how do I tell if V8 conv done right?
- Thread starter olazul
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Howdy! Conversions can be just an engine swap, or a lot more. Other than the obvious driveability, I think smog(depending on if you need it) and overheating issues are pretty common. Look at the flexibility in what you want to do to it. Is there room to do power steering, if it is an automatic, does the front driveshaft clear the oil pan? Is the engine setup for HOTROD driving, or is it dialed in like a dump truck for pullling stumps? Are the conversion parts from AA or Downey, or did he custom fab it all out of parking meters? It's kinda hard to get parts for parking meters, nowdays. John
P.S. need pictures, and details, and pictures,,,,
P.S. need pictures, and details, and pictures,,,,
LC_Hamma
The Anti-Leafer
#1 task I would do is have a *CERTIFIED weldor or metal fabricator review the structural integrity of the welded members/ bracketry done by the P.O. Drivetrain alignment is also important, but that's difficult to diagnose with the naked eye. If these items check out fine & the price is *right, go for it 
My short answer will be to have someone who has done this kind of work, or seen a lot of it, take a look at the car for you.
Other than that, look at everything real close. UGLY welding? Anything appear broken/cracked/hacked? Seller have a long list of "little things" that need to be taken care of or fixed?
Lots of pics here might do you well also. Good Luck.
Other than that, look at everything real close. UGLY welding? Anything appear broken/cracked/hacked? Seller have a long list of "little things" that need to be taken care of or fixed?
Lots of pics here might do you well also. Good Luck.
Along with all that has been mentioned, ask who did the conversion?
It would be good to know if it was done by a professional or the po.
Of course, either way, it could still be a good conversion or a nightmare waiting for the next owner.
It would be good to know if it was done by a professional or the po.
Of course, either way, it could still be a good conversion or a nightmare waiting for the next owner.
like mentioned above by pighead, they can be troublesome in FJ55's... engine placement due to the steering box, and the parking brake bellcrank(located on the firewall by the rear of the RH cylinder head) can make engine placement hard. I have seen a few done right. fan to radiator clearance is crucial for proper cooling as well as radiatior longevity. also things like driveshafts, shifters for tranny and t-case, speedo cable for autos(longer), wiring, particularly with regards to alternator/charging, are things to look carefully at too.
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the very first thing that you should look at is the welds and bracket designs, there are some hacks out there that think a booger weld is strong
Mark Whatley wrote a blurb in the Jan/Feb Toyota Trails about v8 swaps saying that some of the ones he sees have angled the engine/tranny/t-case down in the rear in an effort to keep the carb level. He went on to say that the carb is supposed to be angled fwd (to help w/ fuel slosh on acceleration) and this will keep the output flanges on the t-case vertical.
If you angle the rear output down, you are angling the front output up, and this will cause problems w/ the short front drive-shaft when you go to lift or SOA.
Hope that helps.
If you angle the rear output down, you are angling the front output up, and this will cause problems w/ the short front drive-shaft when you go to lift or SOA.
Hope that helps.