FJ80 V-6 Engine swap

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A

aprazerdiaz

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I bought a 1991 80 about a year and a half ago. I like the truck and it seems to be a vehicle that gets quite a bit of recognition by 4x4 enthusiast. The only issues I have with it are the terrible gas mileage and the lack of power.

My question is; would it be to my benefit to swap out the engine for a newer Toyota 4.0 V-6. Is this a swap that would be worth the effort or is it one of those things that should be left alone. And secondly, would the drive train require any mods as well. Anyone's input is greatly appreciated!
 
Me and my two cents are going to duck in and say that no fun was ever had with less than eight cylinders :)
 
Firstly, welcome to the club!

secondly: that engine is a dog when it comes to power. It will last forever but it wasn;t made to race. It was designed to last as long as possible in third world countries where it may not get serviced regularly, if at all, and still save your butt.

Putting in a v6 would help,.. but why stop at a v6? why not a nice v8 or depending on the laws where you live a diesel swap?

The bane of all LC owners is the lack of power in these epic vehicles but changing things out also kind of negates the essence of what a cruiser is: A go anywhere, do most anything, abuse-enduring vehicle that will make you look better than you really are off road, take a pounding and still get you home at the end of the day in AC comfort... with the kids in back. Sure,.. the jeeps will pass you on the way back from the trail but its not their fault the tow trucks pulling them are speeding. Besides... you start enjoying the Christmas cards from OPEC.

Bill
TLCA#7390
 
Is this a joke?
 
No the joke would be you trying to scare off yet another newbie. Not every person who is new to cruisers can know as much about them as you or me or others.

If he wants to put in a new toyota V6 or a honda I4, for that matter, who are you to discourage him in that way. Now if you don't agree with what he is trying to do let him know that with reasons why the swap wouldn't work.


As for the op's question. No it really wouldn't be worth the effort or cost. You would be much better off, if you want to do a swap for more power and mileage, to go with a vortec SBC.
 
I think a 1GR-FE swap would be sweet. That's a killer engine.

Specs (VVTi/Dual VVTi, 87 octane)
236/258 HP @ 5200
266/270 lb/ft @ 4000
 
You could always try to get your hands on a Rolls-Royce twin turbo V8 :)

530bhp
774 lb/ft

You could reverse the Big Bang with an engine like that.

A 2UZ V8 would probably be the best value. A few guys around here have done it.
 
look around here for the threads on swapping out the I6 for the Chevy V8- I think there is a painless harness and bellhousing/engine mount kit making it the most straightforward. Or, there are a couple guys who have tackled the Toyota V8 but they are trailblazers and are treading into uncharted waters, Successfully I should add.
 
Welcome to the 3FE club!!! Unless you want a powerhouse engine under hood, keep the 3FE, like they said, it is almost indestructible. The are slow, maybe under powered but very reliable. It will take you to the end of the world and back. I don't see many V-8s around with over 250000 original miles, and the 3FEs last this long without any problems.:cheers:
 
I don't know anything about what you would need to do to get one in. But the power level should been OK in an 80 series. You might want to search for a few of the recent 4.7 V8 swaps that have been done. Give you an idea as to what your going to have to do. Steps wil be similar.
 
In the mean time, you'll probably get used to it.
 
It is already a pig and you want to do what! Unless you put a toyota 4.2 TD in here, don't bother!:)
 
I would suggest sticking with the 3FE where it lacks in power it makes up for it the one time you need it to save your ass.

I am still on the fence with doing a diesel swap but when I do I will be going with a 1HD-T otherwise I will stick with ol reliable.

Work with the engine, give it a tune up, replace your gaskets, and replace the fuel sock and you will see the beauty in this sleeping beast you have under your hood.
 
Does replacing the fuel sock make that much of a difference?
 
Eicca said:
Does replacing the fuel sock make that much of a difference?
Click to expand...

Depending on how bad it is, it could help MPG and maybe even a little HP if it's cutting off a good flow of fuel.
 
Ooh. Now would I have to order one somewhere or could I use one of my black dress socks?
 
Eicca said:
Ooh. Now would I have to order one somewhere or could I use one of my black dress socks?
Click to expand...

I'd go with a good athletic sock so it will hold up during those overtime runs :)
 
Dang it. All my athletic socks have holes.
 
Pretty much. When I thought I was going to replace my beloved 1993 Lc, the new 4Runner is the only car out there I felt would be comperable. The I decided not to, fixed the oil leaks and power steering pump, new leather seats, new paint job (under warranty from then years ago - they should not offer a lifetime warranty on a car people keep decades), and now I am a happy camper. I replaced the fuel pump and fuel sock a couple of years ago, and it made a ton of difference.

I know I am talking FJZ (1993 up) engines, but the thoughts are the same. Keep it and love it, and it will be as reliable as a fine house.
 
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