FJ62 Diesel Options

[NewbieMcNewster]

Hello forum!

I am looking to figure out pricing and logistics on diesel swap options for an '88 FJ62.

I should preface this post by saying that I have almost no DIY know-how whatsoever, and definitely do not have the time to develop it in time to do any of this myself. I wish it were otherwise, but alas...

My issue is that I have an '88 FJ62 that is in overall really good shape. However, it's still got the original engine that doesn't pull very hard and gets atrocious gas mileage. I would very much like to put a diesel in it for increased mpg and the ability to run biofuel. I have made inquiries and done a decent amount of research into putting a Cummins 4BT in it, which would be an awesome option except that it would require jacking my 62 up another couple of inches and doing an SOA, which (a) I don't really want to do for aesthetic reasons, and (b) would making getting in and out of my apartment and office building parking lots with 6'8" clearance really difficult.

Does anyone know of some smaller diesel options that would fit in a cruiser on 33" tires with a moderate lift on it? I want something that isn't a total wuss in the power department, but I honestly don't need a whole ton of power. Just enough to run 75 or 80 on the highway without seeming like the wheezing fat kid from summer camp (TX speed limits outstrip my baby's current abilities). Mostly I'm looking for reliability and efficiency. Are there reasonably priced audi or VW diesels out there that would do the trick? I know there are enough diesel options in the auto market these days that a 4BT or 30 year old factory Toyota diesel can't be the only things that'll make an FJ62 run...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, along with any suggestions on shops in or near Dallas that do this sort of work.

Thanks everyone!

 

[gregnash]

Well really you need to ask yourself if you are willing to pay the price tag. There are plenty of threads on here about guys swapping in the 4BT/6BT, 4BD1T/4BD2T, and other Toyota specific diesels. The main concensus is that you will not really be saving money so if the main reason it to save money by saving on gas mileage you will find that the cost of having someone else do it will not offset the cost savings in gas.

From my research, you are looking at a minimum of about $10k for the swap for just about any diesel, Toyota will be more expensive just because they did not bring a diesel to the states.

 

[bikedork1]

look at the Isuzu 4BD1-T and the 4BD2-T 3.9 liter four cylinder engines. There are a couple of swaps on here that are done, and a couple in mid-swap on the forum here. Also 69 rambler on the forum here makes an adapter for these engines to the stock toyota transmissions both manual and automatic.

 

[dbleon]

A not so common but supposedly neat swap is the Mercedes I5 diesel.

With any "oddball" engine swap you may run into trouble finding parts, particularly on the road/in the field. I think ONE reason why the domestic (particularly Chevy v8) swaps are popular is because parts are literally everywhere.

Expect to pay $15-20k for a properly done diesel swap... that's if you go with a less expensive alternative to the 2h, 12ht or 1hdt. I reckon it cost a little more coin to have a Toyota diesel emblem under the hood....

The isuzu 4 cylinder swap seems like a great alternative. the problem is, can you find a low mile example??? hmm... when i was looking.. no. SO, factor in an engine rebuild (costly and less reliable on average than factory build).

If it were me, and my mind were set on diesel, I would be trying to source a half-cut Toyota...

Hope you got deep pockets.... the dreams you speak get very costly.

 

[Haggis]

X2 regarding VERY costly. I'm in the same situation. The engine of my dreams is a 1HD-T but they are seemingly impossible to find and $$$. Have you ever stood next to a Cummins 4BT? I would never do it, way too loud IMO. First things first, I'm going to get a H55f in her and then see where to go. I'm not ruling out a Chevy conversion.

 

[slowandsteady BJ]

OP- fill out your sig so we know where you are. (Dallas... never mind)

If you were in Canada (or if you are going there soon) a rusty 60 with a factory diesel and 5speed (H55) can be had for less than $2000 easily. Add a turbo to either a 3B or a 2H and you have the cheapest Toyota swap.

