Let's talk options

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are you the Godwin who wrote the article? I was very impressed, and needless to say, a great deal intimidated by the whole thing.

I'm doubting my willingness to take this on myself with my limited experience (and that of a few friends who don't have any real wrenching experience). not to mention the fact that I don't have a great deal of time to work on it.

My problem is that even if I do the swap and it's not legal to drive I'm screwed.

here's a question: how much can you make parting a car out? This thing is clean on the inside, 4 inch lift, 33 inch pro comps, and everything else on the engine and the drive train is great. It seems a shame, but I am starting to worry my options are becoming more and more limited.

btw, talking with Man-A-Fre, as helpful as they were, did not instill a great deal of confidence in the swap or in my ability to do anything under like 5k.

advice, condolences, and options appreciated. Hell, I'll even take a "get off your A#$ and get to work on it" right now.
 
I think you should just get a rebuilt longblock 2f would be cheap (er) and no worrys about the smog stuff.
 
CSA said:
Bear in mind that you and your truck are in California, the smog regulation capital of the universe. Any gasser conversion, including a 3FE, will need to satisfy the smog nazis. California spec 3FEs have LOTS of expensive smog equipment. If it were me, I would seriously consider a diesel conversion. IIRC, diesels are not subject to the smog nazis.
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As long as the diesel you put in is NEWER than the vehicle, CA doesn't have a problem. Putting a 1985 6.2L GM diesel or an 83 Mercedes Diesel in an 86 Land Cruiser is a problem. I don't know why anyone would want to put a 6.2L GM Diesel in anything, but I have seen it mentioned....

Fred
 
sisukid1975 said:
As long as the diesel you put in is NEWER than the vehicle, CA doesn't have a problem. Putting a 1985 6.2L GM diesel or an 83 Mercedes Diesel in an 86 Land Cruiser is a problem. I don't know why anyone would want to put a 6.2L GM Diesel in anything, but I have seen it mentioned....

Fred
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Makes sense but has anyone recently upgraded to a diesel in California and what was involved? I would like to hear from someone that has done it recently.

Anyone?
 
I think I would just go the route of finding another 2F and call it a day....I would be willing to help you if you need it...there has to be someone like me who pulled the 2f in favor of a V8 or some other swap...
 
Calfj60, is your swap smog legal?
 
It will be.....just haven't gotten around to the smog place yet....its a 90 SBC from a truck...shouldn't have any problems smogin it....just gotta get around to gettin it done...been to busy with all the other crap goin on around here...
 
calfj60 said:
I think I would just go the route of finding another 2F and call it a day....I would be willing to help you if you need it...there has to be someone like me who pulled the 2f in favor of a V8 or some other swap...
Click to expand...

I have a 2F long block for sale. It's from my FJ60 which is in the process of being converted to a 12HT diesel.

If I don't sell it soon, I'm giving it away to a friend of mine who has located a broken FJ60 here in town. I told him if he bought it, I'd give it to him.

But till then, it's still for sale.

Fred
 
Price and how much would it be to ship? Condition?
thanks
 
I think cruiserparts still has a 2f with super low miles for sale. Wait, is $3K but only 1500 miles! I think replacing/fixing your 2f is probably the most affordable way to go.
 
Gillti,
Do your homework mate.
Pull your 2f head off (Takes about an hour) and see if the head gasket is the problem. (It probably is) as the 2f does not have a reputation for cracking heads.
Get the head dressed (Surface ground) and re-seat the valves then replace it with a new gasket.

Should cost about 100 bucks for parts and about 4 hours work. (Lomg way off $800)
If you get the head off and find the block is cactus then look at the options.

See what you are up again first then do the worrry or have a plan of attack.
But if money is a consideration spent the hour and see what the problem is, THEN make the decision based on fact, not, if whats and maybees.


Good luck
 
I agree. Fix what you've got since it won't cost as much (it'll also be a great leanring experience!) and then look into other options down the road when you can afford more and know more.
 
It sure seems more plausible. obviously, i"m good at freaking out. What should I be looking for when I take off the head? Would a crack be obvious to see? I'll do a search for pics here as well.

The 3fe swap is interesting to me in that you get the fuel injection. but I don't want to start something I cannot finish.
 
Sent you a PM.. The head gasket is less than 100$ at rock auto.com.. Toyota designs the motor to blow the gasket before you melt the motor.. common problem with toyota 6's that have gotten hot.. You may have something else causing the motor to get hot.. Sounds like the PO spent alot of money on the motor and radiator but never fixed the problem..IMO As others have said fixing what you have is the cheepest route.. Get the head off and get it checked out.. there is a good machine shop in Yucaipa.. Had him check mine for me very reasonable.. Then you will know where you are at.. I would also invest in a "new" radiator and thermostat...while you are at it...
 
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