Fj62 swap help! LS v8 or cummins???

[NCFJ]

I will speak up for the V8 swap. GM LS/Vortec platform to be specific. Simply put, you'll not find more bang for the buck out there. I don't wish to get into some Diesel vs gas holy war, this is my OPINION, I am also bias on the subject.

A well executed LS or Vortec swap will give you reliable daily driver that pulls like a modern SUV. Parts are available everywhere and there is a wrench in every town that knows how to work on them. These swaps are so popular across the automotive world that some are starting to find them "boring". Bummer huh.

To the PO, the ultimate choice is yours. Obviously, the best path for you would be to drive some swapped trucks if you can, get a feel for them. Good luck with whatever path you take.

This is an 88 FJ62 with one of the last 5.3L Vortec crate motors. Not complete in the photo but close.

 

[fj62max]

I will speak up for the V8 swap. GM LS/Vortec platform to be specific. Simply put, you'll not find more bang for the buck out there. I don't wish to get into some Diesel vs gas holy war, this is my OPINION, I am also bias on the subject.

A well executed LS or Vortec swap will give you reliable daily driver that pulls like a modern SUV. Parts are available everywhere and there is a wrench in every town that knows how to work on them. These swaps are so popular across the automotive world that some are starting to find them "boring". Bummer huh.

To the PO, the ultimate choice is yours. Obviously, the best path for you would be to drive some swapped trucks if you can, get a feel for them. Good luck with whatever path you take.

This is an 88 FJ62 with one of the last 5.3L Vortec crate motors. Not complete in the photo but close.

That looks super clean. I like the stock air filter, mech fan, stainless dual batt etc. Super nice. I think iam going for a ls swap

 

[muddogbob]

Clean swap. Are you not running a MAF? How did you tackle the A/C (parts used, etc)?

Thanks

 

[NCFJ]

The MAF is on the back side of the first tube past the 90 coming off the throttle body. Almost in line with the passenger side fuel rail.

 

[gregnash]

Definitely take Stan's word as more than just "biased" like he says. He is probably one of the most active vendors that does swaps AND posts them up when the customer allows. The information he is provided is pretty much bulletproof.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

@doug720 my favorite swap on ih8mud for sure. Very well executed especially by yourself.

@NCFJ great looking swap. When the time comes, I'm having @orangefj45 do that for me, since he's on the left coast, does beautiful swaps, and is smog mindful!

Good discussion. My order of theoretical preference:

1-Factory Toyota Diesel
2-GM 5.3 Vortec-as new and as stock as possible
3-Rebuild 2F
4-Cummins swap

But weighing all the factors, and if wishing to daily drive it, I think the 5.3 would win out in the end as the practical choice.

 

[The Phoenician]

@doug720 my favorite swap on ih8mud for sure. Very well executed especially by yourself.

@NCFJ great looking swap. When the time comes, I'm having @orangefj45 do that for me, since he's on the left coast, does beautiful swaps, and is smog mindful!

Good discussion. My order of theoretical preference:

1-Factory Toyota Diesel
2-GM 5.3 Vortec-as new and as stock as possible
3-Rebuild 2F
4-Cummins swap

But weighing all the factors, and if wishing to daily drive it, I think the 5.3 would win out in the end as the practical choice.

that's interesting that you ranked the rebuilt 2f above a cummins. I can honestly say my 4bt is an improvement in every way over the 3fe. this is going to sound a bit paranoid but I'm only going to mention it because it happened to me and another local cruiser guy a few years back. I once broke a fuel line in traffic which soaked my hot engine bay with diesel. I still drove it home, roughly 4 miles and parked it until i replaced the lines. Another guy with a vortec swap broke a fuel line and watched helplessly as his cruiser went up in flames. I guess the lesson is whatever you decide to go with, make sure your fuel lines are in top shape.

 

[NCFJ]

@Cruiserdrew Thanks, Georg would be my choice too if I did not have an in with that guy in SC

 

[doug720]

There is no perfect swap for everyone. Each person who wants one has their own wants, needs and budget.

I like reading about and seeing what others have done and why they like or dislike the end result. One can always learn something new.

In the end, only the guy who is going to drive and pay for it can make the decision on whats best for him. But the discussion is always fun!

 

[fj62max]

Ok made up my mind going for a ls 5.3. Want to start gathering parts. Any recommendations? If you guys know what's the best places to order parts let's me know. Thanks

 

[The Phoenician]

Ok made up my mind going for a ls 5.3. Want to start gathering parts. Any recommendations? If you guys know what's the best places to order parts let's me know. Thanks

That's great, can't wait to see your build thread.