The Isuzu is also a great idea if you can find one that isnt worn out.

Want to spend more money? Look for a 1HZ or a 1HD-T and applicable trans.

Cummins engines are a possibility but the 4BT is really loud and the 6BT is a heavy lump.

Early GM diesels 6.2 and 6.5's are out there and have been swapped into 60's but Ill refrain for expressing my personal views on those motors. LOL.

 

[darthvincor]

I'd go for a 1-HDT, which was used in the 80 and 100 series.
Being a straight 6 landcruiser engine, it should fit without any suspension mods.
But is probably very expensive.

How about a more powerful, yet more modern and efficient gas engine?

 

[robustbambi]

It would be better/cheaper to just spend the 15k on a 25 year old HJ61 from Canada. That diesel engine comes with a free truck!!

 

[FL cruiser]

A GM 6.2 or 6.5 will fit with minimal lift. I ran a 6.2 without a lift for a while. The diff would contact the oil pan on a severe bump. After a 2.5" lift, never had a problem.
Decent engine. Ran one for 9 years on veggie. Only problem is the injection pumps didn't last long for me running WVO. But at $100 or less for used replacements, not a big deal.

The Isuzu is a tall engine. It might be 2" shorter than the Cummins, but it is similar in size and still needs a good lift.

The Mercedes and VW probably won't meet your power and interstate speed requirements on a vehicle this heavy.

If you want to run 75 to 80 MPH, Pretty much any diesel that fits won't yield you much more MPG's than a gas engine. My Isuzu gets 20 MPG if the speeds are under 70 MPH. Running 75 MPH it drops to 15 MPG. Same with my HJ60, the 6.2 and my dads Mercedes I5 2.9TD G Wagon.

 

[Kurtis]

If your looking to spend 30-50k you have a lot of diesel options.

If your looking to spend 20k+ your a bit more limited to the above mentioned engines.

If your looking to spend under 20k you have no options.

 

[Haggis]

^^ most likely why I will go the GM gas route.

 

[torfab]

I'm not sure if over 20k is accurate for a Toyota diesel conversion, I would say 15-20 for the Toyota engine options. Most of the engines suggested are good options, but I would stay away from the 4bt because it's very loud and rattly. I prefer the 12HT, 1HZ, and 1HD-T Toyota variety. Don't discount a GM Vortec engine as a viable replacement though, not a diesel, but more fuel efficient than the 3FE and lots more power.

Good luck

 

[hotrats]

I paid about $15k for my swap in 2008 -- 12HT + H55F into a'90 FJ62. $7k for the half-cut and the rest in labor and misc pieces parts.

 

[Christian]

Damn it, you got it hard over there!
Where I live a 2006 Chrysler 300C hemi costs approx. $50.000, but I can get a running 2H and H55f with transfer for $1.000 with a bit of searching.

 

[boots4]

There are several of us happy with the 4bt, it has great power potential and is reliable but the cheap sources for these are drying up so they are not quite the steal they used to be. While they may be noisy, cummins are fantastic engines and they continue to be swapped in all kinds of vehicles. I also like the isuzu 4bd1 as a candidate and recent support is making these easier to swap in. They also have good power potential and can easily scoot a Landcruiser along. I'm sure the Toyota diesels are nice but the prices have always been too ridiculous in the US market. The truth of any engine swap is that there are always bugs to work out so it's important to learn the details.

 

[Christian]

Damn it, you got it hard over there!
Where I live a 2006 Chrysler 300C hemi costs approx. $50.000, but I can get a running 2H and H55f with transfer for $1.000 with a bit of searching.

Just a comment on my last post. I re-read it, and it could be taken as sarcastic in the first line, and as bragging in the end.
I'm sorry, it was by no means intended as such.

My point was that cars costs a fortune here, we have the highest taxes on cars in the entire world.
But are lucky enough that we got the Toyota diesels and can get them second-hand...

Too bad freight costs so much...