I am starting to shop for a 62. one of the things I like is the FI. I actually like FI over carbs. But the carbs are a little more simple which does have its advantages. But this question is only really about the drivability of the two different engines. I know the 62 with its fuel injection makes a little more HP than the 60. My question is does this power make much noticeable real world difference between the 60 and 62? Also how does a desmoged 60 compare to a stock 62 engine? I know a desmog will make a cleaner simpler engine compartment but does it help it run any stronger? I am not looking to build a “power house” by any stretch. I just want to know if the difference in stock powers is enough to use as a factor in choosing one model over the other.
FJ60 engine power/drivability vs. FJ62 engine
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Cruiserdrew
On the way there
The difference in drivability is significant. The 62 revs better, feels peppier. Even though not super powerful, the extra power is immediately evident.
One other thing-a 60 will hold freeway speeds, but it feels like a chore. The 62 cruises along happily at 65-75. So it may only be 20 more horsepower on paper, but it is a critical 20 horsepower that makes all the difference.
One other thing-a 60 will hold freeway speeds, but it feels like a chore. The 62 cruises along happily at 65-75. So it may only be 20 more horsepower on paper, but it is a critical 20 horsepower that makes all the difference.
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This has been my overall feeling with most FI engines over the years. I have owned a bunch of carbureted motorcycles that were all fast. But they all had quirks and flat spots. I also got tired of tuning and cleaning carbs. My newer bike with Fi, all I do is thumb the starter. Smooth and fast all the time.
I owned a car with 1980s FI for many years. Even the out dated old Bosh system worked very well. Honestly it was super simple. Just a few mechanical pressure systems. I know it is a personal thing but I like FI. I would just really like to hear if the HP difference is worth considering on the 60/62.
I have an FJ62 and am new to these vehicles.
On a flat surface, the 62 reaches highway speeds in a decent amount of time, but anytime there is an incline, it struggles.
Even when downshifting, there isn't a huge difference.
How do people go offroading with the low power output, especially people with bigger wheels?
Do they run it in 1st gear?
On a flat surface, the 62 reaches highway speeds in a decent amount of time, but anytime there is an incline, it struggles.
Even when downshifting, there isn't a huge difference.
How do people go offroading with the low power output, especially people with bigger wheels?
Do they run it in 1st gear?
Ushually when guys get bigger tires they get bigger gear ratios in the diffs to compensate
Why not just put the 3fe in the 60? Or better yet build a 2fe.
I would not hesitate to put a 2F bottom under a 3FE top. having said that, the 3FE revs much much nicer. to overcome that sagging transmission feeling going up hills, add a 4 speed or better yet, a 5 speed manual. I am jealous of my wifes truck. this efi system is as simple as they get BTW
Highway drivability is mostly a matter of gearing. The 62 came from the factory geared for highway speeds. The 60 did not. Most Mudders add bigger tires which improves gear ratios but to make a 60 happy on the highway you have to swap to a 5-speed transmission.
Perhaps the question you should be asking yourself is: Manual vs Automatic?
I have both 60's and 62's and I hate the automatic. It robs the extra HP of the 3FE. Adding FI to a 60 is about as difficult as adding a manual to a 62. There is no perfect choice and opinions vary dramatically.
I run both stock and desmogged 60's at sea level, both with 4-speeds and 32" tires, and don't see much difference between them. Granted, they are both high mileage, tired engines that could probably be tuned better. The 62 is stock with 30" tires and seems doggy around town but much happier on the highway. I intend to put a 2FE in it with a 5-speed as a compromise.
If money isn't factored into the decision; a 60 with a 5-speed and a V-8 is a very popular rig.
If you live in a smog inspection state or think you may ever move to one, I highly recommend NOT desmogging. Trying to retrofit in order to pass is nearly impossible.
Perhaps the question you should be asking yourself is: Manual vs Automatic?
I have both 60's and 62's and I hate the automatic. It robs the extra HP of the 3FE. Adding FI to a 60 is about as difficult as adding a manual to a 62. There is no perfect choice and opinions vary dramatically.
I run both stock and desmogged 60's at sea level, both with 4-speeds and 32" tires, and don't see much difference between them. Granted, they are both high mileage, tired engines that could probably be tuned better. The 62 is stock with 30" tires and seems doggy around town but much happier on the highway. I intend to put a 2FE in it with a 5-speed as a compromise.
If money isn't factored into the decision; a 60 with a 5-speed and a V-8 is a very popular rig.
If you live in a smog inspection state or think you may ever move to one, I highly recommend NOT desmogging. Trying to retrofit in order to pass is nearly impossible.
