Considering a V8 Engine Conversion for My 1967 FJ40: Seeking Advice and Experiences

[awithaway]

I'm contemplating an upgrade to my 1967 Toyota FJ40 and would love to get some insights from this knowledgeable community. Recently, my FJ40's F inline Six engine suffered damage, and now I'm facing the decision of whether to repair or replace the engine. One option I'm considering is converting to a V8 engine to boost performance and reliability.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through a similar conversion.

• What were the major challenges and benefits you experienced during and after the conversion?

• Can you share any details on the cost implications and any unexpected issues you encountered?
• Any recommendations for workshops or specialists who can perform this type of conversion would be greatly helpful. (I'm located in SoCal)

 

[fireflyr]

I went through the same thing. About 80% through the process of swapping in a 5.3L /4L60e combo. It is a ton of work but coming out nicely. It’s under Fix or sell: 1967 FJ40.

 

[Jackson Hanes]

I'll pitch in, I can post some pictures later, but I swapped a 5.3 with stock 4 speed (and t case)

the most expensive parts for me were adapters, engine mounts, and a harness for the engine.

 

[Mike Shull]

I put a 6.2l LS in mine with a NV4500 behind it. I had a SBC in there before. Cost of a conversion can greatly depend on your specifications and every conversion is different.

 

[UZJ40]

• What were the major challenges and benefits you experienced during and after the conversion?
• Can you share any details on the cost implications and any unexpected issues you encountered?
• Any recommendations for workshops or specialists who can perform this type of conversion would be greatly helpful. (I'm located in SoCal)

I've done two V8 swaps... both Toyota.

Challenges -Aside from normal engine swap issues (wiring, mounts, drivelines, adaptors, etc), I think the biggest issue in an FJ40 is dissipating heat. A V8 takes up a lot of room in a small engine bay. You'll need a larger radiator and preferably a mechanical fan on a clutch. There's already limited airflow on an FJ40 to the radiator compared to modern vehicles. Adding a winch, bumper, and AC condenser will also hurt. Maybe in colder climates its not as big of an issue, but I sure battled it on my first build, and used those lessons learned on the second.

Benefits - Fuel injection and power... MPG's will remain about the same. A lot of guys will say a carb is more reliable, but I'll take FI any day.

If you're doing a common swap like a 5.3, the costs are pretty well documented and easy to research. If you're doing something more rare like a diesel or UZ swap, the costs will be a lot more variable with more hidden surprises. But with almost anything, it'll be more expensive and take longer than you thought.

 

[Rocky_LC]

… especially if you’re not doing the work yourself!

 

[bikersmurf]

My 1.5F died back in '96 I swapped in a 350 for $2000 + $500(350 SBC) CDN. I used a Downey kit and modified the drive shafts. 21 years later that SBC died and I replaced if for $300 CDN for a 70k mile 350.

To do it over, I'd swap in a centered rear axle and swap in a newer engine, trans, and T-case from the donor. And make the conversion with custom driveshafts.

 

[FloridaLife]

I've done two V8 swaps... both Toyota.

Challenges -Aside from normal engine swap issues (wiring, mounts, drivelines, adaptors, etc), I think the biggest issue in an FJ40 is dissipating heat. A V8 takes up a lot of room in a small engine bay. You'll need a larger radiator and preferably a mechanical fan on a clutch. There's already limited airflow on an FJ40 to the radiator compared to modern vehicles. Adding a winch, bumper, and AC condenser will also hurt. Maybe in colder climates its not as big of an issue, but I sure battled it on my first build, and used those lessons learned on the second.

Benefits - Fuel injection and power... MPG's will remain about the same. A lot of guys will say a carb is more reliable, but I'll take FI any day.

If you're doing a common swap like a 5.3, the costs are pretty well documented and easy to research. If you're doing something more rare like a diesel or UZ swap, the costs will be a lot more variable with more hidden surprises. But with almost anything, it'll be more expensive and take longer than you thought.

I recently purchased my first FJ40, a 1971. I had to buy a replacement drivetrain so I bought a 1978 2F + 4 speed + transfer case and it also came with a mechanical Overdrive (high and low). Due to surgery on both hips 39 years ago and 5 spine surgeries (3 in my low back) my wife thinks I'll be miserable clutching and shifting gears. So, I'm considering a V8 & Automatic transmission swap. My first thought was "Use a Toyota V8 & tranny". I see that you've done 2 of them. Which V8 did you choose (year & model) and why?

One of my biggest questions for everyone is "IF" I do a V8 + Auto Transmission swap, can I still use my Toyota transfer case and 4 wheel drive? If so, what is needed in order to connect them? Or, would I have to buy a new drivetrain complete with 4WD transfer case?

