The bug bit me. Before I do anything stupid, I need a little help. Two questions: (1) any thoughts/reviews on the TLC shop in Van Nuys, CA.? I'm thinking about buying from them. (2) What is the verdict on the replacement of the Toyota engine with a Chevy V8? I love more power, but I worry about such a change. I'm no gearhead, so keep it simple. Thanks in advance for your response
I need help before I buy 1st Cruiser
- Thread starter CBAR
- Start date
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Welcome! Good to have you with us!
TLC, anecdotal impressions I gathered is a good place but have pricey rigs.
Engine Swap: a nightmare to do or lots of $$ to have somebody do it for you and a 100 may not be the best (cheapest) platform to do this on.
but this is not first hand experience on either topic...
TLC, anecdotal impressions I gathered is a good place but have pricey rigs.
Engine Swap: a nightmare to do or lots of $$ to have somebody do it for you and a 100 may not be the best (cheapest) platform to do this on.
but this is not first hand experience on either topic...
two things...
first. introduce yourself
second. get over to the 80 board b/c i hope you're speaking of the fzj or fj series.
welcome
first. introduce yourself
second. get over to the 80 board b/c i hope you're speaking of the fzj or fj series.
welcome
- Thread starter
- #4
Wow. Two mistakes on my first post. I'll do better next time. Introduction? Long time Chevy 4X4 truck owner, always in conjunction with some oversized, pricey 4wd SUV for the wife. I'll never drive through Moab, but will use the Cruiser- to- be with my boys for duck hunts, bouncing around the ranch and everyday urban life. I can't rationalize a restored Landcruiser, nor should I... I just want one.
I'll head to the 80 board if that is what it takes for some free advice.
I'll head to the 80 board if that is what it takes for some free advice.
hoser
SILVER Star
Restored Land Cruiser? Which year LC are you looking for? You might be looking for a 60/62 series or older.
I work near TLC, they are a good shop and have quality cruisers. But way overpriced. I would do my own DD and finding the perfect cruiser is the fun part.
TLC is very expensive, I would recommend a stock Land Cruiser (60,62 or 80) from a private party, unless you have money to spare, or have identified a need for a V8 powered Land Cruiser. Like the others said, check the 60/2 and 80 series forum for more info. Oh yeah, welcome! 
C-
I came from where you are coming from and after test drives and much research I just decided to get a V8 Land Cruiser. They are V8 from 98 on.
I came from where you are coming from and after test drives and much research I just decided to get a V8 Land Cruiser. They are V8 from 98 on.
I bet you can get into a 100 with a Toyota V8 for cheaper than a well-built 60 or 80 with a properly done V8 swap. Even if the swap is done perfectly you'll always be driving a one-off machine (unique is cool) that will be hard to get maintained properly by anyone other than yourself.
I haven't heard of anyone wearing out a 4.7L V8 yet so few swaps have been done and I doubt many will be. The 4.7 looks to be an engine good for 250K miles. If you need even more power a turbo kit for the 4.7L is on it's way from SleeOffroad.
Here in Albuquerque I've seen a built 80 with a LT1 Corvette engine in it. The thing looks sweet (very tight fit makes the LT1 look even more impressive) but I had to take the mechanics word for performance because it was back in the shop for "more" trouble shooting. The owner got what he wanted. Land Crusier toughness and American power. Unfortunately he didn't have mass-produced reliability anymore.
I haven't heard of anyone wearing out a 4.7L V8 yet so few swaps have been done and I doubt many will be. The 4.7 looks to be an engine good for 250K miles. If you need even more power a turbo kit for the 4.7L is on it's way from SleeOffroad.
Here in Albuquerque I've seen a built 80 with a LT1 Corvette engine in it. The thing looks sweet (very tight fit makes the LT1 look even more impressive) but I had to take the mechanics word for performance because it was back in the shop for "more" trouble shooting. The owner got what he wanted. Land Crusier toughness and American power. Unfortunately he didn't have mass-produced reliability anymore.
Get a 100 with 100K rebuild and add the TRD super charger. They are on sale!
www.brandsport.com
120HP gain 100+TQ hehe
I bet you could come in under 21K
www.brandsport.com
120HP gain 100+TQ hehe
I bet you could come in under 21K
Two thumbs down. NO to both questions.
Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
Definite no on #2. What's the point of buying a cruiser w/o the toyota engine? You lose the reliability, which is what makes the landcruiser stand out above all other vehicles.
There's a reason why most offroad vehicles in Africa are Toyotas, why the LC is so popular among wealthy sheiks/political leaders in the Middle East, why people in Australia and other nations depend on them as workhorse vehicles and traversing vast deserts. In this country, if you break down in the middle of nowhere, you merely call AAA. In other countries, if you break down in the middle of nowhere, you die.
There's a reason why most offroad vehicles in Africa are Toyotas, why the LC is so popular among wealthy sheiks/political leaders in the Middle East, why people in Australia and other nations depend on them as workhorse vehicles and traversing vast deserts. In this country, if you break down in the middle of nowhere, you merely call AAA. In other countries, if you break down in the middle of nowhere, you die.
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It is no longer available from TRD/Toyota, so it may be an old listing, or the last of some old stock. They had problems, possible w/damage to some engines, so use caution w/the TRD s/c for the 2UZ-FE.joshuaham said:
