LJ78 recommended engine upgrade in UK? (1 Viewer)

[bushcraftben]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and owning a LC. I've just bought an LJ78 with a 2.4 diesel and have found lots of negative comments about the engines and the heads overheating. I want to keep this truck for a long time and would like to upgrade the engine when it eventually does go bad (it runs great atm).

I've read that guys in the states and canada install certain engines to replace the 2.4 lt but they don't seem to be around here in the uk, so does anyone know a good engine that would be a suitable replacement when the time comes?

Any help much appreciated!

Thanks all,
Ben

 

[bushcraftben]

OK think I'm getting a bit closer. So the 4runner is similar to the surf? Could I put a 3.0 diesel engine from a surf into my lj78?

If so what mods would I need to carry out?

Would this engine work for example?

TOYOTA HILUX SURF LANDCRUISER 3.0TD 1KZ-TE 93-99 ENGINE | eBay UK

sorry for all the questions but I really could do with some help!

Thanks

 

[coldtaco]

You could also use the 1HZ or 1HD. These will need a new front end sheet metal and motor mounts though. Do a search here for the 1hz swap into a LJ-78 that Crusher did.

 

[cicak]

OK think I'm getting a bit closer. So the 4runner is similar to the surf? Could I put a 3.0 diesel engine from a surf into my lj78?

If so what mods would I need to carry out?

Would this engine work for example?

TOYOTA HILUX SURF LANDCRUISER 3.0TD 1KZ-TE 93-99 ENGINE | eBay UK

sorry for all the questions but I really could do with some help!

Thanks

No you need the 1KD/Z from a 78 etc to sit the engine mounts etc are all wrong from a surf.

 

[crushers]

1PZ
1HZ
HDT
22R
22RE
V6

in that order...

 

[Toyo Boyo]

1PZ
1HZ
HDT
22R
22RE
V6

in that order...

Hi Wayne, the 1PZ, 22R & 22RE are rare in the UK. The V6's are found in lots of Jap imports in Surfs so engine mounts may be an issue. But at least they are available in breakers.

Ben - what part of the UK are you in? I have a mate not far from me in South Wales who is a genius at dropping engines into trucks.

Are you looking to stay diesel or happy to go to petrol?

Is the 2.4 you have turbo'd already? If nursed, maintained, loved and caressed the 2.4 ain't so bad

And have you tried hiluxsurf.co.uk or Board Index - Daemon4x4 - 4x4 & Off Road Technical Board

 

[bushcraftben]

Hi Boyo,

Thanks very much for the info - very helpful indeed! I'll check out the link you sent. I live in the south Lake District, near Lake Coniston.

Currently, the truck is running sweetly, just picked her up today and put her to work immediately, towing a livestock trailer up to the north Lake District and back through the mountains.

The trip was great, I've fallen for her hook, line and sinker. And not that I'm a vain man, but she got lots of attention too! All that chrome is doing its job nicely....

I just read lots of things about these engines overheating and so I wanted to have a plan for when that occurs (hopefully it'll be a while off). I'd rather stay diesel if possible. What engine do you think would be my best bet for a reliable replacement out of the choice of engines we have in the UK?

Point noted about looking after the engine I have though - the last owner seems to have been a stikler for changing the oil and other vitals. She has had a replacement head, skim and rad so hopefully that'll be that for a bit.

 

[bushcraftben]

PS Yes it has a turbo

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Install a pyrometer and a good quality after market water temp. gauge as soon as possible.
.....1978HJ45

 

[Toyo Boyo]

Install a pyrometer and a good quality after market water temp. gauge as soon as possible.
.....1978HJ45

Extremely good advice!

You have PM

Post up some pics of your rig..........

 

[gotoy]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and owning a LC. I've just bought an LJ78 with a 2.4 diesel and have found lots of negative comments about the engines and the heads overheating. I want to keep this truck for a long time and would like to upgrade the engine when it eventually does go bad (it runs great atm).

I've read that guys in the states and canada install certain engines to replace the 2.4 lt but they don't seem to be around here in the uk, so does anyone know a good engine that would be a suitable replacement when the time comes?

Any help much appreciated!

Thanks all,
Ben

Find yourself a kzj78 front half cut, clip or as whatever you would call the front chopped part,
All the parts are there you need. The engine mountings on the chassis need to be relocated.

Alternative cheaper method use a surf 1kz, but again engine mount relocation and also a cross member.
Make sure the 1kz is a good unit.

I used kzj78 halfcut.

 

[crushers]

"clip" usually referres to the sheet metal
"half cut" is the usual term for firewall forward including frame and drivetrain.

posted for reference