LJ78 to UZJ78 advice

[Jiffy]

Evening folks,


Unfortunately, I have decided that an engine conversion will have to happen on the LJ78. I was debating between modifying it to make it a bit more durable, but from what I have been reading there is a real design flaw in the head, so it kind of seems pointless to invest in retaining that engine.


Engine choices:

1uzfe or 1pz or 3b

As much as I would like to keep it diesel, I am just not prepared to go with another diesel cruiser this time, just from dealing with the 2l-te I know it is very intensive when it comes to maintenance. I believe the 1uzfe is a bullet proof engine and more than likely the best bang for my buck. 3b would be nice, but I have a feeling it will become harder to get parts, this conversion will have to last me for 10 years or more.


The million dollar question:

What do you fellow mudders think it will cost me to have a shop do this conversion for me? Just the labor. It would more than likely be done up similarly to this build https://forum.ih8mud.com/70-series-tech/701913-lj71-1uz-repower-ute-conversion.html


Looking forward to your thoughts,

Jif

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Why not consider selling your LJ78 while it is intact and running well, and buy a factory V8 equipped Toyota SUV? You'll end up with something newer, it'll be a factory setup, it'll maintain it's value, and it'll probably cost you less in the end. Maybe consider a 100 series Landcruiser? Maybe something like this? http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/4217605066.html 2uzfe is a very good engine.

With regard to the engine swap cost, I think the first challenge is finding a shop that can handle a job like that. The electronics will be one of the primary challenges, and I know a lot of shops don't want to get into that. The engine it's self will be cheap. If you could find a shop that would do the job, I'd expect you'll be looking around $5000 or so. That said, you'll be able to recover a fair chunk of change by selling your running 2lte. Most people who do these swaps do it because their 2lte bit the dust already.

 

[Jiffy]

I've thought about parting ways with the rig, but it is already being swapped over to a lhd and now it is actually insurable. If I had known what this car actually was when I was 18, I would have definitely opted for an 80 series. But at this point it is what it is, have to make the best of things with my current rig. If I can actually get a decent stack back from selling the 2l-te to bring this conversion a bit under 5k, then I am most definitely going to get it done. Going to go around shopping for quotes when the rig's lhd conversion is done, I will keep you posted.