Going from an fj80 to possibly a kzj78

[Roastchestnuts]

Yes, and the same can likely be said when comparing older 70 series to an 80. After going through such an accident I wouldn't want to move backwards in the safety department. If you must have a Cruiser, 100 series for sure.

yes and no. my fiancé and I have decided we are going to use our Subaru for road trips. I live on the outer banks and don't really ever get going on highways. I don't know how much better a 100 would have done in the accident. We rolled the vehicle. I feel like airbags might have made it worse. Hard to say though. We were also both on the fence on bringing the land cruiser in the first place on our trip. we did in the end because of a big snow forecast at the destination of our vacation. (it did not snow...)

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Ha! I almost bought a JDM Isuzu Bighorn turbo diesel (JDM trooper) and have owned several US troopers, they are great. I ultimately decided on the Prado because of resale value in the event I decide to move on to something else. I think the KZJ78 would be a better buy if you are keen to being involved in the maintenance and repairs when they come. Let us know if you do it.

I will let you know for sure.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Our KZJ78 Prado was originally titled in Virginia, and we had no issues registering it in North Carolina.
We hit the beach at Fort Fisher here a lot, and it does great in the sand.

Nice. Just take the title to the dmv kinda thing? Also have you ever been up to the outer banks?

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

Among the 70 series...the 78 is a bloated wagon. This comes from someone who has owned a PZJ70, FJ73 and finally the HZJ77. I can't imagine how the troopy feels.

I definitely agree with one thing for sure... any 70 series in the US should not be a sole vehicle for daily driving.

The KZJ78 is a wagon. When compared to other 70 series that are not wagons sure, its a bloated wagon. When comparing the 78 to the 80 series and 100 series wagons, which I thought we were doing, respectfully, I can assure you the 78 is not the "bloated wagon" of the 3. If its in good condition, it is a fine daily driver in a small town, a great backup or fun vehicle. Obviously from a safety standpoint, any more modern and airbag equipped vehicle would be better and safer for freeway travel than any pre- 1995ish Land Cruiser.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

The KZJ78 is a wagon. When compared to other 70 series that are not wagons sure, its a bloated wagon. When comparing the 78 to the 80 series and 100 series wagons, which I thought we were doing, respectfully, I can assure you the 78 is not the "bloated wagon" of the 3. If its in good condition, it is a fine daily driver in a small town, a great backup or fun vehicle. Obviously from a safety standpoint, any more modern and airbag equipped vehicle would be better and safer for freeway travel than any pre- 1995ish Land Cruiser.

Light duty 70 series four door wagon is about the same weight and wheel base as a 60 series.

I think the light duty 70 series wagons feel nimble because the engines are relatively light in the front. Technically they're mid engined as the motor ends before the front axle, lol. I like the feeling; and it's great off road. My LJ78 unloaded is exactly 50/50 weight distribution.

 

[Tsvigo]

i would suggest that decide what u want to use it for , as the HZJ7X series based on my experience is, front weight is really heavy . front tire threads ends sooner than the rear. 1hz fuel consumption is really horrible. if u turbo it , the engine life is very short. kzj78 1kz are not bad engines, the famous problem with these engine is they always crack the cylinder heads . But with care they are good engines.

 

[FJ73Texas]

The KZJ78 is a wagon. When compared to other 70 series that are not wagons sure, its a bloated wagon. When comparing the 78 to the 80 series and 100 series wagons, which I thought we were doing, respectfully, I can assure you the 78 is not the "bloated wagon" of the 3. If its in good condition, it is a fine daily driver in a small town, a great backup or fun vehicle. Obviously from a safety standpoint, any more modern and airbag equipped vehicle would be better and safer for freeway travel than any pre- 1995ish Land Cruiser.

I just had a misunderstanding of what we were comparing. I was never trying to be argumentative with you so apologies if I came across that way. I admit that I really don't have a lot of experience in the 80/100 series, including the KZJ78 so I should just bow out of this one.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Among the 70 series...the 78 is a bloated wagon. This comes from someone who has owned a PZJ70, FJ73 and finally the HZJ77. I can't imagine how the troopy feels.

I definitely agree with one thing for sure... any 70 series in the US should not be a sole vehicle for daily driving.