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The smog junk on the 2F is an abomination. Without it, they are wonderfully simple, stout motors that run well. A friend put a manual trans in a 62 a year ago and the gas mileage went way up. I see the choice being the lesser of two evils, both of which will require your attention; the nasty smog stuff on the 2f, or the nasty slush box that is bolted to every 3FE in America. If you are building a rig to build and you plan on using your choice of motor and trans, then it doesn't matter. I personally love the 60's front end, the two headlights of the 62 always looked "anti-Cruiser" to me.
This^^^
The other thing you have to remember is that you want to pick based on what you main application for the truck is going to be. If you plan on the truck spending 90% of its life on the road/highway then go with a stock 62 and stick with stock or only slightly larger wheels (30s or 31s for that little bit of rubber overdrive). If there is more than say 40% off-road in there then that is when you need to start weighing the options/benefits of the different systems. Personally, I love the look of the 60 over the 62, and specifically wanted a 60 for the manual transmission. The Carb'd engine has given me little issue, but I do recognize the benefits of the EFI system and would love it in the winter cold months.
With that said, if you could find a cheap enough 62, why not drop a 4spd into it (cheap). Or if your aesthetics lean more towards the 60, find one with a blown engine and see about dropping a 3FE into it. However, as has been said, there is not easy button for this. While the swaps have been done, well documented and are simple enough they require time, some fab skills, and some modifications that are not
..
My 62 has 35" tires and I regeared to 4.88's. On flat highway I can keep up in the fast lane and go faster than a lifted cruiser should go. The main downside with both the 60 and 62 is the lack of hp to hold speed on hills.
The 60 is the ideal builder rig. It is just the right size and it is easily modified to handle any motor or tranny choice. Virtually any engine gets better mileage and makes more power, so take your pick. The next one I build is going to be BBC with taller gears and an auto.
I qwned a de smogged 40 for a couple years, and a 62 for 10 now and counting. Though the 2F ran fine and always started up in the winter, either it was a bit tired or the 3FE is far superior in real world performance. Probably a little bit of both. The A440F is a pretty good auto. It reminds me of the Chrysler Torqueflite in my old Scout II. A manual would be better, maybe something to consider if/when the auto dies.
ok I have to chime in here. I have an 84 60 with stock 2f, smogged, and the 4 speed and has slightly bigger tires (31.5"). my speedo has a 5 mph error with that setup, in other words if it shows 60 I am doing 65. I can easily keep up with the 70 mph traffic but the engine revs relatively high at 3000rpm. after having major issues with the truck idling, I started replacing things. intake /exhaust manifold gasket, and resurfacing the manifolds ($70) , cleaned carb, replaced all vacuum lines etc, sea foamed it and I now find the truck very capable and powerful. I am also able to maintain speeds up hill as well without downshifting but that's in part because my secondaries kick in now, whereas before they didn't.. I love those secondaries. so if a 60 is properly tuned and maintained, it might just be satisfactory enough even for the highway driver. my truck is now running and starting exactly as it should. it's so great mechanically now that I don't even care about the rust, lol
I agree with Mongoose.
My 60 has all the smog parts on it, although I have bypassed the EGR valve temporarily. It runs great on the highway, but I don't like driving it over 65 mph with 31 inch tires (comes out to about 68 actual mph)- the RPMs are too high for my liking.
With a 5 speed and cruise control, I would love driving it on the highway. As is, long trips (over 100-200 miles one way) get a bit old.
My 60 has all the smog parts on it, although I have bypassed the EGR valve temporarily. It runs great on the highway, but I don't like driving it over 65 mph with 31 inch tires (comes out to about 68 actual mph)- the RPMs are too high for my liking.
With a 5 speed and cruise control, I would love driving it on the highway. As is, long trips (over 100-200 miles one way) get a bit old.
Hi, Proper tuning is everything. All these rigs have a slow straight 6. Most of the anti pollution stuff is shot on these rigs unless its been kept up. Desmogged any of these run better. I've decided to just get a 3/4 ton Chevy truck 4/4 and use it for towing and live with the cruisers as is. Mike
I love my 60, but your comments are why the 62 is easier and better as a highway truck than the 60. The tranny has a deep overdrive, dropping the rpm's by 27%. It's noticeably quieter. And the extra 20 hp is great when you need it. 20 hp doesn't seem like a lot, but it's a 16% increase over the 60. Overall I prefer my 60, but the OP asked for a comparison between the two on the highway. After having driven both, my answer is the 62 is better on the freeway.