Build New project - 12H-T turbo diesel transplant into my 1991 FJ80.
- Thread starter Stone
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #82
Hi Jim:
Originally the engine and tranny combo was sold by G&S Cruiser Parts to the "mechanic" who put it into the rusty HJ60 that I got it out of. I don't know what year HJ61 the 12H-T originally came off of from Japan...but when it was originally sold by G&S, the compression numbers were excellent across the board. Now it's in even better condition than any of its previous owners would have ever cared to put effort into.
I'm not sure how rare (or not) the 12H-T's are getting these days...it was a pretty short production run for Toyota, unfortunately. I love the 12H-T and really consider myself fortunate to be able to transplant one of these into my FJ80. If good 12H-T's become very difficult to come by, my next choice would be the 1HD-T or 1HD-FT. I know G&S has a couple of 1HD-T's...
Looking forward to your build thread.
Stone
thanks stone,the truck is up for sale,to buy a new 4wd tractor for the farm.so if it don't sell it will give me time to find a motor ,for a winter project,but with hope's of seeing your fj80/12h-turbo running will want to keep this one of a kind fj80-volvo axled vehicle to do the same swap,and be a happy camper. thanks will keep ya posted .jim
- Thread starter
- #84
Got most of the front end of the 80 put together yesterday. Also put on the OEM "Turbo" emblems on the rear side quarters and on the grill...sweeeeet! 
Few more things to do today and some wiring to complete.
Couple of pic of the modified FJ80 rad that I'm using.
This pic is of the top tank with the rad hose fitting moved over to the other side of the tank:
This pic is of the bottom rad hose fitting conveted to a 90* elbow pointed upwards to avoid interference with the PS pump pulley. The AT cooling line fitting was bent slightly downwards, but when I got the rad back into the truck, I realized that really it should have been made into a 90* elbow pointing downwards. We'll see if there's a pre-molded rubber hose with a 90* bend that could be used instead.
So even though I now have both the rad hose fittings on the same side of the rad and it's not as ideal as having them on opposite ends as the factory design had them, I've changed the core to a HD 4 core and with the diesel I'm pretty sure I'll have more than enough cooling efficiency than I'll ever need.
Work was done by Frank at Fraser Valley Radiators in Langley, BC.
Few more things to do today and some wiring to complete.Couple of pic of the modified FJ80 rad that I'm using.
This pic is of the top tank with the rad hose fitting moved over to the other side of the tank:
This pic is of the bottom rad hose fitting conveted to a 90* elbow pointed upwards to avoid interference with the PS pump pulley. The AT cooling line fitting was bent slightly downwards, but when I got the rad back into the truck, I realized that really it should have been made into a 90* elbow pointing downwards. We'll see if there's a pre-molded rubber hose with a 90* bend that could be used instead.
So even though I now have both the rad hose fittings on the same side of the rad and it's not as ideal as having them on opposite ends as the factory design had them, I've changed the core to a HD 4 core and with the diesel I'm pretty sure I'll have more than enough cooling efficiency than I'll ever need.
Work was done by Frank at Fraser Valley Radiators in Langley, BC.
N I C E lookes like the stuffed elafent in the picture can't wait for a ride
Wish we could do that here and have it pass DEQ with no problem! 
Love them 12HT motors...
- Thread starter
- #88
Well.....................the fluids went in last night and Sheldon had the driveshafts bolted back on..........so I finalized the wiring for my glow system and the only thing left to do was fire her up! Sheldon had cranked her a number of times without the fuel on to get the oil circulating to the vital parts, so my battery was pretty weak. Tried to jump with a number of other batteries, but they all died in the attempt. Finally decided to use my wife's Corolla to jump the beast...and after all the air was purged from the injectors, she sprang to life! Man...I LOVE the sound of diesels! BTW, the new OEM 12V starter that I made up worked great! Even though it's a 12V system, she cranked over and started just as quickly as any 24V diesels I've come across...and this even though my battery was pretty weak.
The custom alternator that was made for me by Nathan at ASI worked beautifully. At idle my gauge was 3/4 of the way up...way better than the 3FE alternator ever did. I think it's rated to put out something like 72 AMPS max, and with the diesel, all of that juice is going to recharge the battery and run accessories. I don't have my deep cycle battery in yet, and the Redarc is installed but isn't wired in as I'm still waiting for my 80A fuses and holders to arrive.
The oil pressure sender and water temp sender on the 12H-T were direct connect compatible with the 3FE wiring. Both worked well. My radiator also worked fine...I still need to do a thorough flush of the system and put in fresh Toyota Red.
After the tranny was topped up, Sheldon, Greg and I took it for a spin down his street...........at midnight without any exhaust on! I hope your neighbours haven't burned down your place, Shel...LOL! That thing was loud! Right off the bat first impression? HOLY SH*T!!! AREYOU KIDDING ME?!? Those of you who doubted that the 12H-T is capable of producing enough power to move the 80...all I can say is that the figures on paper comparing the 12H-T to the 3FE don't do the 12H-T any justice...apples to oranges! I barely have to touch the throttle and this thing is moving! The 3FE was a total slug compared to how the 12H-T feels in it. Granted my 3FE had 226k miles on it when I removed it, but it was still running well and didn't consume any oil...so I don't know if the condition of the two engines are comparable...but I'm pretty sure that even the best tuned 3FE would not have the torque to even compare to what this 12H-T can do.
