Can I turn my GX into a diesel Prado? (4 Viewers)

[Drewpinksy]

Hello everyone, first post here, this forum looks very knowledgeable and I helpful so I am hoping you guys can tell me if I am out of my mind or not. I have been considering this for a few years now, but have always been afraid to pull the trigger. My parents have a 2003 GX with a lot of miles on it, but otherwise in good shape, and I would absolutely love to sacrifice the engine and trans for a diesel and manual combo.

I know the obvious answer is that "of course it will work with enough money, and I know Diesel Toys says they offer this conversion, but so far I have not seen it done anywhere, which leads me to believe it's an insane amount of work. I have done research and it seems that fitment is not an issue, but aside from that I am very unsure on if it will work. Ideally, I would like it to be 100% bolt up. or at least close to it. Does the GX already have the mounts for clutch pedals, would the crossmember line up with the manual trans, same with the exhaust?

I spoke with a few japanese engine shops and they said it should be an easy swap, but they also want to sell me 3 thousand dollar engine so I take their word with a grain of salt.

 

[CarolinaGX]

This platform is offered as a diesel in other parts of the world, but not the U.S. So, if you source the correct parts, it should be a bolt on procedure. I am unsure what the correct parts are however. Honestly, I enjoy the petrol V8 for its power and simplicity.

 

[Sky Soldier]

If the vehicle is not of a certain age, you may have trouble sourcing the engine, tranny and the rest of the parts to get your project off the ground. And keeping it running may be a task as well trying to find replacement parts as they wear out. Diesel is more expensive that a gas burner these days, especially when it comes to parts. Not trying to rain on your parade, just giving you things to consider.

 

[z00t3ch]

Wiring/electronics would be your biggest hurdle, especially if the donor truck was RHD...

 

[Rspring]

With enough money, anything is possible. I guess the question is what are you trying to achieve? Fuel efficiency? Low RPM torque? The most likely swap for you would be the D4D, which will feel sluggish in comparison to the 2UZ. The 1KZ-TE is easier but even more outdated and underpowered for your luxury mini-pig. The 6cyl diesels will be awfully heavy in your 120. You will never recover the money spent in fuel savings. IMHO, that should not be a factor. I'm swapping a new Duramax L5P into a 1986 Chevy K30, but that's not about fuel economy either, its about crazy power and just the art of the swap. If you want a less costly but still really crazy cool swap, suggest you consider a 3UZ, especially a supercharged 3UZ. Toyotas are a lot like LEGOs as far as interoperability over the years. Keep it within the brand and the swap will not only be better sorted, but will retain better value.

 

[Drewpinksy]

This platform is offered as a diesel in other parts of the world, but not the U.S. So, if you source the correct parts, it should be a bolt on procedure. I am unsure what the correct parts are however. Honestly, I enjoy the petrol V8 for its power and simplicity.

This is my assumption as well, but I have heard that some parts might be slightly different or bolt holes in different locations. I wish there was a way to confirm.

 

[Drewpinksy]

Wiring/electronics would be your biggest hurdle, especially if the donor truck was RHD...

Yep, that's what worries me, especially since the GX has so many electronics, although with the swap most would be raplaced.

 

[Drewpinksy]

If the vehicle is not of a certain age, you may have trouble sourcing the engine, tranny and the rest of the parts to get your project off the ground. And keeping it running may be a task as well trying to find replacement parts as they wear out. Diesel is more expensive that a gas burner these days, especially when it comes to parts. Not trying to rain on your parade, just giving you things to consider.

I live in LA, and there are a few places here that say they have diesel engines and transmissions directly from a Prado but they are unsure of years and mileage.

 

[Drewpinksy]

With enough money, anything is possible. I guess the question is what are you trying to achieve? Fuel efficiency? Low RPM torque? The most likely swap for you would be the D4D, which will feel sluggish in comparison to the 2UZ. The 1KZ-TE is easier but even more outdated and underpowered for your luxury mini-pig. The 6cyl diesels will be awfully heavy in your 120. You will never recover the money spent in fuel savings. IMHO, that should not be a factor. I'm swapping a new Duramax L5P into a 1986 Chevy K30, but that's not about fuel economy either, its about crazy power and just the art of the swap. If you want a less costly but still really crazy cool swap, suggest you consider a 3UZ, especially a supercharged 3UZ. Toyotas are a lot like LEGOs as far as interoperability over the years. Keep it within the brand and the swap will not only be better sorted, but will retain better value.

To be perfectly honest, It's because I love manual trannies, and the look and style of the Prado/GX, and trying to mate a manual the v8 would be much more difficult I think. A few years back I was looking into importing a Prado, but that is literally impossible until the car is 25 years old. Also, I just think it would be bad ass to have a diesel, but I agree I would lose power and never recuperate the costs. The D4D would be my choice, and seems to be the most common one that the used engine companies sell.

 

[Mattt180]

The D4D would be my choice, and seems to be the most common one that the used engine companies sell.

It really isn't worth the hassle. The 1KD is a decent motor but the early prado's had injector issues which is an expensive fix.

 

[CarolinaGX]

Why not just do a tranny swap? It would take a good bit of research but find other cars/motors that came with our tranny and then see if that model was offered in a manual. Then, see what parts would be needed for the swap. I would look abroad since most of the US can't drive a manual so not many cars/trucks are offered with it these days.

 

[Rspring]

I think a transmission swap is entirely possible. Look into wrecked FJ Cruisers for parts. You'll have to research the bellhousing and flywheel, but I won't be surprised if there are bolt-up solutions. Use techstream to see if there is a manual transmission option in the ECU coding. Interior will be tough, again look at FJCs and LC105s. I have driven manual 105s for years overseas, I know they exist, also manual Prado interior parts. Don't expect this to add to your resale value, this will be a work of passion for your own desires.

 

[chap79]

I’d just enjoy the GX for what it is. If you have to have something for throw through the gears get a older pickup or something like a Miata.

 

[Brake Weight]

Not a Toyota diesel but a viable option with easily sourced parts and some tunability. Cummins R2.8.

Old Dogs, New Tricks: Testing Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel Crate Engine - Expedition Portal

I settle into the driver’s seat of a clean 1996 Toyota FZJ80 and ask Stephen Sanders, program leader for the Cummins Repower Crate Engine Program if I should keep the RPMs below a certain mark, stick to predetermined highway speeds, or mind some shift points on the hills. A heavy black data wire...

expeditionportal.com

 

[TahoeLX450]

Not an answer to your question but just some thoughts. I love shifting my own gears too with or without a clutch. I had a Porsche Cayenne auto with both paddle shifters and a great shifting center console shifter that I truly miss ( I rarely used "D") compared to the notchy Jaguar gate type shifter on the GX...So, why not try having a tranny shop improve the shift timing and firmness of the auto trans (the GX already has a great stall speed torque converter) and replacing the console shifter with one more suited to active shifting. Maybe Hurst makes one or out of a 5 speed Toyota performance model. Probably, a lot easier and better bang for the buck than the conversion; and for me an auto is easier to drive over rough terrain. Lastly, the GX V8 is pretty nice and bullet proof as is and if rebuilt with a supercharger and a trans shift kit your GX it would rock!

 

[IwantPrado]

I agree with @Rspring that 1KZ-TE may be too underpowered for the 120-series as compared to the 2UZ V8 unit, and you may regret this swap or be disappointed in power output. I have seen Tacoma being recently sold with a swapped D4D, which is an expensive swap, but very unique. I am sure you've looked at this already: TACOMA DIESEL | Diesel Toys® |TOYOTA DIESEL CONVERSIONS
I can offer you two more options to ponder, an expensive one and an affordable one. Both are not exactly what you're looking for, but they are options, alternatives.
Since you have mentioned being willing to do an engine swap, the first option is to get an LS swap. Incredible power gains and smiles for miles! But rather expensive and I have not seen one on the 120-platform yet: This Icon-Restored Land Cruiser Is The Real Joe Rogan Experience
The second option requires even a more radical swap - a vehicle swap. But it is a much much more affordable option and you can drive it on the same day of purchase. Ready for it? Bam: 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 1KZTE Turbo Diesel Manual
There is a bonus option too, you can just import one yourself, but again, it's going to be at least 25 years old, comes with lots of frustrations due to unknowns and factors beyond your control in contrast to buying one from a professional JDM importer (I would not recommend that option if you're not willing to wait 2-6 months for your vehicle to arrive). The good news is, you have choices there, you may get 80-series with a 1HD-T (known to be one of the greatest diesel engines Toyota ever produced) and manual, you may get a Prado or a Surf with 1KZ-TE with manual: No Reserve: 1994 Toyota Hilux Surf Turbodiesel 5-Speed

Anyway,
I definitely support your desire to get a diesel, a manual transmission in your 120-series. I have had the same thoughts. Unfortunately I cannot justify $40k-$80k investment and, like you said, money is a limiting factor. I have thought about getting an FJ Cruiser with a manual, but 2009-2014 one in great condition is hard to find for less than $30k. So I've settled for driving a diesel Prado with manual on Forza Horizon and picked up a 1997 Celica GT with manual for that true old Toyota visceral feel!
Oh, and I have a stock 09 GX470. Best of both (three) worlds and $avings and HUUUUGE! lol
I'm not telling you what to do, but I'd go with like a new Colorado or Canyon Diesel for that modern experience (yes, I know they don't come with manual) and that should satisfy your diesel itch. The fuel mileage is great! Then get an FJ cruiser or a Tacoma with manual and you're good to go. oh, and keep the GX!!!

Please keep us posted on your progress. I would love to know what you will end up with.