FJ40 for mostly highway driving recommendation.

[zafar11]

Folks,


What will be best scenerio to go with where FJ40 is used mostly for highway driving. Which V8, Engine and tranny will be the best which is cheaper and easier found. I like to replace by existing F engine and three speed transmission.


Thanks

 

[73tlcv8]

NOT V8 + SM465 + 4.11s

 

[jimkyser]

If you're set on a V8, a modern SBC with EFI and the associated OD auto transmission (TH700r4) is probably the going to be the easiest, and likely cheapest, to find. That combo came in just about every full size Chevy/GMC truck throughout the late 80s and into the 90s and there are plenty of adapters/mounts/harnesses/etc available to get it all to work. Plenty of people have swapped similar combos into their FJ40s over the years, so you'd have many people to ask questions of.

If you're not set on a V8, I'd go with a 3F-E and an H55F. It'll fit like it's stock (because it almost is) and will require no aftermarket adapters. If the 2F in my FJ40 suddenly failed (not expecting or wanting this, but just saying) this is the combo I'd put in.

 

[Oso Flaco]

As I was born in San Francisco, I can say with great authority that any person willing to drive their FJ on SF highways, with the price of SF gas, the number of tourists and somewhat offbeat locals and on a daily basis is a far braver person than I!

Economy wise, a diesel 5 speed might be the most cost effective. As I recall one occupant Hybrid cars no longer have access to the diamond lanes so an electric conversion is out of the question. An automatic might be easier on the left leg but overall I wish you luck.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Controversial maybe, but with today's gas prices, how about a 6.2l diesel and an nv4500 and 3.70 gears?

 

[FJsnoozer]

Is go turbo diesel,

If I went diesel, I would probably go with a small diesel with an early spooling turbo.
And a deep OD. My friend had great success with hi Isuzu swap. 24-27 mpg on 35s

 

[Mark W]

If you want an FJ40 for highway driving in Souther California... there is no reason to apply logic or reason to the discussion. If there were, you would chose almost any vehicle but this one.


So... pick any oddball drivetrain that seems cool to you and have fun.

 

[platypusREX]

A highway 40 is like having a off road Corvette. Wrong base for the job. I am not saying it cant be done.

 

[Sully73FJ40]

I don't see why you can't make it a highway 40. I've seen plenty of old Jeep Cjs flying past me on the highway! With the right funds and skills anything can be accomplished!

 

[jimbo046]

high hasn't been fun in either of mine....i have one with a cummins 4bt its like driving a gokart...lol an isuzu 4bd1t would be my first choice or cummins 3.3t 4bt is like driving a backhoe really fast.....guys guys diesel if you swap don't be scared of them. why swap a good gasser for an ok gasser?

 

[Tigerstripe40]

Mercedez Benz biturbo V12...

Coming back to reality...

If you're mostly on the freeway, I think that a GM V8 w/ and NV4500 manual or 700r4 automatic transmission is going to be a good combination for the cost and ease of finding available parts.
I recently priced out a 6.0 liter V8 w/ 90k miles, all accessories, wiring harnes, pedal, ECU, 4L80e transmission, etc for $2300.

If you wanna keep it toyota, either the 4.7liter 2UZ V8 or the 4.0 1GR V6 would be cool conversions for a modern fuel injected motor. However, neither of these options would be as cheap as the GM conversion.

 

[jagota]

Mercedez Benz biturbo V12...


Now you have my attention! But I don't think most would think of that as do-able. Not all that economical either.

 

[camcruiser13]

get yourself a nice honda civic

 

[pc4400]

A
Rebuild your F and get a set of good headphones

B
Vortec V8

C
Honda Civic

Above ALL, a 40 to drive on california highways would include serious brakes, maybe an anchor too. Nothing scarier than telling the wife to hang on cuz you ain't gonna be stopping for the red light.

 

[FJsnoozer]

I don't understand why anyone would swap an engine in order to get 14-18 mpg when they can just tune up a 2f for 500 and get 15.


If you are swapping for fuel economy, paying for a v8 swap will not be offset by fuel savings for YEARS.

Going to something that can get 25 mpg can break even very quickly.

 

[Rhino Hunter]

I'm running 5.3 w/ H55- was not easy and/or cheap, but I can run 70 mph @ 2400 rpm
hard top with outdoor carpet liner / tub with bed liner top and bottom - not too noisy.

If I had to do it all again I would go with 3FE \ H55- for what it worth

 

[bikersmurf]

Folks,


What will be best scenerio to go with where FJ40 is used mostly for highway driving. Which V8, Engine and tranny will be the best which is cheaper and easier found. I like to replace by existing F engine and three speed transmission.


Thanks

How far, how fast, how often?

1) Keep your F, add 33x10.50 BFG ATs, stock Toyota 4 speed, possibly 3.70 gears.

2) 350, 33s, Toy 4speed, 3.70 gears.

3) Vortec, OD trans, 33s.

 

[ed76FJ40]

I drive my 40 on the highway. I have a 2F. I have not purchased an anchor, but always leave a way out. I have developed a constant ringing in my left ear.

 

[Elbert]

better understand engine swaps in CA first.

 

[zafar11]

Thanks Guys. I really appreciate all the response. I wanted to have open fj40 and go cruising. Not a 4 wheeling person but I just love the shape of Fj40 so much that I have to have this.

One question, Since I'm brand new to FJ40, Mine in 72 with a three speed transmission and stock TC. . Can I just get a 4 speed transmission from a 76 or above and will it bolt write in to F engine and Transfer case ?

Thanks