cruiser_guy
Out of Africa / North Africa
Cruisergreg said:
Nowadays, unleaded gas is a given. If you're concerned you can always fab a pipe to take the place of the cat but I personally wouldn't bother and I live in Guatemala.
High performance 2F engine a good idea for S. American odyssey?
- Thread starter Southbound
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Nowadays, unleaded gas is a given. If you're concerned you can always fab a pipe to take the place of the cat but I personally wouldn't bother and I live in Guatemala.
I guess I didn't clarify well enough about getting better milage in the conditions he'll encounter. Remember that after you rebuilt my engine I managed 22mpg for a few days, but that was when it was tuned extremely lean and with the timing advanced way too far. Now I'm back down to 15 average.
I also noticed a rather significant power increase when I put a muffler back into the exhaust. I didn't check to see if it did anything with my milage though.
Southbound, you have pmail.
SA Trip
Im assuming if you've traveled in Bolivia Peru and Ecuador you're familiar with the conditions of the roads, infrastructure and altitude. Yo asumo que tu habla Español.
I'd avoid the drive through CentAm - personally if your interested in SA ship from Houston to Caracas or LA to Arica or Iquique. Lots of vehicle shipments on the latter route - should be fairly reasonable. Keep it stock - Cguy is dead on. Lots of knowledgeable mechanics and no issue w/ parts. In general diesel or gas is fine - the quality of fuel is pretty good. Spend your money on an ancillary tank - I know the 78s down there have 2 90l tanks. What does a US spec 60 have 20 gal?
Check with US State Dept on advisories before you go. Chile to Bolivia then Peru, Ecuador etc. Columbia was a no go with FARC, Venzuela is a toss up. Bolivia was touchy for a while but currently as good as its been in quite a while.
You can source nearly everthing you'll need down there. Careful what you ship - outside of a locked container. Keep two spare tires - plug kits. Other than that make sure your suspension, brake system and frame are in good shape. Test repairs before you move on. Do a daily vehicle inspection. Take a 2 Toyota manual - one in English, one Spanish.
Keep your ass aware on the road - buses trying to pass each other and overloaded trucks arent uncommon. Drivers arent particular courteous - but like here its a mix. The passes it can get interesting - realize at 4000+m things are different. Flatlanders from the Midwest forget this. If youve been there you've experienced this. Just be aware
If you have specific questions Im happy to answer about Bolivia/Chile - dated but I can ask friends about current. I'd not go solo if I could help it - enjoy yourself and let us know how it goes.
Luck
Alac
Im assuming if you've traveled in Bolivia Peru and Ecuador you're familiar with the conditions of the roads, infrastructure and altitude. Yo asumo que tu habla Español.
I'd avoid the drive through CentAm - personally if your interested in SA ship from Houston to Caracas or LA to Arica or Iquique. Lots of vehicle shipments on the latter route - should be fairly reasonable. Keep it stock - Cguy is dead on. Lots of knowledgeable mechanics and no issue w/ parts. In general diesel or gas is fine - the quality of fuel is pretty good. Spend your money on an ancillary tank - I know the 78s down there have 2 90l tanks. What does a US spec 60 have 20 gal?
Check with US State Dept on advisories before you go. Chile to Bolivia then Peru, Ecuador etc. Columbia was a no go with FARC, Venzuela is a toss up. Bolivia was touchy for a while but currently as good as its been in quite a while.
You can source nearly everthing you'll need down there. Careful what you ship - outside of a locked container. Keep two spare tires - plug kits. Other than that make sure your suspension, brake system and frame are in good shape. Test repairs before you move on. Do a daily vehicle inspection. Take a 2 Toyota manual - one in English, one Spanish.
Keep your ass aware on the road - buses trying to pass each other and overloaded trucks arent uncommon. Drivers arent particular courteous - but like here its a mix. The passes it can get interesting - realize at 4000+m things are different. Flatlanders from the Midwest forget this. If youve been there you've experienced this. Just be aware
If you have specific questions Im happy to answer about Bolivia/Chile - dated but I can ask friends about current. I'd not go solo if I could help it - enjoy yourself and let us know how it goes.
