My change in build direction has me seriously considering an import Toyota diesel over the 2F, and I am having a tough time deciding on the ideal option and where to source. I am mainly looking at 13BT/14BT/15BT or a 1KZ-TE. My 40 will be stretched ~1' and linked front and rear using 80 series axles on ~37s. So drivetrain length isn't a big concern. Planning on transfer case doubler. I am leaning towards a manual, but am open to an auto, which may be a better choice for technical driving and may negate the need for a doubler.
Landcruiser Heaven has a listing for sourcing a 13bt with your choice of a442 automatic ($6,000) or H55F transmission ($7,000), presumably imported from Columbia. LCH seems to have mixed reviews for customer service, seemingly mostly related to supply chain issues getting items shipped from Columbia, which is understandable. Anyone have any experience buying an imported engine from LCH? any other reputable sources for 13/14/15BTs? 13BT seems to be getting tougher to source parts for, but it came in the 70 series set up with the A442/H55F and split case from factory. I also haven't found a good source for the 14BT/15BTs, which would require me to source a trans & Tcase.
This option would allow me to use the Northwest Fab BlackBox and 4:1 transfer case gears, which along with the H55F would make for a great range of gearing.
1KZ-TEs seem to be available from a number of sources ranging from ~$3500-$4500 (such as THIS) with either an R151F manual or A340F auto (From what I can tell). With the manual, I would be limited to the marlin RF1A doubler, which uses a centered rear output. My 80 axle is offset. This issue could be solved by using a RuffStuff or Diamond centered rear housing and transfer the parts over, and using custom shafts (would be getting upgraded shafts anyways). The auto could also use the RF1A doubler, but I believe I could also adapt to an a343f tailhousing and use an HF1A from an early 80 and 3:1 tcase gears. From what I can tell, the NWF BB should in theory work between the A343F and HF1A, if desired, as the HF1A came on the A442F and is known to direct swap to an A343F.
13BT
Pros: Factory LC trans/tcase, mechanical injection, easy to set up doubler, maintains driver side drop rear output
Cons: Parts more difficult to source, higher mileage and more questionable maintenance history
1KZ-TE
Pros: Cheaper and easier to source, newer, better parts availability, usually pretty low mileage JDM engines
Cons: Electronic injection, requires centering rear diff and marlin doubler if manual which makes cost about even with 13BT and extra work, but no need to deal with BB cooling issues. Potential head/cooling issues.
The 3B is another option, but the cost to turbo puts it well over a 13BT, which is essentially a factory turbo'd 3B with improvements for the turbo. Parts are also about as hard to source. So I am not considering it too seriously.
What would you choose? Any other options I should be considering? Any well known importers/sources I should check with? Not finding much for the 13/14/15BTs.
I am still learning diesels, so any advice on what to look out for/ parts to make sure are included when importing is appreciated.
Landcruiser Heaven has a listing for sourcing a 13bt with your choice of a442 automatic ($6,000) or H55F transmission ($7,000), presumably imported from Columbia. LCH seems to have mixed reviews for customer service, seemingly mostly related to supply chain issues getting items shipped from Columbia, which is understandable. Anyone have any experience buying an imported engine from LCH? any other reputable sources for 13/14/15BTs? 13BT seems to be getting tougher to source parts for, but it came in the 70 series set up with the A442/H55F and split case from factory. I also haven't found a good source for the 14BT/15BTs, which would require me to source a trans & Tcase.
This option would allow me to use the Northwest Fab BlackBox and 4:1 transfer case gears, which along with the H55F would make for a great range of gearing.
1KZ-TEs seem to be available from a number of sources ranging from ~$3500-$4500 (such as THIS) with either an R151F manual or A340F auto (From what I can tell). With the manual, I would be limited to the marlin RF1A doubler, which uses a centered rear output. My 80 axle is offset. This issue could be solved by using a RuffStuff or Diamond centered rear housing and transfer the parts over, and using custom shafts (would be getting upgraded shafts anyways). The auto could also use the RF1A doubler, but I believe I could also adapt to an a343f tailhousing and use an HF1A from an early 80 and 3:1 tcase gears. From what I can tell, the NWF BB should in theory work between the A343F and HF1A, if desired, as the HF1A came on the A442F and is known to direct swap to an A343F.
13BT
Pros: Factory LC trans/tcase, mechanical injection, easy to set up doubler, maintains driver side drop rear output
Cons: Parts more difficult to source, higher mileage and more questionable maintenance history
1KZ-TE
Pros: Cheaper and easier to source, newer, better parts availability, usually pretty low mileage JDM engines
Cons: Electronic injection, requires centering rear diff and marlin doubler if manual which makes cost about even with 13BT and extra work, but no need to deal with BB cooling issues. Potential head/cooling issues.
The 3B is another option, but the cost to turbo puts it well over a 13BT, which is essentially a factory turbo'd 3B with improvements for the turbo. Parts are also about as hard to source. So I am not considering it too seriously.
What would you choose? Any other options I should be considering? Any well known importers/sources I should check with? Not finding much for the 13/14/15BTs.
I am still learning diesels, so any advice on what to look out for/ parts to make sure are included when importing is appreciated.
