FJ62 engine swap Advice from those that have done it

[jhanger]

I just had another setback with my 3FE (thumb size hole in the block) that I just rebuilt (and desmogged) 20k miles ago. So now I’m looking at swapping in a 350 or LS. I have the nomad extreme valve body and HD torque converter on my automatic tranny and I’d like to keep it. So besides an adapter plate and the engine itself what else do I need to buy for the swap? I need to make a list and start saving cash...thanks.

 

[JohnCapoccia]

Just my $0.02, but I’d sell your tranny and start over with an LS swap with a 4L60E tranny. There are many, many build threads (including mine) that will guide you. Nobody is going to put together a list of parts for you, because every build is different. You’re going to need to spend some time going through the threads anyway to get a sense of what you need to do and how to approach it in a way that fits your circumstances. If you ask specific questions, you’ll get many helpful responses. Good Luck!

 

[PortFJ62]

Here is a start.

4L60E or 4L80E
5.3 Vortec with accessories
Howell Computer/Harness
Stock Radiator is fine
Electric Dual Fans an option
New Motor Mounts and placement
Fuel Pump

 

[on2it]

Go 5.3 vortec or 5.7 LS, you'll never look back. Oodles of power on tap when you need it (I hardly ever do but it's there)

I had my 4l60e rebuilt to drag spec for lots of heat (do a lot of dune/sand driving), marks adaptor works perfectly. The only thing missing is 4.88 gearing as I found the stock 4.11 too tall with overdrive on the motorway (1300rpm) and off-road had to rev a little higher .. off-road and tall gearing don't mix well for engine heat, and general stress on equipment. (Especially when fully ladened for expeditions).

 

[4Cruisers]

Where in Texas are you? I've got a complete 3FE short block in northern New Mexico from a '91 FJ80 (same short block as yours, only the accessories changed between the FJ62 and the FJ80 3FEs). Only issue is a spun bearing. I picked it up for free from another MUD member a number of years ago, and it's been garage kept ever since. It's yours for the asking, just have to pay for shipping. Let me know if you're interested.

 

[jhanger]

Where in Texas are you? I've got a complete 3FE short block in northern New Mexico from a '91 FJ80 (same short block as yours, only the accessories changed between the FJ62 and the FJ80 3FEs). Only issue is a spun bearing. I picked it up for free from another MUD member a number of years ago, and it's been garage kept ever since. It's yours for the asking, just have to pay for shipping. Let me know if you're interested.

Thanks, but I’m done with the 3FE. I had completely rebuilt this one less than 20k miles ago.

 

[crashmonk]

LS FTW

 

[ScottCo]

Agree with the V-8 swap and GM 4L60 I can not stop smiling.....
TorFab did my conversion and put a ZO6 Corvette cam in for me. To pass all emissions I had him do the complete swap plus cruise control, a must on a road trip. Desmogged I think you can get a low milage 5.3 Vortec swap and GM tranny using the TOYOTA TC for about $14K or $15K. It is approaching $20K with all the whistles and bells. The LS Swap picture above tells it all!! Life is too short so enjoy the swap in style. Mine is for sale in the classified Mud listings.......

 

[Elbert]

as noted...gm engine equals GM transmission or that's what I would do. Sell the yota auto to someone that wants it....its not going to marry with the GM V8. GM 5.7 (pick your verison ) or I would really go with a 5.3 or 6.0 with matching GM transmission. AA adapter to mate with FJ60 split transfer case. use GM fan clutch and Fan that match GM engine, have custom radiator shroud made. Liekly you'll need new radiator to support LS engine or you'll need to modify present radiator. Go read the engine swap threads...like this one.

Cam's FJ60 is Gittin' a Heart Transplant

 

[ScottCo]

Stock radiator works fine. (if it is in good shape) Tor has a custom fan shroud that is awesome and he has a great custom cold air intake that is very effective and his exhaust design is also something that makes the motor breath so well. It just doesn't feel like its working at all.

 

[OldFJ62]

Hey JHanger, did you ever do the swap?

IH8MUD family,

Is there anywhere in the houston, tx area that anyone would recommend to do this type of work?

 

[OwlFJ62]

Hi there, wanting to ping this thread. I have a 89 FJ62 and looking for resource for a trusted shop to do a pulled LS3 or Vortec swap. Based in San Diego but can be any surrounding state. Thank you for any leads and help! budget is only 15-17.

 

[dbbowen]

Hi there, wanting to ping this thread. I have a 89 FJ62 and looking for resource for a trusted shop to do a pulled LS3 or Vortec swap. Based in San Diego but can be any surrounding state. Thank you for any leads and help! budget is only 15-17.

A lot of shops charge just that for labor man, seriously look into DIY. That budget gets you some seriously good parts. The swap isnt very difficult at all. Its just labor intensive. Its definitely DIY driveway doable for sure though.

 

[OwlFJ62]

@dbbowen I really appreciate this! Thank you! I certainly will!

 

[OSS]

The swap isnt very difficult at all. Its just labor intensive. Its definitely DIY driveway doable for sure though.

“isn’t very difficult” is relative. For some guys here, sure, but there’s also lots of guys here that find something as straight forward as a valve adjustment too daunting

 

[dbbowen]

“isn’t very difficult” is relative. For some guys here, sure, but there’s also lots of guys here that find something as straight forward as a valve adjustment too daunting

You’re definitely right, but I know I talked myself out of it for a long time until I finally just said screw it and tried it and was very surprised!