My 2 cents on V8 vs. Toyota 6

[msapers]

First let me say that I realize that to purists there is only one answer. I understand that.

Also, I have owned a 40 with the original F motor and I was duly impressed with it's capabilities, as well as several other straight 6 trucks. (even my motorcycle is a 6 cylinder)

I, however run a V8 in my cruiser. I run a stock 350 putting out about 260 hp and 300 lb/ft. (est). In my opinion, unless you are running in sand or deep mud constantly or competing in sand drags etc.., you do not need a 600hp engine.

My reasoning for choosing a V8 is as follows:

My 'Cruiser is my only means of transportation other than my motorcycle. I drive it daily over 150 miles. Most of these are freeway miles. In my humble opinion, the original 6 is not happy at freeway speeds (55-60) for extended periods of time every day. Also the mileage is fairly bad.

I also wheel quite a bit. At this point, I would like to say this- If you are strictly running your rig off road, climbing around, the 6 has a slight advantage mainly due to the massive flywheel and it's ability to chug down to ridiculously low RPM's. However, if you, like me travel long distances and to remote locations frequently, the SBC has a definite advantage -PARTS!

If you are in some small town in Mexico or a similar location, and you need a part (or even a whole engine) there is a FAR better chance of locating SBC junk than F or 2F junk.

Also, unless you run strictly with buddies who wheel 6 cyl Land Cruisers, there is a much better chance of someone else in your party (or another party) having a part on hand that you desperatly need as the SBC is an extremely common engine out on the trail.

So, in closing, I am not trashing the Toyota 6. I just feel that for my particular application, the V8 is a better choice.

P.S. I know this may upset many people, please don't sneak into my house and kill me in my sleep, ok?

 

[singletrackjunkie]

I chose "option C" a 4 cylinder 3B diesel. I get approximately 25mpg it has great low end torque on the trails and it is genuine toyota! I will admit that parts are harder to come by and while it doesn't do great on highways it will cruise at 55-60 no problem. Having said that, I love my BJ42 and plan on having it until I cant drive anymore and will then give it to my boys.

 

[hodag]

I solve the dilemma by having one of each. The 2F is great for what it was designed for, and the 400SBC is great for suprising the tuner retards with the fart-can mufflers.

Hodag

 

[msapers]

and the 400SBC is great for suprising the tuner retards with the fart-can mufflers. Hodag

Isn't it? They never think something so rusty could be so quick...

 

[CommandR]

I'm agree with hodag.
I've got one of each.
I've got to say msapers, your post seems to be a blog.

CDR

 

[msapers]

I'm agree with hodag.
I've got one of each.
I've got to say msapers, your post seems to be a blog.

CDR

Not trying to blog here. Just wanted to start a thread for new guys considering engines for their rigs. It seems like when someone with a new project posts, 20 people jump all over him/her saying that the 6 is absolutely the only way to go. Just trying to provide some solid reasoning and a balanced viewpoint for the SBC.

 

[Dirtys87]

Great observation Msapers! I agree with you 100%. I have a straight six in my 60 which I drove cross country two years ago. It was fine but I never had the power when I needed it. I'm not talking about racing other people on the road (and I'm not about to argue the power versus torque thing) but I meant going up hills and getting out of the way of merging trucks. With that experience in hand and my daily driving needs, I opted to have a 350 in my 40. It's more of a common sense thing for me than anything else. Maybe someday when I have more funding and a better platform to begin with, I'll keep/put an I6 in my rig.

 

[alex e]

My 350 TBI 5.7L sbc / painless wiring harness and with Downey conversion parts galore still costs less to add to my 75 than a complete OE Toyota overhaul kit for the 2F I had originally. Better still I sold the 2F for $1000.

 

[Trollhole]

P.S. I know this may upset many people, please don't sneak into my house and kill me in my sleep, ok?

I'm upset. What time do you go to bed?



To me it's not what is better for the application. It's what I feel is right. I love the Toyota motors as much as I love the vehicle.

