I have searched already and the posts seem to be centered around the scenario of someone came upon vehicle x that was wrecked and they use it for the donor. I am looking at this differently. I would like to get a road worthy truck and down the line use it for a swap into my 91 FJ80. For those with experience, what vehicle has the most applicable parts to swap an LS into an 80? I am not looking for max horsepower and don't need 4 wheel drive in the donor. A 5.3 seems fine considering I have been living with a 3fe. Eventually though, I know the 3fe is going to die and I would like to be prepared. Thanks.
Best donor vehicle for an LS swap (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter NeilC
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The Marks4wd adapter kit is based off a 2WD transmission. That being said a 2WD vehicle would be a good start, as you wouldn’t need to swap the output shaft.
Most people get the Truck engines as they are plentiful.
Most people get the Truck engines as they are plentiful.
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- #3
Thanks, I have been reading up a lot and I noticed that the 1999 to 2005s seem to be popular and I know I will have to get the motor mounts which seem to be for the FZJ's from Land Cruiser Shop but it doesnt say anything about the 91 and 92. Also there are a lot of parts that seem to have to be scavenged from numerous different vehicles. I was just looking for the donor with the most compatible parts. The LS has become the most swapped engine. I think I will try to just replace all wiring and guages like they would do swapping one into an old hot rod. AC is a mystery though. Are the General Motors compressors compatible with the Toyota AC components?
You will less of a donor vehicle than you expect, you will need new exhaust manifolds, after market motor mounts, make a P.S hose from Toyota/GM, I haven’t don’t the A/C yet,
a truck gas pedal is too big (DBW)
You will want the harness, ECM, gas pedal, sensors ect
a truck gas pedal is too big (DBW)
You will want the harness, ECM, gas pedal, sensors ect
My advice, based on my mistake, is to get a ‘truck’ motor since the accessories are typically located at the top of the engine, not down low like the ‘car‘ configurations. This is also a generic statement since I’m sure someone will point to an oddball LS configuration, used in a car, that could be used in an 80.
I used a GTO motor and could not use any of my accessories or their mounts.
If I were to do it again, I would be looking for a Trailblazer SS which came with a 6.0 LS2 and has the ‘truck’ configuration. This would literally drop in with minor engine mods.
I used a GTO motor and could not use any of my accessories or their mounts.
If I were to do it again, I would be looking for a Trailblazer SS which came with a 6.0 LS2 and has the ‘truck’ configuration. This would literally drop in with minor engine mods.
george.arnold
SILVER Star
I’ve been looking for an LQ9. Gen3 6.0. There is a company here selling motor mounts to swap the Gen3 LS engines into an FZJ80 series.
www.onallcylinders.com
LQ9 6.0L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
From cylinder heads to the camshaft, here's a complete rundown of all the vital engine specs you need for the 6.0L LQ9 LS engine.
www.onallcylinders.com
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I’ve been looking for an LQ9. Gen3 6.0. There is a company here selling motor mounts to swap the Gen3 LS engines into an 80 series.
LQ9 6.0L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
From cylinder heads to the camshaft, here's a complete rundown of all the vital engine specs you need for the 6.0L LQ9 LS engine.
Yep, that would be a great candidate !
thatcabledude
GOLD Star
AC is a cakewalk. Just cut the ends of the Toyota hoses where the meet the condenser and evaporator and make new hoses.
A van w/ a 6.0 is the perfect donor.
- Thread starter
- #10
So the 1999-2005 5.3 might not be the easiest? What about transmissions? I am really looking for simplicity rather than maximum power. I plan to drive the truck a couple of years and chevys seem to be dirt cheap. Thanks for all the info.
99 to 2005 is a good aim to shoot for. The vans, Silverado, Tahoe, and suburban all had Ls motors. As well as the gmc variants. Get a 2wd model. I personally like drive by throttle cable motors which are pre 2003. But many like drive by wire.
thatcabledude
GOLD Star
The pre 2003 suburban/Tahoe/yukons with traction control are DBW.
A 4L65e trans was behind my 6.0 LS2 and that’s what i’ve been using for years now with no issues.
I went with DBC since I wanted cruise control and I understand this is more complicated with an original DBW
I went with DBC since I wanted cruise control and I understand this is more complicated with an original DBW
- Thread starter
- #14
I would like to do drive by cable also. I guess I am just old fashion that way.
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I’ve been looking for an LQ9. Gen3 6.0. There is a company here selling motor mounts to swap the Gen3 LS engines into an 80 series.
LQ9 6.0L Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
From cylinder heads to the camshaft, here's a complete rundown of all the vital engine specs you need for the 6.0L LQ9 LS engine.
Do you have a link to the "company here" selling LQ9 motor mounts for the 80-Series?
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I’ve always thought the aluminum block motors would be ideal for the savings in weight, not sure what would be out there for an aluminum 5.3, but I would research that if I was hunting for one first but maybe someone here has some feedback on that
george.arnold
SILVER Star
FZJ80 LS V8 Conversion Mounts – The Land Cruiser Shop
www.thelandcruisershop.com
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FZJ80 LS V8 Conversion Mounts – The Land Cruiser Shop
Thank you but DANGIT! Not for 91-92's as their spec's say, "1993 – 1997 80 Series Land Cruiser."
I went with the LQ4 rather than the LQ9 since the LQ9 most likely would require premium fuel and the power output gain is not worth the added cost. Honestly, the LQ4 has so much torque that I can't really use it all. All the other info in this thread is accurate. The van motor application is the only option for DBC. I went DBW and the cruise control is the final piece being integrated as I type. AC was an easy implementation, as was pointed out above. Adapter and motor mounts were relatively easy too. Camaro oil pan and I believe gas pedal too. I went with a built/rebuilt 4L60e and it handles all the power I can put to it. If I ever start towing really heavy loads I may upgrade. The 4L60e has a lower 1st gear for off-road use.
Engine and trans source was from Pacific Fabrication. Got a sorted LQ4 and built/rebuilt 4L60e w/ harness and torque converter , shipped to my shop for $7K. One stop shopping.
Engine and trans source was from Pacific Fabrication. Got a sorted LQ4 and built/rebuilt 4L60e w/ harness and torque converter , shipped to my shop for $7K. One stop shopping.
