Bj45 with 3b engine options

[greenbeast]

Just curious with all the diesel options what someone could do with original 3b to improve performance here in the mountains.

I don't know the mileage of the vehicle yet but am anticipating buying a LHD euro model bj45 in November. My concerns are the anemic performance. Not being a diesel tech guru or heck even a gas engine guru what's my best options within reason and cost?

Is it a popular aftermarket turbo, or engine swap with something that has some parts availability?

Thanks

 

[cruiserpilot]

Look for a turbo, and don't look back.

 

[Canarias]

or buy an HJ45 from Europe instead of a BJ45. I can put you in touch with a seller here in Spain and can vouch for the vehicle. He also has a 2H with a 5 speed sitting on a pallet in his garage if you want that.

 

[greenbeast]

Have you done this or are your familiar with costs to do so?

 

[Canarias]

Putting an H or 2H in a BJ45 is beyond my expertise and experience, and I know that the mounts do not match up so there would be frame/mount alterations required. I´d consider tackling an engine swap on my own vehicle but I´d make sure I had experienced help. Personally if a 3B isn´t sufficient I´d simply buy a vehicle that already has a sufficient engine installed, or as also mentioned before, consider adding a turbo. I´d guess a 13BT would swap in easier to a BJ45 if you didn´t want to do your own turbo add on.

 

[DiehSt]

A 3B is a nice and very reliable engine. Are you sure it isn't sufficient? Towing, high altitude or heavy gear in the back?.
Turboing a 3B is possible but makes the engine less reliable. I have seen some cracked heads. Personally I would buy a turbood 3B.
Putting in a 13BT is a better option because it increases the resell value.
1HZ, 12HT, 2H etc has been done before but needs cutting, welding a a lot of new fabricated parts. Toyota made also some very tough engines for the Dyna: 4B, 14BT 15FT. I don't know if the standard gearbox from the BJ45 bolts right on.

A good running 13bt in Europe cost between the 2-3K euro's

 

[Donbugge]

I suggest a modern newer B series engine.... 13bt 14b 15b ..... or a turbo kit from au build to match the 3b engine ..... 3b engines are very strong but need a little extra something on the hills ..... newer B series engines are hard to find ...they all end up in africa due to the poor quality diesel they have ...... old school B engines just dont care ..... commonrail engines are to sensible to bad diesel. ...... likely you will find a cheeper d4d engine than a Newer B series engine...... just an observation. ....

 

[greenbeast]

good info, thanks

 

[colby1979]

I'm driving an 84 Euro spec BJ45 and understand your concerns. The 3B is an awesome reliable engine but they are underpowered by todays standards, especially at elevation. I live at 5000" ASL and after a few months added a turbo to help maintain speed and pull hills more efficiently. I used one of Diesel42's kits and was amazed at the increase in power. His kit is more complete and better tuned to the 3B then the others available and is over 1000$ less, it was a nobrainer for me. I did run into some heating issues climbing long hills in the summer(running 210F or slightly over) after adding the turbo but remedied the problem by converting the clutch fan to a solid state fan. I've always thought a 1hz 0r pz would be an awesome up grade but am completely happy with my 3B-T.

Cheers,
Colby

 

[greenbeast]

Thanks, I will look into that kit. That set up looks great! From an idiot with engine stuff, how costly was it to switch the fan stuff?

 

[colby1979]

It wasn't hard or expensive at all. I disassembled the fan clutch housing and machined three .250 holes and pressed in roll pins but there are numerous ways it could be done, the easiest of which would be welding or filling the clutch housing with devcon, jb weld or accuraglass. For a test prior to making it permanent I wrapped wire around the blades and fixed them to the shaft with a hose clamp. When time allows I plan to machine a classy new shaft and mounting bracket out of aluminum to reduce weight.

 

[RufusTheDufus]

These nice folks have been traveling the world in their non-turbo BJ45 Troopy for over 10 years.

If you're considering switching away from the 3B to something else, I'd recommend considering a 350 Chevy conversion. It tends to make the most sense from an economic an parts-availability perspective. I'd think a 305 TBI form a van would be a good if you could find a suitable donor.