NC LX450

[NC LX]

@Green Hell Mustang

 

[Green Hell Mustang]

@Green Hell Mustang Yes I used the torx screws from the guys at www.phhkit.com. Shipping was fast and the screws seem to be a much needed up grade when this job is tackled.

As most of us do, I don't plan on selling LX anytime soon. The screws seem to be the thorn in our sides when we think about doing the oil pump cover seal. Its nice to know when ever I do this job again the screws wont be an issue that keeps LX down any longer than than expected.

Thanks, that link is getting bookmarked.

 

[jfz80]

Still need a wiper motor?

Trade ya for the brake rotors

 

[NC LX]

Still need a wiper motor?

Trade ya for the brake rotors

Yes, PM sent

 

[NC LX]

Me and the wife took a trip to Hanging Rock last weekend. After an hour into the trip I was reminded once again how my seat just doesn't fit my needs. I can't get comfortable.

With a limited budget, I made a few calls this week. I knew I wanted a late model seat with good foam, color didn't matter because I was going to have them reupholstered and I wanted all manual. No more broken seat gears. I ended up picking up a set out of a 2012 Kia Soul(who doesn't need a little more Soul in there cruiser). They are Still in new condition, and the car only had 20k on it.

I sat in probably 25 different seats and these seem to feel like they fit me and supported me in the areas my current 80 seats didn't.

I've ordered a set of 80 brackets from Wedge Brackets to mount to the seats.

So far I'm in at $54 for the seats and $190 for the Wedge Brackets.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Wedge brackets?

 

[RedHeadedStepChild]

...and I though I was the only person who prefers manual seats.

 

[NC LX]

Wedge brackets?

Yes. They make a 80 series specific bracket for aftermarket seats. After swapping a few emails on the measurements, it will be a good base to mount my new seats too. Toyota Landcruiser FJ80 90-97 Seat Brackets

I got to taking to a guy here on Mud from California that was having the same seat issues I was, and he recommended them.

...and I though I was the only person who prefers manual seats.

As I've gotten older I cant help constantly hearing my dad saying "K I S S", keep it simple stupid. I'm reminded of it all the time as I work on things at home and work. I'm bad about always trying to over engineer things. I cant help but think the 80 seat (power version) was over engineered and compromised comfort along the way. My wife has had her Celica since 2002 and the seats are still super comfortable. They are simple and they just work.

 

[NC LX]

My seat brackets showed up yesterday from Wedge. Hopefully I can get these installed today.

After first impression they seem like something I could have built. The design is simple but hey, simple works. They do seem well made though. On a plus they have multiple mounting holes for when my budget increases and I want to upgrade to custom Recaro.

 

[NC LX]

Passenger side done.

 

[jamesurq]

Hard to believe that a korean fabric seat from a Kia is an upgrade from the Lexus leather.

 

[NC LX]

Quick update. I got the drivers seat finished Thursday morning. They sit just a tad higher. Not bad just different.

Last night me and my wife left Chapel Hill around 6 and drove to Nashville for a wedding today. I logged around 500 plus miles of seat time. I will say I am very happy to report that I didn't have the driver fatigue like normal.

Here some 80 seat conversion porn.

 

[NC LX]

I made a small investment earlier this week.

Also This followed me home

 

[NC LX]

7 months later, the head is coming off.

 

[NC LX]

After 235,286k, Here's wheres I'm at this morning. I'm leaving Friday to go out of town for a week, so It seemed like a good time to finally do the job so the machine shop will have the head while I'm gone.

Ive had the car since 212k and from my observations nothing has ever been done to the motor. Appears its the Original PHH also

Looks Like I had a small leak at number 6

Like a mother knows her child, I guess the same can be said about guys and their cars. Its funny because earlier this week, my car felt off. It still ran fine and cranked right up, it just didn't feel right. After looking at number 6 I'm glad I didn't put it off any longer.

 

[Green Hell Mustang]

Good ol' #6 cylinder.

 

[NC LX]

Well I'm back in the county, and the head is back from the machine shop. New valve seals, pressure tested and resurfacing on #5 and 6.

And just because... according to my calculations, the red will give me an extra 4-6 hp. The silver and blue colors are only good for around 3 hp.

 

[NC LX]

Quick update for personal documentation or if any one else is following.

Just a few random pictures from the past few days. I haven't gotten as much done as I would have liked. The LX is at work and wife was on call all weekend so I was at the house for 3 days with my daughter. I did get to work on my other project, but that's for another type of forum.

-Fuel Filter and alternator brushes have been replaced.

View attachment 1267156

View attachment 1267158

 

[NC LX]

Well a month later @ 235,286k I'm finished with the Head job. For future reference, Below is everything I can remember I've replaced or addressed.

1. Toyota thermostat and gasket
2. Fuel Filter
3. Samco silicone PHH hose
4. Toyota timing chain set
5. Alternator Brushes
6. Toyota Head resurfaced at cylinder 5&6, pressured tested and valve seals replaced
7. OEM NGK spark plugs and wire set
8. Bosch Rotor cap and Button
9. BECK/ARNLEY head gasket set,

• Includes all needed gaskets and sealing components required for a cylinder head job

10. Heat tape wrapped around main harness
11. Removed Oil pan, steamed cleaned and replaced with new gaskets
12. PCV Valve and grommet

 

[NC LX]

Yesterday I received a box from Cruiser Parts.

Replaced the window run on the RR window.
Installed the OEM Battery hold down on my AUX battery
Got my RR flare Reinstalled using OEM hardware.​

And since I know these these threads are worthless without pictures, here is you daily dose of valve cover porn