Also, does anyone know if it is cheaper to do a Toyota V8 + auto tranny swap, or a Chevy V8 (like an LS) + auto tranny swap? I'm on a tight budget, and due to all the surgeries I'll have to pay someone else to do it for me. My neighbor is a Corvette guy, has 4 or 5 of them, and takes 1 over to the track at Daytona and runs laps over there. He said you can buy a complete LS out of a wrecked pickup, complete with wire harness, computer and everything for about $800. But I bet that doesn't include a tranny.

I also noticed some talk about heat from the V8 in this thread. I've even thought about putting a V6 + automatic in my FJ40. The V6 in our 2004 Toyota Sienna mini van has plenty of power for an FJ40. I even thought about pulling the 4 cylinder + automatic out of my 1999 Gen 3 4Runner but a guy bought the 4Runner from me and I'm putting that money towards the FJ project.

 

[miller]

350 fits well, parts available. Efi if u want better gas mileage.

 

[FloridaLife]

350 fits well, parts available. Efi if u want better gas mileage.

View attachment 3725375

WOW Miller, that looks fantastic! Very nice!

What year & model is that from?

Are you running an automatic transmission?

If so, are you able to still have 4 Wheel Drive? If so, how is the transfer case connected?

Is it the OEM Toyota transfer case, or a Chevy transfer case?

Thank you!

 

[FloridaLife]

350 fits well, parts available. Efi if u want better gas mileage.

View attachment 3725375

Also, what is that on the passenger's side fender well?The longer black object I'm guessing is a bar or junction for ground wires? And the other one looks like some sort of switch?

 

[WyoMike]

Just completed my restoration with a Chevy sbc V8 5.7l. had my first good test drive Wednesday with no overheating issues. I went with a new four core radiator and mechanical clutch fan. Used the 3 speed and transfer case.

 

[Vandal FJ]

I like all the above, have a 350 SBC in mine with a 4 speed from a 1977. If I were to do it over I would go H55 5 speed transmission with split case instead of 4 speed mated to the 350.

 

[FloridaLife]

Just completed my restoration with a Chevy sbc V8 5.7l. had my first good test drive Wednesday with no overheating issues. I went with a new four core radiator and mechanical clutch fan. Used the 3 speed and transfer case.View attachment 3725424View attachment 3725422View attachment 3725423View attachment 3725427

Nice job! Looks great! I see you stuck with a stick shift. My whole purpose for considering a V8 would be to change to an automatic transmission due to surgery on both hips and low back years ago, and my wife doesn't want to drive a stick shift (that could be a bonus, LOL).

 

[FloridaLife]

I like all the above, have a 350 SBC in mine with a 4 speed from a 1977. If I were to do it over I would go H55 5 speed transmission with split case instead of 4 speed mated to the 350.

Is the H55 5 speed a manual or automatic?

 

[FloridaLife]

Just completed my restoration with a Chevy sbc V8 5.7l. had my first good test drive Wednesday with no overheating issues. I went with a new four core radiator and mechanical clutch fan. Used the 3 speed and transfer case.View attachment 3725424View attachment 3725422View attachment 3725423View attachment 3725427

I also just bought a brand new OEM Toyota radiator for my FJ40. I wonder if it would handle a V8, or no?

 

[Vandal FJ]

Is the H55 5 speed a manual or automatic?

Toyota manual. Cruiser outfitters and Valley Hybrids both have them in stock ready to roll. When I did mine I was ignorant to the H55 options and went with FJ40 4 speed over the 3 speed you probably have, as well.

 

[B y r o n]

I also just bought a brand new OEM Toyota radiator for my FJ40. I wonder if it would handle a V8, or no?

I've been running a factory radiator since the mid 80's and it keeps the 350 cool. A good shroud is the secret.

A slight correction, I did have to re-core it some time back. I stuck with 3 core as space was a concern.

 

[FloridaLife]

Toyota manual. Cruiser outfitters and Valley Hybrids both have them in stock ready to roll. When I did mine I was ignorant to the H55 options and went with FJ40 4 speed over the 3 speed you probably have, as well.

I have the original 3 speed, transfer case, and clutch parts in the floor of my garage. But when I bought the 2F it came with a 4 speed + transfer case + a mechanical Overdrive unit. So while on 1 hand my wife is probably right about using an automatic, on the other hand I'm very curious to play with that overdrive unit. It gives you 1st gear, 1st gear high, first gear low; 2nd gear, 2nd gear high, 2nd gear low; and so on. I think even reverse, reverse high, and reverse low.

 

[FloridaLife]

I've been running a factory radiator since the mid 80's and it keeps the 350 cool. A good shroud is the secret.

A slight correction, I did have to re-core it some time back. I stuck with 3 core as space was a concern.

Ah, that's good to know. And, mine was missing the fan shroud, so I bought an old used one from cruisermatt and had it sandblaster and powder coated to prevent rust and corrosion.