Engine conversion

[Nick295]

Alright, guys so I am new to the 4wd scene and need some advice. I have a 1992 80 series (1FZ-FE 4.5L Petrol) currently but want to switch it up to something with a bit more grunt for offroading and fuel economy. It runs slow and only goes 20L/100km which is awful. I have a few engines in mind but am not sure what would be best when trying to weigh up fuel economy, power, torque and reliability. So far I have the 1HD-T, 1HD-FTE, 1HD-FT and a Chevy 6.5L V8. If anyone has any experience with these engines and could give me their opinion that would really help.

I have done some research and looked at forums and stuff and so far have some info on each. The Chevy V8 has about 140kw and 515nm which is a decent increase from the 1FZ-FE I currently have but it can heat up a lot and I don't want that. The FTE and FT are basically the same but the "E" in FTE is for the electronic fuel injector but both are significantly less powerful than the Chevy. Haven't found anything on the 1HD-T though.

Cheers for any inputs.

 

[LS1FJ40]

Are you sure you have a 1FZ-FE? Maybe it came early in Oz but it didn’t come to NA until 1993. Look at your VIN plate under the hood. It will tell you.

If you are for sure doing a swap, do a google search, a lot of them have been done. I would pick the motor that is the most reliable and parts are most prevalent in your country.

Personally, I would pick a Toyota diesel motor. But it may be cheaper/easier to just sell your petrol 80 and buy a diesel 80 (with a sub tank!).

 

[Nick295]

Cheers Silverstar, it is, in fact, a 92 1FZ-FE according to the VIN plate. I have been googling around and haven't found much on this type of conversions. they are mostly 1HZ's to the 1HD-FTE/FT. As I am going from petrol to diesel I was hoping for some first-hand experience with this type of conversion. There are a few shops around my city that do these conversions so I'll check them out. But if anyone has a similar conversion any input is welcome.

 

[OGBeno]

Are you sure you have a 1FZ-FE? Maybe it came early in Oz but it didn’t come to NA until 1993. Look at your VIN plate under the hood. It will tell you.

If you are for sure doing a swap, do a google search, a lot of them have been done. I would pick the motor that is the most reliable and parts are most prevalent in your country.

Personally, I would pick a Toyota diesel motor. But it may be cheaper/easier to just sell your petrol 80 and buy a diesel 80 (with a sub tank!).

8/1992 was the first month of FZJ80 production and export out of the Mothership for most markets.

Some markets got them as early as 1/1992. Mainly in the carby version.

 

[ALX4X4]

Hey Nick, have a look on the Australia 80-105 LS conversion page. MY 6.0 uses a very reasonable 17-ish per 100, manual on 35's with every possible accessory to add more weight and still has more power than I ever need. Tows 2T easilty and never overheats, stick with the belt drive fan. And that's 270KW 535Nm in stock tune.

 

[Nick295]

Cheers ALX4X4. Been looking over the page and lots of good rigs. Thinking now maybe an LS1/2 would be a good fit. Any suggestions on the best option? also how complicated and expensive is the installation procedure?

 

[ALX4X4]

Well mine was 20K drive in drive out a present to my self for 'no more mortgage'. Haven't had to turn a spanner on the conversion since day 1 just normal Toyota maintenance. I've chewed out some engine mounts and realised I don't have the 'engine stabilisers' they went AWOL so a new set have just gone in plus using genuine mounts see how it goes.

 

[LINUS]

I'd decide upfront if you want a diesel motor from Mr. T, or a diesel in general - then decide from there.

You 'cut a wide swath' with the motors you suggested - everything from a simple diesel swap to a full-blown petrol GM V8.

You may want to decide based on the driveplates in the front axle, or some other weak part in the drivetrain -- what motor makes sense for you.

We all know a LS-A is a kickbutt motor, but will you harness it? - No.
Esp not with a standard FJ80 drivetrain. Upgrades need to happen for a LSA/LS3 varient.

Not without D60 or similar upfront, and a NP/NV varient case, prob with a Turbo 350/400 or newer L60x trans in front.

So really you need to narrow the field so anybody can help, your post isn't focused enough for anybody to really help you with downstream components.

Start with the diesel / gas thing, then narrow the field based on your personal use / HP/TQ desires.

 

[RAYJON]

Dont know if you got the 4.8 and 5.3 truck engines there, but they make a great swap. Ls motors are very reliable and efficent, as far as too much hp, you can make them very tame with a cam swap and a tune, the 4.8l motors are low hp truck engines and are used in the us in alot of vans and service trucks have seen alot with 300k hard miles and no issues.. we run the low hp 6.0's at work in fully loaded 10k lb trucks and get 200k miles with no isses and they are beat on daily.. lots of idle time with weather from -20f to 110f.

Good luck either way you go,

 

[nukegoat]

Dont know if you got the 4.8 and 5.3 truck engines there, but they make a great swap. Ls motors are very reliable and efficent, as far as too much hp, you can make them very tame with a cam swap and a tune, the 4.8l motors are low hp truck engines and are used in the us in alot of vans and service trucks have seen alot with 300k hard miles and no issues.. we run the low hp 6.0's at work in fully loaded 10k lb trucks and get 200k miles with no isses and they are beat on daily.. lots of idle time with weather from -20f to 110f.

Good luck either way you go,

Shhh. Don't tell @Tools R Us