The combo that we put in worked great on its inaugural run...the 12H-T bolted on to the FJ80 A440f using the 12H-T bell housing and torque converter seems to have done the trick. Of course I'm still waiting for my tach adapter in order to find out what my RPM's and shift points are like, and I haven't taken it up hills or loaded her down yet...but initial impression is that it's all good so far.
I can tell you guys this much...without good friends like Sheldon and Greg who also happen to be some of the most knowledgeable diesel Cruiser guys around and have access to the parts available through G&S, this project would have been very very difficult if not impossible for me. The use of many Toyota parts that were for many other applications to make everything fit (i.e. tranny cooler hard lines and hose, vacuum reservoir, throttle stuff, etc.) would have been the hardest obstacle to overcome.
I am stoked! If I didn't have to take care of my daughter today, I'd be out there finalizing the interior and driving it over to the exhaust shop to get it done. Well, maybe on the weekend.
BTW, the new OEM 12V starter that I made up worked great! Even though it's a 12V system, she cranked over and started just as quickly as any 24V diesels I've come across...and this even though my battery was pretty weak.The custom alternator that was made for me by Nathan at ASI worked beautifully. At idle my gauge was 3/4 of the way up...way better than the 3FE alternator ever did. I think it's rated to put out something like 72 AMPS max, and with the diesel, all of that juice is going to recharge the battery and run accessories. I don't have my deep cycle battery in yet, and the Redarc is installed but isn't wired in as I'm still waiting for my 80A fuses and holders to arrive.
The oil pressure sender and water temp sender on the 12H-T were direct connect compatible with the 3FE wiring. Both worked well. My radiator also worked fine...I still need to do a thorough flush of the system and put in fresh Toyota Red.
After the tranny was topped up, Sheldon, Greg and I took it for a spin down his street...........at midnight without any exhaust on! I hope your neighbours haven't burned down your place, Shel...LOL! That thing was loud! Right off the bat first impression? HOLY SH*T!!! AREYOU KIDDING ME?!? Those of you who doubted that the 12H-T is capable of producing enough power to move the 80...all I can say is that the figures on paper comparing the 12H-T to the 3FE don't do the 12H-T any justice...apples to oranges! I barely have to touch the throttle and this thing is moving! The 3FE was a total slug compared to how the 12H-T feels in it. Granted my 3FE had 226k miles on it when I removed it, but it was still running well and didn't consume any oil...so I don't know if the condition of the two engines are comparable...but I'm pretty sure that even the best tuned 3FE would not have the torque to even compare to what this 12H-T can do.
The combo that we put in worked great on its inaugural run...the 12H-T bolted on to the FJ80 A440f using the 12H-T bell housing and torque converter seems to have done the trick. Of course I'm still waiting for my tach adapter in order to find out what my RPM's and shift points are like, and I haven't taken it up hills or loaded her down yet...but initial impression is that it's all good so far.
I can tell you guys this much...without good friends like Sheldon and Greg who also happen to be some of the most knowledgeable diesel Cruiser guys around and have access to the parts available through G&S, this project would have been very very difficult if not impossible for me. The use of many Toyota parts that were for many other applications to make everything fit (i.e. tranny cooler hard lines and hose, vacuum reservoir, throttle stuff, etc.) would have been the hardest obstacle to overcome.
I am stoked! If I didn't have to take care of my daughter today, I'd be out there finalizing the interior and driving it over to the exhaust shop to get it done. Well, maybe on the weekend.
good work stone/and good friends to help
i am glad to hear it all worked out as planed,now i am on the hunt for a 12h-turbo for a transplant to my fj80-on volvo's,your kind of set up on my axle's,is 1 step closer to what kind of vehicle i need,for the mountains,a stick shift would top it off,but what you have done,will be a fine set up for doing a diesel in the fj80,the left foot will just have to use the brake pedal for something to do for now.jim
i am glad to hear it all worked out as planed,now i am on the hunt for a 12h-turbo for a transplant to my fj80-on volvo's,your kind of set up on my axle's,is 1 step closer to what kind of vehicle i need,for the mountains,a stick shift would top it off,but what you have done,will be a fine set up for doing a diesel in the fj80,the left foot will just have to use the brake pedal for something to do for now.jim
Sounds like you don't really like the set up Stone, perhaps I should take it off your hands... maybe you'd like to trade for a nice FJ62... you know a beautiful gaspot 
Don't worry, I'll take care of the exhaust... I believe White Rock muffler could take of it. Dang, that sounds like a sweet ride, can't wait to see it. You going to try to bring it by Cruiser Days?
GG
Don't worry, I'll take care of the exhaust... I believe White Rock muffler could take of it. Dang, that sounds like a sweet ride, can't wait to see it. You going to try to bring it by Cruiser Days?GG
- Thread starter
- #92
Tapage...I don't have to imagine it...they're all over the place but mostly in RHD. Sheldon's swap with the IHD-FT is going to be very sweet, especially with the 5 spd and part time case...but I have my reasons for wanting a 12H-T, and that's not really the point of this thread.