I just had a misunderstanding of what we were comparing. I was never trying to be argumentative with you so apologies if I came across that way. I admit that I really don't have a lot of experience in the 80/100 series, including the KZJ78 so I should just bow out of this one.

I did appreciate your input! I like the comparing. Its all part of the conversation!

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

I just had a misunderstanding of what we were comparing. I was never trying to be argumentative with you so apologies if I came across that way. I admit that I really don't have a lot of experience in the 80/100 series, including the KZJ78 so I should just bow out of this one.

Its all good! cruiser banter. It is interesting how they are similar and different in so many ways.

 

[kgrove]

Really? Even the 80 series with the 1FZ or 1HDT in stock form? I find that hard to believe but then I haven't driven the KZJ78.

I own an HDJ81 with the 1HD-FT turbodiesel and just got my KZJ78 last week. The KZ Prado is most definitely quicker than the diesel 80 series, which frankly took me by surprise. I was expecting the Prado to be a dog and was researching boost mods, exhaust mods, and intercooler additions in anticipation of being frustrated. I haven't tested it under strenuous conditions so my opinion could change, but I'm considering shelving those mods at least or awhile as they are not necessary (though I'm sure fun) for around town driving. I've tested the HDJ81 on steep, high altitude freeway driving (like 6% grades at 6000 ft) and it performs fine at least with "simple" loads like a couple people and luggage. I have not had chance to test the KZJ78 on the same roads and have not towed anything with either.

I'll caveat that by saying in both cases, it's a sample of one. Maybe my HDJ81 is poorly tuned or has clogged injectors and I don't know it's supposed to be faster. Or maybe somebody modified my KZJ78 and it's running dangerously hot. I don't think that's the case on either given other signs - engine temps, exhaust smell and color, smoothness of power, fuel economy, etc - but I don't have EGT gauges in either and haven't done a deep dive on either's mechanics.

So caveats aside... yes, the 78 is "sportier" driving than a stock 1HDT or 1HD-FT powered 80. The 80 obviously will outperform the 78 Prado in other respects.

One of the biggest differences I've found is appeal. The 78 Prado definitely turns more heads, in part I suppose because of it's rarity in the US. My 80 primarily draws attention only when people notice I'm driving on the "wrong" side of the car.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Buy a Volvo SUV. Safe. Your key criteria takes most cruisers out of discussion except 100/200 series.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Buy a Volvo SUV. Safe. Your key criteria takes most cruisers out of discussion except 100/200 series.

Actually my key criteria was not safety. (as stupid as that sounds) You miss read my post. I Like the older series land cruisers. The FJ80 land cruiser was my camping/beach vehicle that we ended up taking because we were worried about snow. Now I won't be driving what ever I get on the highway on Long trips. I also have said while I like 100 series land cruisers I don't want one. and 200 series are out of my price range. This won't be our only vehicle as well.

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

I own an HDJ81 with the 1HD-FT turbodiesel and just got my KZJ78 last week. The KZ Prado is most definitely quicker than the diesel 80 series, which frankly took me by surprise. I was expecting the Prado to be a dog and was researching boost mods, exhaust mods, and intercooler additions in anticipation of being frustrated. I haven't tested it under strenuous conditions so my opinion could change, but I'm considering shelving those mods at least or awhile as they are not necessary (though I'm sure fun) for around town driving. I've tested the HDJ81 on steep, high altitude freeway driving (like 6% grades at 6000 ft) and it performs fine at least with "simple" loads like a couple people and luggage. I have not had chance to test the KZJ78 on the same roads and have not towed anything with either.

I'll caveat that by saying in both cases, it's a sample of one. Maybe my HDJ81 is poorly tuned or has clogged injectors and I don't know it's supposed to be faster. Or maybe somebody modified my KZJ78 and it's running dangerously hot. I don't think that's the case on either given other signs - engine temps, exhaust smell and color, smoothness of power, fuel economy, etc - but I don't have EGT gauges in either and haven't done a deep dive on either's mechanics.

So caveats aside... yes, the 78 is "sportier" driving than a stock 1HDT or 1HD-FT powered 80. The 80 obviously will outperform the 78 Prado in other respects.