Luck
Alac
Alacrity said:
Why? It's a beautiful area... Drive and enjoy all aspects of Latin America, including Central America.
About fuel mileage, if you are really concerned about your mileage, you should consider a diesel swap at least. A 2H would be good enough to take you anywhere you want without any problems. Low on power but very reliable. Very little can go wrong. Bad thing is that a diesel swap is expensive.
You should read on other peoples experiences traveling through Latin America... here are just two that I know of...
http://www.ihana.com/big_trip/
http://www.planetincognita.com/
and like someone mentioned above
http://www.sandcruiser.com/
- Thread starter
- #27
Thanks again for all the responses. I'm beginning to get a game plan together.
As much as I'd like to do a diesel conversion (and will someday), I don't have time for it now and it would not be cost effective - I'd pay more for the conversion than I would save in gas costs.
If you guys really think I can get 15 mpg out of my Cruiser I would be ecstatic. That would be huge, literally a 50% savings in gas vs. the 10 mpg I was dreading. I think I'll keep the engine mods minimal for now and stick to a good tune up and get rid of the catalytic converter. I'll probably also put new headers on, as much for the experience as the efficiency boost. Truth be told I don't know squat about engines, though I intend on learning as much a I can before I go. Same with Spanish. I need to learn how to say "Here is all my money, please don't kill me."
I might do some other engine mods, as long as I am not introducing additional points of failure or reducing the reliability of the 2F in doing so. Maybe a DUI distributer as Tapage suggested. Sounds like I need to talk with Jim C. about about Carb rebuid too.
To answer some of the questions I've gotten on this thread:
I do have a large aftermarket gas tank - I think it's 42 or 46 gallons. If I can get close to 15 mpg that would translate into a huge range. That reminds me, I had to replace my fuel sender and had a very hard time finding one that provided the right resistance that would fit my tank. I found these guys who offer a variable resistance fuel gauge sender cut to size that seems to be doing the trick: www.centroidproducts.com
My engine seems to be in pretty good shape. It's got 163K miles on it, hasn't been rebuilt yet. I haven't done a compression test yet so I don't know about that. It burns about a quart of oil every fill up, but given the size of the gas tank fill ups aren't very often.
I've got 30" tires, haven't changed the diff.
Thanks for all the links to others who have done similar trips. The websites are awesome. I recommend anyone who hasn't seen the sites check them out, if not for the cool pics of S. American people and countryside then for the beautiful photos of Land Cruisers in all their glory in their natural habitat. It's like seeing eagles soar, or happy dogs run; the world seems as it should be when you see a beautiful fj60 covered in mud with lush moutains in the backdrop.
Thanks again for all the advice, and please keep it coming. If you guys are interested, I will post some photos of the truck when she is ready to go and will share any exciting stories from the trip.
Mark
edit 04/06/06- The Centroid sender did not work out afterall so I can't recommend it.
As much as I'd like to do a diesel conversion (and will someday), I don't have time for it now and it would not be cost effective - I'd pay more for the conversion than I would save in gas costs.
If you guys really think I can get 15 mpg out of my Cruiser I would be ecstatic. That would be huge, literally a 50% savings in gas vs. the 10 mpg I was dreading. I think I'll keep the engine mods minimal for now and stick to a good tune up and get rid of the catalytic converter. I'll probably also put new headers on, as much for the experience as the efficiency boost. Truth be told I don't know squat about engines, though I intend on learning as much a I can before I go. Same with Spanish. I need to learn how to say "Here is all my money, please don't kill me."
I might do some other engine mods, as long as I am not introducing additional points of failure or reducing the reliability of the 2F in doing so. Maybe a DUI distributer as Tapage suggested. Sounds like I need to talk with Jim C. about about Carb rebuid too.