 

[db3]

When the time comes, I'm having @orangefj45 do that for me, since he's on the left coast, does beautiful swaps, and is smog mindful!

If you want a diesel swap, Georg/Dom at Valley Hybrids is, in IMHO the best there is on the left coast. They installed a JDM 1HZ-T in my 60 and I could not be happier. I averaged 23 MPG (corrected), driving 62-65 Mph on my recent trip to Moab. Not the cheapest, but the best option to keep you cruiser all Toyota. And NO California SMOG ever again!

 

[MANUCHAO]

^^^^ Wow THAT is eye candy.....
Beautiful engine bay....

 

[fj62max]

If you want a diesel swap, Georg/Dom at Valley Hybrids is, in IMHO the best there is on the left coast. They installed a JDM 1HZ-T in my 60 and I could not be happier. I averaged 23 MPG (corrected), driving 62-65 Mph on my recent trip to Moab. Not the cheapest, but the best option to keep you cruiser all Toyota. And NO California SMOG ever again! View attachment 1352289

Wow. That looks amazing. I love diesel-powered land cruisers

 

[tmxmotorsports]

@db3 you say all toyota but I see a ford oval hehehehe..... engine bay looks awesome.

 

[fj62max]

Today I called AA and had them email me the some info. The adapter for the 4l80e is about $200.00 cheaper than the 4l60e. Also called a junk yard near by they had some 5.3 and 6.0. I will be passing by to take a look at them in a few days. Can't wait!

 

[franklin40]

If you want a diesel swap, Georg/Dom at Valley Hybrids is, in IMHO the best there is on the left coast. They installed a JDM 1HZ-T in my 60 and I could not be happier. I averaged 23 MPG (corrected), driving 62-65 Mph on my recent trip to Moab. Not the cheapest, but the best option to keep you cruiser all Toyota. And NO California SMOG ever again! View attachment 1352289

i have the same engine and am loving it as well. what catch can are you running off your valve cover to air filter?

 

[db3]

@db3 you say all toyota but I see a ford oval hehehehe

I realized I would get flack over the Ford fuel filter. Georg is generally adamant about using OEM Toyota parts, although not as fanatical as Onur. When I asked about the filter, he commented it was a standard Racor (made for Ford), much less expensive than a Toyota, and has a built in priming pump which works very well. The replacement filters are available everywhere, in various micron ratings. Rock40 on his Euro 1HD-FT build used the same filter, for the same reasons. There are several other non-Toyota parts used, specially the vacuum reservoir (Comp Cams 5201), the Terrain Tamer water pump and HD clutch, and the turbo, which is a Garrett, spec'd for Georg by Bell Turbo.

have the same engine and am loving it as well. what catch can are you running off your valve cover to air filter?

The catch can is a ADD W1 Black Baffled Universal Aluminum Oil Catch Tank Can Reservoir, which is vented to the ground. I purchased it on eBay for about $80. I looked at some billet models which were outrageously expensive. Seems to be working okay, but I have very little blow by.

One thing I forgot to mention was the drivability improvement with the diesel, especially with the turbo. Living in Californian means there is virtually no legal way to get additional power from a stock 2F engine. I'm only running 10 to 12 psi boost on the turbo, which is enough to satisfy me. Coming up to the Donner summit in the Sierras on Hwy 80, I was able to easily accelerate in 5th gear to pass a bus. I was closely watching the EGT's, which only got to 900 deg F or so, but then realized I was going over 70! Still had power to spare. So nice!

When I first discussed an engine swap with Georg, I was also considering a SBC conversion. Georg mentioned the CARB referees have gotten very picky and that is making conversions more difficult. Something to consider, especially if you DIY in California.

Finally, I'd like to give credit to Dominic at Valley Hybrids for the beautiful work. Thank you Dom. Here he is clocking the turbo.

 

[KeepCruzin]

Toyota Diesel for life.
Pros- Total unicorn awesomeness and fuel economy with adequate power
Cons- Parts availability, can be a difficult swap
Bottom line- If I two cruisers, one would be a V8, one would be a 12HT. If I had to choose one, Id take the diesel.

 

[Elbert]

might be good to throw out some numbers ($$) for comparison when talking about swaps. Diesel OEM Toyota vs GM SBC and or Cummins. To say there is a cost variation is an understatement.