 

[bsmith123]

spares

Yes, access to a steady and reliable source of spares is important if you go with the SBC

 

[marks69cruiser]

The way I see it most of us use our cruisers as toys. So being a toy why not go for the most power and reliability? SBC all the way! Cheap, reliable performance is hard to argue with.

 

[Buckwheat]

Chev for rev

I just rebuilt a 21-year-old 2F with 250K on it. The cylinders and crank spec'd out at standard, that is no wear. I reused the thrust bearings as there was zero end play & no visible wear. All other bearings were servicable, though I did replace them. I rebuilt the head completely, put a cam in it & am running headers. Once I get the Offy dual plane on it with the Holley 390, I expect it will get along pretty good. I have plenty power & easily cruise at 65 - about as fast as I want to go in a 40. The only things that could possible recommend a Chev to me would be gas mileage, or top end down the highway. Come to think of it, that 350 in my Blazer got only 10 mpg, so make that top end. Why ride a morphadite when you can ride a thoroughbred?

 

[shelfboy1]

i dont think it really matters .whats important is that the engine you choose works for you i have stock 6 engines, 1 sbc and 1 501 caddy in our mud truck and they each work well for what they are used for .good luck

 

[Romanski]

re-gear! I went to a 4.88 with 35" tires and can cruise all day at 60. Up steep inclines the cruiser does drop down a little but nothing like with the 4.11s.

 

[oregonfj]

My 2F is worn out and needs fixed. I have debated the SBC but every other rig I have has got a SBC. I think I will copy Trollhole
and mod my 2F with a cam and the TBI. They sound cool and are fun to work on.....

 

[goob]

lol my 77 fj40 is all stock and fun, its just fine as it, ya id like to put a v8 in, but the 2f runs around like a tracker, and i cant stall it!!!! so im going to get another one for the v8, and have the best of the both worlds lol lol "O" and she got over 158,000 mil. and i dot do s*** to it, tel i break it lol, and you all know haw hard that is!!!!!!! lol

 

[Downey]

My 2F is worn out and needs fixed. I have debated the SBC but every other rig I have has got a SBC. I think I will copy Trollhole
and mod my 2F with a cam and the TBI. They sound cool and are fun to work on.....

Dear Oregon, I was raised in Oregon, and boy do I miss everyt hing about Oregon except the 9 months of rain per year. As one of the invertors and owners of both V8 Landcruisers AND fuel injected 6 cyls., I'd always have to go with the V8. A fuel injected 6 cyl. may get slightly better mpg than a fuel injected V8, but that 6 cyl. still weighs 800 lbs., and absolutely hated pulling my little travel trailer.

 

[Sputnik40]

I have an 020 over rebuilt 2F with a stock cam, DUI distributer and FI, header and proper exhaust, mated to an SM420/Orion and 4.56's currently on 39" tires - with a spare set of 40" MTRs for street use. Easily cruises at 65 - 70, and definitely chugs nice and slow on the trail - heck, bump start it with the gear reduction starter sometimes when on a hill so as to not have to stand on the clutch/brake and gas. Will admit that there are times when it's a pain between 2nd and 3rd on a steep hill.

I love this set up - and imagine Trollholes is wilder yet.

However - if I had the funds - I wouldn't hesitate to slam in a Ramjet 350 and a 700R4 and the rear axle/suspension I'd need to go with it. Just my .02 cents.

Nice blog.

 

[Cee Jay]

What also is important to consider is this: In 10 years or so, when your rock-crawling, mud-bogging, and drag-racing days are long gone, and you want to buy an FJ40 or FJ45 to restore to stock (because you love them for what they are), will you be able to find any that have not been cut up and modified? Just my 2 cents thought.

 

[Poser]

What also is important to consider is this: In 10 years or so, when your rock-crawling, mud-bogging, and drag-racing days are long gone, and you want to buy an FJ40 or FJ45 to restore to stock (because you love them for what they are), will you be able to find any that have not been cut up and modified? Just my 2 cents thought.

Yes.




Based on the fact that people are still finding FJ-45 wagons, LWB pickups and SWB pickups. The 40 series was far more common compared to these vehicles. You just need to look for them. They are out there....