x3
15 years later I'm thinking 2018 will be the "year of the paint"

 

[cruisedeisel]

Looks like a solid little rig.

 

[The Phoenician]

I've wanted a 60 series for a while now. I really dig the round headlights and the overall look of them. Recently, my buddy Heath offered to sell me his 1987 FJ60. It has a lift, 33's, front ARB bumper, roof rack and an H55F tranny. The bad part is that the engine has a bad rod knock and the paint is in bad shape. I really couldn't pass this up for the price I got it for and also the fact that it has been my group of friends for a long time.

The plan is to repower her with a diesel. I really want a Toyota power plant, so that's what I'm going to aim for. I'll ultimately paint her, but I just want to get it 100% mechanically solid before that.

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Congrats, she looks solid and familiar. If you can't get a Toyota diesel, there's always the 4bt route. You can learn from all my expensive mistakes.

 

[Tapage]

I've got an 85 FJ60 with an H55, and I have a 1HZ diesel sitting on a pallet in the garage to do a swap. Going to swap timing belt, water pump, rear main seal, belts and hoses and clutch before I stuff it in. Need to swap input shaft on my H55 as well. Going to be fun!

the H55F input swap being the most fun in the hole path ...

 

[Nostradamus]

the H55F input swap being the most fun in the hole path ...

So I've heard...I've watched some YouTube videos and have to admit, it doesn't look lie a lot of fun...

 

[davegonz]

I've narrowed it down to a couple of engine/tranny combos. 1HDT/H55, 1HZ/H55, or an Isuzu 4BD series with the H55. The Toyota combos are crazy expensive ($6k+), but I can sell off the tranny/splitcase to offset the cost ($1500?).

I like the Isuzu 4BD1T and 4BD2T engines, but I can't seem to find one locally in good shape. The tranny adapter will not be an issue.

For a non-restoration build, does it make sense putting $6-7k into an engine? I know it would retain its value better, but it's a big expense.

 

[The Phoenician]

I've narrowed it down to a couple of engine/tranny combos. 1HDT/H55, 1HZ/H55, or an Isuzu 4BD series with the H55. The Toyota combos are crazy expensive ($6k+), but I can sell off the tranny/splitcase to offset the cost ($1500?)
I like the Isuzu 4BD1T and 4BD2T engines, but I can't seem to find one locally in good shape. The tranny adapter will not be an issue.

For a non-restoration build, does it make sense putting $6-7k into an engine? I know it would retain its value better, but it's a big expense.

Why not go all out,.... 6bt!

 

[davegonz]

I'm trying to avoid going SOA.

 

[meatloaf]

Congratulations Dave! You'll probably have it running before mine.

 

[The Phoenician]

Will the Isuzu fit without an SOA?

 

[davegonz]

Yes.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

12HT it. Keep it all Yota...

J

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Just too nice of a start to throw in a redheaded stepchild........... Just me though!

J

 

[davegonz]

Yeah, all things being equal I'd do that in an instant.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Yeah, all things being equal I'd do that in an instant.

Yeah , costs are about twice for a 12HT over the $Hitzu or a Benz... from my research. But, I think resale would be more with a Yota, and turn faster... You keep cruisers as long as I do, which is NOT LONG.

J

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Dave, J hit the nail...resale!!! Also it’s a bad ass d-train and it’s toyota. Not sure if you keep them very long...if not this may be something to consider .

 

[bottombracket]

Awesome, Dave!

Go diesel. GO GO GO.