Diesel Swap Questions - asking for friend (1 Viewer)

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Roanoke, VA
OK so I'm like the 1000 other American guys who ogle diesel cruisers and want one. I currently own a '97 80 series with the 1FZ - cool engine, would be cooler with forced induction...but I can't seem to shake the diesel itch. Long term I want to build a camper trailer - a small one but still, I need hauling capability and it's hard to ignore the fact that diesel engines deliver on grunt. I've been reading on this forum as well as in the 80 forum so I have some context for the pros/cons of a swap. But I'm always open to more input. What I'm really interested in is hearing opinions on a cummins 5.9 swap vs a 1HD-TFE or other 1HD engine variant in an 80 series. So far in my reading, it seems like the only reason to go with a Toyota diesel are 1) you want to 2) it bolts in ...everything else (power, parts availability, etc) seems to point to a cummins swap here in North America. Am I woefully wrong about this? I mean, if I could go out and get a used FTE down the street, that would be different - but I'm just not clear enough on the differences of the end product to be convinced that a Toytoa diesel is the way to go. What am I missing?
 
An FTE has a big chance of being more expensive. 99+% of people in the USA don’t know how to deal with the wiring side of things.

The FTE fits very well, will be a lot quieter, smoother, lighter and is a Cruiser engine.

If budget is a concern, forget the FTE.

Cheers
 
An FTE has a big chance of being more expensive. 99+% of people in the USA don’t know how to deal with the wiring side of things.

The FTE fits very well, will be a lot quieter, smoother, lighter and is a Cruiser engine.

If budget is a concern, forget the FTE.

Cheers
This is kind of what I expected people to say. I know your shop does diesel conversions and diesel cruiser work. I understand that the cost of entry for any diesel is high - would you say the cost of the FTE is unpalatable for someone who would consider doing a cummins 6bt swap though? I'm curious whether the cost of doing a 6bt correctly would end up being cheaper than putting an engine in that was designed for the 80.
 
And I get the appeal of "quieter and smoother" but I grew up driving a cummins work truck and don't mind the noise. I kinda like the clak-clak-clak sound a cummins makes.
 
Ya it will be cheaper.

Nothing for the FTE can be bought in the USA, including the engine. A used FTE will cost ya $8-12k landed here and then it needs a refresh and upgrades.

Cheers
 
Ya it will be cheaper.

Nothing for the FTE can be bought in the USA, including the engine. A used FTE will cost ya $8-12k landed here and then it needs a refresh and upgrades.

Cheers
OK yeah I had seen some for 11-ish. That sounds about right. Thanks for answering a question from somebody who doesn't know much on the subject.
 
I wish the 15BFT's were easier to get here! Looks right at home in an 80 engine bay! Makes 1HDT power, or more if tuned up. If you're on facebook, check out this shop's 15BFT swaps. Very popular in that part of the world it seems: Log In or Sign Up to View - https://www.facebook.com/44x4bigfootshop

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