To answer some of the questions I've gotten on this thread:
I do have a large aftermarket gas tank - I think it's 42 or 46 gallons. If I can get close to 15 mpg that would translate into a huge range. That reminds me, I had to replace my fuel sender and had a very hard time finding one that provided the right resistance that would fit my tank. I found these guys who offer a variable resistance fuel gauge sender cut to size that seems to be doing the trick: www.centroidproducts.com
My engine seems to be in pretty good shape. It's got 163K miles on it, hasn't been rebuilt yet. I haven't done a compression test yet so I don't know about that. It burns about a quart of oil every fill up, but given the size of the gas tank fill ups aren't very often.
I've got 30" tires, haven't changed the diff.
Thanks for all the links to others who have done similar trips. The websites are awesome. I recommend anyone who hasn't seen the sites check them out, if not for the cool pics of S. American people and countryside then for the beautiful photos of Land Cruisers in all their glory in their natural habitat. It's like seeing eagles soar, or happy dogs run; the world seems as it should be when you see a beautiful fj60 covered in mud with lush moutains in the backdrop.
Thanks again for all the advice, and please keep it coming. If you guys are interested, I will post some photos of the truck when she is ready to go and will share any exciting stories from the trip.
Mark
edit 04/06/06- The Centroid sender did not work out afterall so I can't recommend it.
Last edited:
Southbound said:
Forgive me but that is a lot of oil your burning and IMO too much to start off on a long trip.
There is a very real chance it may get horribly worse a long way from home.
I wouldnt leave town with anything that was using more than a quart between oil changes.
Southbound said:
It is essential that you figure out where the oil is going before your trip. Is it being burned (worn engine) or do you have leaks? You must do a compression test, both wet and dry. Take it to somebody, pay them, then post up with what they tell you.
hks3sgte said:
Ive never had to deal with this question - flights direct to La Paz> Its not CA per se. At some point you will need to ship your vehicle - due to Darian Gap. Likely Costa Rica to Ecuador or Panama to Venezuela. Used to be nearly or more expensive as shipping from US - and a hassle (at best) if you dont a have a good shipping agent. Ive seen it reccomended by some and talke to a few who wished they had done this. Mostly due to time and cost constraints which Southern might not have.
Brought this subject up last night with a guy I know from Venezuela - there are pretty reasonable RORO ferry services now - he thought to Columbia - probably Colon to Cartagina. So cost/hassle not really an issue.
My other thought was, I would avoid Columbia - and to a lesser extent Venezuela.
Couple of things to consider - insurance (health and vehicle). Talk to a professional. No need for a Carnet. Finances - how to pay stuff while you are away.
I agree with above. If your using a Qt every 4-500 you need to determine why.
- Thread starter
- #31
Oh dear.
I didn't think the oil comsumption was that bad but I will take your advice and do what I can to fix the problem.
I keep hearing Columbia is the most dangerous place and to avoid it altogether. Even Columbians are hesitant to use the highway system in parts of the country. As a gringo with my stompin' 4x4 I will be even more of a target. I will most likely skip Columbia, or maybe backpack through it while I park the truck (if I can find a safe place to do so).
I didn't think the oil comsumption was that bad but I will take your advice and do what I can to fix the problem.
I keep hearing Columbia is the most dangerous place and to avoid it altogether. Even Columbians are hesitant to use the highway system in parts of the country. As a gringo with my stompin' 4x4 I will be even more of a target. I will most likely skip Columbia, or maybe backpack through it while I park the truck (if I can find a safe place to do so).