Rexman. thanks...looking forward to seeing that build.
Phil...well, I'll have to see but Cruiser Days may be a possibility. Would be nice to see all the Cruiserheads again.
Went to the exhaust shop to get a quote today, and she will be in tomorrow and done by Thursday. On a side note, we found a bunch of new oil coating the outside of the turbo today...it looks like it's been seeping out of the large rubber hose, probably on the charged side of the turbo. Of course this has got me worried, but one possibility might be that the bunch of oil that I poured into the bearings has seeped out somehow and has been blown out. I'll keep an eye on it. The turbo was 100% rebuilt and machined for oversized bearings before ceramic coating...and I did check the shaft and it had no play on it and turned very smoothly. We also made sure we cranked the engine for a long time with no fuel to build up oil pressure, and then it idled for at least a half hour while we filled up the tranny...so we gave it the best chance at life for a new turbo. I'm thinking positive anyway...
Cheers.
Rexman. thanks...looking forward to seeing that build.
Phil...well, I'll have to see but Cruiser Days may be a possibility. Would be nice to see all the Cruiserheads again.
Went to the exhaust shop to get a quote today, and she will be in tomorrow and done by Thursday. On a side note, we found a bunch of new oil coating the outside of the turbo today...it looks like it's been seeping out of the large rubber hose, probably on the charged side of the turbo. Of course this has got me worried, but one possibility might be that the bunch of oil that I poured into the bearings has seeped out somehow and has been blown out. I'll keep an eye on it. The turbo was 100% rebuilt and machined for oversized bearings before ceramic coating...and I did check the shaft and it had no play on it and turned very smoothly. We also made sure we cranked the engine for a long time with no fuel to build up oil pressure, and then it idled for at least a half hour while we filled up the tranny...so we gave it the best chance at life for a new turbo. I'm thinking positive anyway...
Cheers.
Ok I`am ready to do mine 
,I love diesels ,nice job you guys
,I love diesels ,nice job you guys
sorry .. don't get me wrong .. 12HT are a great engine .. and I already know that .. was not my intention trying to compare both .. that are great engines .. each one in it category.
- Thread starter
- #97
So...took it home last night and finally got to drive it on the freeway. As I merged onto Highway 1 from Sheldon's place, I exited the ramp at about 60 MPH. In overdrive, and without really putting my foot into it enough to kick down a gear, I easily reached 96 MPH and the truck was still continuing to accelerate!!!! I didn't even have the throttle pedal halfway down! I can safely say that the 12H-T is more than adequate to move a heavy 80 series.
On the not so good news...I noticed when I got home that the intake side of the block was covered in fresh oil. I took off the crossover pipes this morning and cleaned up the oil that was in the boost side of the turbo. Started the engine and revved it for about 20 seconds, and noticed that there were already a bunch of oil streaks on the boost side. The intake side was clean and dry. Damn...means I'll have to take off the bloody turbo and manifold again, this time with the engine already installed in the truck and an exhaust system hooked up. The guys who rebuilt my turbo obviously did a s*** job...because we made damn sure that we cranked with the fuel turned off TWICE to get oil pressure up and then idles it with no throttle burps for at least half an hour before driving the truck. Oh well, at least when i have the manifold off I'll have a chance to drill and tap my pyrometer probe.
I'll keep you guys up to date when all the bugs have been sorted out and I have some numbers to post.
On the not so good news...I noticed when I got home that the intake side of the block was covered in fresh oil. I took off the crossover pipes this morning and cleaned up the oil that was in the boost side of the turbo. Started the engine and revved it for about 20 seconds, and noticed that there were already a bunch of oil streaks on the boost side. The intake side was clean and dry. Damn...means I'll have to take off the bloody turbo and manifold again, this time with the engine already installed in the truck and an exhaust system hooked up. The guys who rebuilt my turbo obviously did a s*** job...because we made damn sure that we cranked with the fuel turned off TWICE to get oil pressure up and then idles it with no throttle burps for at least half an hour before driving the truck. Oh well, at least when i have the manifold off I'll have a chance to drill and tap my pyrometer probe.
I'll keep you guys up to date when all the bugs have been sorted out and I have some numbers to post.
Great news Stone... and not so great news
GG
GG
96 mph? Really? Holy crap! Did you enter a tunnel of flashy lights like the end of 2001 A Space Odyssey? I'd have to keep the moist towlettes handy if I was riding shotgun. A two change of skivvies kind of experience. (Well done Sir!)
Bummer about the turbo, but the rest of it's pretty ace!
Oh well, at least you needed to drill for the pyro probe anyway...
Did you buy a pyro yet? Greg and I are trying the Madman gauge, it looks promising...
I might have to get out there in another week and eyeball that truck!
Oh well, at least you needed to drill for the pyro probe anyway...
Did you buy a pyro yet? Greg and I are trying the Madman gauge, it looks promising...
I might have to get out there in another week and eyeball that truck!