One of the biggest differences I've found is appeal. The 78 Prado definitely turns more heads, in part I suppose because of it's rarity in the US. My 80 primarily draws attention only when people notice I'm driving on the "wrong" side of the car.

Me too! I was expecting like 2F performance or worse but it is surprisingly quick (for a cruiser) that can all change with 33's and a lift, we will see. What year is your KZJ78? I was also looking at all the mods and may still do a larger downpipe/exhaust only because its got an exhaust leak at the flex joint and an intercooler is on the shortlist to help keep EGT down. You are right, I think they draw more attention due to the RHD than anything. The KZJ78 and earlier models LJ78? I think have sort of been given a bad rap as "not a real land cruiser" which is comical but as vintage 4x4's increase in popularity I could see these imports becoming more important, who knows? I'd still rather own one than 90% of new cars out there.

 

[Shyrock]

Nice. Just take the title to the dmv kinda thing? Also have you ever been up to the outer banks?

We had no issues w/ DMV. Our insurance agent was concerned about a short VIN as most of their systems require a 17-digit entry. But they submitted whatever they submit and it went through OK.
Yes to the outer banks. I have one aunt and several cousins in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Currituck, and Elizabeth City. I have spent a lot of time there in the past, just not the most recent years.

 

[kgrove]

that can all change with 33's and a lift, we will see. What year is your KZJ78? I was also looking at all the mods and may still do a larger downpipe/exhaust only because its got an exhaust leak at the flex joint and an intercooler is on the shortlist to help keep EGT down.

My KZJ78 is a '96 and has a lift I'm guessing is lifted 2-3" and has 33x12.5x15 tires and it performs fine under the conditions I've had a chance to test it on. I'm sure it would handle and perform better without the lift and smaller tires, and if you can wait a month or two, I might have had a chance to test it on high altitude steep freeway hills and could give you better feedback on whether that's a problem. I'm not planning on doing any mods without first adding and EGT gauge just because I like to know what I'm dealing with given the 1KZ's reputation for overheating and head problems, though I seriously doubt the exhaust mod you're talking about could possibly do anything other than improving whatever conditions you're currently running. I'd probably feel the same about adding an intercooler. Adding turbo boost feels different to me... I know theoretically it can and should improve the engine's health by making the combustion more efficient and cooler, but I'd be concerned doing it without and EGT probe to tell me if I'm pushing it too hard.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I think the light duty cruisers receive a bad rap because of the motors. But really any Toyota IDI diesel with a turbo on it is prone to the same cylinder head problems. It's a function of the IDI technology. Toyota was just smart enough not to put turbos on the IDI heavy duty cruiser models (2H, 1HZ, etc.) Once turbos are put on those motors, they have issues too.

At the end of the day, if you need something capable of towing and heavy work, the direct injection turbo diesels are the only way to go. (12HT, 1HDT, 1HDFT/FTE, etc.)

That said, for daily run about, the 1KZTE is a great motor and has advantages like its 'peppy' performance. From what I've seen, the cylinder heads do end up needing replacement around the 200-250,000km mark. But most people just have to do it once in the life of the vehicle. Not that big of a deal IMHO.

Climbing under these trucks, every thing is pretty heavy duty and certainly closer to landcruiser spec than 4runner. Nothing really breaks on these trucks from being too weak (besides the IDI cylinder head issue).

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

My KZJ78 is a '96 and has a lift I'm guessing is lifted 2-3" and has 33x12.5x15 tires and it performs fine under the conditions I've had a chance to test it on. I'm sure it would handle and perform better without the lift and smaller tires, and if you can wait a month or two, I might have had a chance to test it on high altitude steep freeway hills and could give you better feedback on whether that's a problem. I'm not planning on doing any mods without first adding and EGT gauge just because I like to know what I'm dealing with given the 1KZ's reputation for overheating and head problems, though I seriously doubt the exhaust mod you're talking about could possibly do anything other than improving whatever conditions you're currently running. I'd probably feel the same about adding an intercooler. Adding turbo boost feels different to me... I know theoretically it can and should improve the engine's health by making the combustion more efficient and cooler, but I'd be concerned doing it without and EGT probe to tell me if I'm pushing it too hard.