T-ridecruiser
cruisercover.com Seat covers for Land Cruisers
I would ask Exiled (Henry C) for some advice. He, like myself is from Venezuela. We both live in the US. He used to be a fishing guide in the Amazon when he was younger for a number of years. He has logged thousands of miles(really kilometers) with that OLE' boat on top of his cruiser.He's been on more REAL EXPEDITIONS than most people on this board wheel their trucks a year. Don't think that just because he works at an "office job" he doesn't know his stuff. You should at least read his Expedition Resources or whatever it was called. Lots of good real home advice. People here will tell you where to find it on the internet. Diesel would be my way to go but in SA 2F's are everywhere. Remember, they are like Ford and Chevy's here. I would definetly check on the oil comsumption. Test drive the hell out of it before you leave. Go on multiple day camping trips so you can have everything dialed in. I would bring a dog with me. Make it easy to pack when you are on the road. Minimal take down and put up time. Where are you going to sleep? I would buy a roof top tent. I know many will tell you you don't need it But TRUST me IT is worth a million bucks especially with what you are doing. I would also buy a Hammock with a mosquito net. You can find one ther. Will be invaluable for hanging out and resting. Plus, you will fit in more. If you want to sleep inside the truck then I would get a drawer system going. Assuming it is a 60. I would also buy rear sliders will make sleeping that much better. Also A hella fan Ask Sandcruiser. Also I would rig up a mosquito net sytem for the windows so you can have the windows down and have ventilation. If I can think of some more stuff I will let you know. cool thread.
If you get a chance, when biodieselnow forums are back up, check out the bioidesel documentary thread in the general section. http://forums.biodieselnow.com and their film site (not very informative yet) http://www.biodieseldocumentary.com/
Very cool. I agree with the diesel conversion idea, great idea but not worth it if your 2F is in good shape. Definenetely a good idea to get it running as best as possible. I would do something like a mild suspension lift for the better handling and to handle the weight such as Old Man Emu Dakar. These guys will be in Cruisers so I have talked to them.
Check out http://www.nrpw.com/ for another biodiesel driven south american adventure. These guys are out of Park City so I have talked to them about it too. These guys will be having a hell of a trip, too, hopefully in a good way but as far as I can tell I doubt it..
Should be a great trip and good luck with it all, definetely keep us posted!
Very cool. I agree with the diesel conversion idea, great idea but not worth it if your 2F is in good shape. Definenetely a good idea to get it running as best as possible. I would do something like a mild suspension lift for the better handling and to handle the weight such as Old Man Emu Dakar. These guys will be in Cruisers so I have talked to them.
Check out http://www.nrpw.com/ for another biodiesel driven south american adventure. These guys are out of Park City so I have talked to them about it too. These guys will be having a hell of a trip, too, hopefully in a good way but as far as I can tell I doubt it..
Should be a great trip and good luck with it all, definetely keep us posted!
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I did this drive from Alaska to Panama in my stock FJ62. Please visit my website www.longestroad.com, or PM me. I have all information on shipping, boarder crossings, etc. Get ready for the time of your life, it was super sweet.
fjman said:
OK, I fixed it for you.
M
cruiser_guy
Out of Africa / North Africa
Mike S said:
Personally I doubt a 5 speed will help much in Central or South America. Not many freeways or interstates here! The BIGGEST help would be a diesel but that has already been ruled out.
Tapage
Club 4X4 Panamá
cruiser_guy said:
when I had my HJ-60 with 33" and 4.11 ( best combo ) my H55F comes very helpfull at " long " travels here .. 120 km/h under 2500 rpm .. is fantastic.
cruiser_guy
Out of Africa / North Africa
Tapage said:
Are the roads in Panama that good?!? Here in Guatemala the only road I'd take at 120km/h is the road from the city to the junction of CA-2 at Esquintla, and then only where it's reasonably straight and free of cross traffic (maybe 30km's total)! The Pan Americana highway is not up to those standards (work is progressing on the part from the city to about Barerena and it might be OK after that work) nor is the Ruta Atlantico due to both the abundance of truck traffic and poor road conditions (for highspeed travel).
In El Salvador only the Pan Americana from Santa Ana till about 40-50km's past SanSalvador are OK for that speed.
I really don't think there are enough kilometers of good road to justify an H55 for Central American travel.
Tapage
Club 4X4 Panamá
I so proud of all highways on Panamá maybe not with US standards .. but good ones.
This one is a 3rd level way to Darien ( colombian side )
this one is the panamerican
This one is a 3rd level way to Darien ( colombian side )
this one is the panamerican
