Conversion Dilema

[nikos8]

Originally I was thinking of putting a 2f block beneath my 3fe head and adding an h55 transmission.

After reading all the posts on engine conversions for the last week or so I am under the impression that a V8 swap would be a better idea.

This is the part where I need help. Below are my choices which I have limited down to 3.

a) 2fe
b) 305 TBI SBC
c) 350 TBI SBC

I know what your thinking. Why does he have the 305 and the 350 as a choice. Well, the only reason is a little better fuel economy which I could be dead wrong.

I have the 2f block and the fj62 to put it under but I can also get a completely and complete 350 TBI chevy from a friend for under $1,000.

I need opinions please. As many as possible.

Thanks,
Nick B

 

[jefferson-mo]

IMO..................

350 over 305

better HP, better torque, similiar MPG, easier to find

keep the auto trans with the V8 would be better street driveability

Don't know anything about retaining the 2F but someone will.....

although the 2F would be easier 'cause you're not dealing with adapters

 

[nikos8]

I wouldn't keep the auto tranny. I would be replacing it with an NV4500 if I went with a V8 swap. Me likes manual.

 

[jgordon]

Go for the 8 cylinder - there has to be someone out there that would take a tired old 2f block off your hands...

 

[nikos8]

I think you just want the parts off my engine Jared. No, all kidding aside even if I do the V8 swap, it wouldn't cost me much to put together the 2fe for the next wagon I get.

 

[brokenparts]

tbi 350... you'll be very happy you did!

 

[srplus]

imho

personally i do not prefer chevota's. by the time you get all the adapter stuff and do the conversion you will be about as deep into the pocket and time as you would staying OE. many machine shops and fj owners are competent to rebuild the toyota engine. you are trusting a 'friend' about the condition of the chevy motor. best way to end a friendship. however, that does sound like an excellent price for a 350. i would suspect that it has 'some miles' on it. nothing like doing a conversion and then having to put in a second engine.

another issue you may or may not have to deal with is emissions. that is something that could at some point come back to bite you.

i have seen chevy conversions die on the vine around my area listed permanently in the classifieds. i think many people are concerned first of all that there was a conversion, and secondly, that it was done by the owner... with the obvious thought that follows: do i trust him with changing out an engine / tranny / adapters, etc. in a car that is this expensive... regardless if you or your mechanic is competent.

if you intend to keep the vehicle forever, then the best course of action is to just do what you really want to do. both the 350 and the nv4500 are excellent choices if you go that way.

 

[bridges]

conversion

I love driving my carbureted 350 FJ60, bought it that way though for about the price of the adapters.

I had to put a new engine in ($400 w/60K miles), but it's a blast to drive. Powerful enough to move the truck when and where I need to, including passing up a hill in 4th (that's all I've got) gear. Not as efficient as the TBI, but I get 12 to 14 MPG depending on my mood.

The stock one we have I can't comment on yet because the vacuum issue is eating the power I believe. Parts are ordered, just need to go pick 'em up.

That's one thing about the post conversion, parts are plentiful without waiting for shipping.

 

[jefferson-mo]

I wouldn't keep the auto tranny. I would be replacing it with an NV4500 if I went with a V8 swap. Me likes manual.

Yeah but...............


Yeah but...............


but......................



but.........................




OK me too!

 

[jb welda]

chevota?

is that what theyre called?

i call mine a toy-let!

what with the "trd" decals it seems logical.

one love
jah bill

 

[nikos8]

I know what you are saying srplus. I hate to see my 2f go, but lately I have been craving a little bit more power. I would never sacrifice reliability for performance and god knows that a well tuned 2f will run forever, but since my 2f finally went, I'm leaning towards trying something a little different. Believe me this is not a decision I can make without putting a lot of thought in it and a lot of opinions from you guys, especially since I know the 2f inside and out by now. But I see a lot of people satisfied with their V8 conversions who say they loved the 2f or 3f but would not give up their V8 for the world.

Man, it sounds like I made up my mind about it already but to tell you the truth I can wake up in the morning thinking that a 2fe is the only way to go. I think I need professional help.

 

[Moby]

Man, it sounds like I made up my mind about it already but to tell you the truth I can wake up in the morning thinking that a 2fe is the only way to go. I think I need professional help.

I hear you. It's a daily flip-flop for me as well if that makes you feel any better.

 

[JBBenson]

If you are going to convert, go diesel. Bio-diesel.

 

[nikos8]

Too expensive. If I went diesel I would like a toyota engine but the bad outweighs the good (part availability and cost). I spend a lot of time thinking of a 4bt or 6bt conversion but I don't want to lift my wagon 4" and again the cost is a lot higher.

Also biodiesel in NYC is non-existant and the laws around here don't exactly allow you to make biodiesel in your garage. Last thing I need is someone thinking I am a terrorist assembling bombs in my garrage.

 

[ChuckB]

I hear you. It's a daily flip-flop for me as well if that makes you feel any better.

Story of the my life...

 

[Wayneraintree]

TBI 350 is an efficient and reliable engine with great parts availability and enough HP to move a wagon.. lotsa resources on the swap so, I am happy with mine in the 55.

 

[jefferson-mo]

I think I need professional help.

Isn't that why you're here?



That's why I'm here.........much cheaper than the guy with the fake hair and the new Porsche

 

[tclndcrz]

if i could i would go with the 350 tbi

i reallly want more power!

 

[VETTE60]

i have the 350/nv4500 combo and would not change it. lighter, better mpg better torque, better gearing, fuel injection, cheap parts......etc.....etc. don't worry about emissions, just do it right! if you need emissions then retain them. i live in Cali, the most stringent state, and have no problems.

Don't be skeeeerd!!!

 

[Tinker]

I have both a stock '83 & a Vortec 5.7/4L60E in an '84. Better mileage in the '84, I can pass someone when I want to, & my garage doesn't smell like a refinery after I start it. Also, It hardly makes a difference when I turn the AC on.