I'd like to hear what you figure out to use for EGT guage and probe. I'm same, dont feel its necessary at this point to increase boost but concerned about keeping it from getting too hot and cracking the head. I wonder if that is only happening when people really work them, towing or whatever. Everything I've read says intercooler and larger exhaust are 2 things to help in that area. I'm new to diesels. Can you just buy a universal EGT guage/probe kit and install it?

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

If anyone is interested, here are the kzj78 and fj80 side by side.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I'd like to hear what you figure out to use for EGT guage and probe. I'm same, dont feel its necessary at this point to increase boost but concerned about keeping it from getting too hot and cracking the head. I wonder if that is only happening when people really work them, towing or whatever. Everything I've read says intercooler and larger exhaust are 2 things to help in that area. I'm new to diesels. Can you just buy a universal EGT guage/probe kit and install it?

One of the best things I think you can do is remove the EGR system. Put block off plates at the exhaust manifold and intake manifold where it used to connect. Then remove the throttle plate. Throttle plate is only there to create a vacuum at idle to suck exhaust fumes through the EGR. The European KZJ77 1KZT mechanical injection motor that has no EGR also has no throttle plate right from factory.

Benefit is, the motor gets all the air it wants and there is no exhaust to soot up the motor. This will help keep things cooler (especially pre-cups). It also gives more power from idle, and helps the motor run leaner (cooler in a diesel) at all partial throttle positions as there is more air available. I feel it starts easier too, as there is more air available to compress and generate heat needed for diesel to ignite.

Also consider running a high quality crank ventilation filter to keep oil out of your intake.

The emissions systems on these motors really do hamper their longevity.

I'd also run a little higher boost; no more than 12psi without an intercooler; up to 19psi with an intercooler. I found the more air I added to my motor it only ran cooler, more efficiently (mpg) and made more power. You have to use a fuel cut inhibitor if you go over 14psi (computer cuts fuel above 14psi).

Definitely intercooler and exhaust help a lot. And yes, before doing anything, install a pyrometer! An added benefit of doing this right away, is you can track the EGT improvements as you do things like exhaust/intercooler/EGR etc.

 

[kgrove]

I'd like to hear what you figure out to use for EGT guage and probe. I'm same, dont feel its necessary at this point to increase boost but concerned about keeping it from getting too hot and cracking the head. I wonder if that is only happening when people really work them, towing or whatever. Everything I've read says intercooler and larger exhaust are 2 things to help in that area. I'm new to diesels. Can you just buy a universal EGT guage/probe kit and install it?

One of the best things I think you can do is remove the EGR system. Put block off plates at the exhaust manifold and intake manifold where it used to connect. Then remove the throttle plate. Throttle plate is only there to create a vacuum at idle to suck exhaust fumes through the EGR. The European KZJ77 1KZT mechanical injection motor that has no EGR also has no throttle plate right from factory.

Benefit is, the motor gets all the air it wants and there is no exhaust to soot up the motor. This will help keep things cooler (especially pre-cups). It also gives more power from idle, and helps the motor run leaner (cooler in a diesel) at all partial throttle positions as there is more air available. I feel it starts easier too, as there is more air available to compress and generate heat needed for diesel to ignite.

Also consider running a high quality crank ventilation filter to keep oil out of your intake.

The emissions systems on these motors really do hamper their longevity.

I'd also run a little higher boost; no more than 12psi without an intercooler; up to 19psi with an intercooler. I found the more air I added to my motor it only ran cooler, more efficiently (mpg) and made more power. You have to use a fuel cut inhibitor if you go over 14psi (computer cuts fuel above 14psi).

Definitely intercooler and exhaust help a lot. And yes, before doing anything, install a pyrometer! An added benefit of doing this right away, is you can track the EGT improvements as you do things like exhaust/intercooler/EGR etc.

Great questions and input. To keep this thread on topic (KZJ78 vs 80), I'll likely start a separate thread about tweaking the 1KZ in the 78 Prado. One issue I've noted in the past couple months of reading while waiting for my KZJ78 to arrive from Japan is that there isn't a ton of specific info and examples about it - good amount of stuff on the 1KZ in other models and even the 1KZTE in the subsequent Prado, but there are enough differences to drive you nuts (like the comment about European vs JDM injector pumps or the fact that the 1KZTE in the Prado 90 already had an intercooler ..I think).