buying my first LC - many questions

[LowFour]

I like Birfield for LC specs:

http://www.birfield.com/modules.php?name=TLCFAQ&p=/~ramullen/FAQ/TEXT/00-01.html

 

[M John Galt]

You won't be able to interpret the VIN. All Japanese VIN information is eradicated before the vehicle leaves Japan.

Quite incorrect. None of that information was eradicated on my JDM cruiser, nor on any of my friend's JDM cruisers.

What's the source of your factoid?

 

[VE7-BGA]

I have had both the turbo and then converted my 4x4 PUp to NA and both blew up.
It seemed in my case the first time I came off the upper levels highway onto the W Van exit and the valve seat cooled quick and dropped into the cylynder head.
Then the N/A version was in Mexico and it went with a cracked head after only some 20K on a compleat rebuild. These were 2LT & 2L's in 84's
I would not trust either of them although many say they are fine.
Twice bitten thrice shy. Without the turbo on the four wheel drive it was slow but steady, and I mean slow. Find a four five or six cylinder and save yourself the grief. I bought a PZJ 77 LX wagon and it seems to be working very nicely now. 24 volt is a bit of a pain in the trunk but thats life.
I'm happy with the quiet and fuel economy and the initial price.