Noob Questions

[deminimis]

Hey All:

Not new to Toyotas, but may be new to a FJ80. Buddy has made me a heck of an offer on his '92. Here's what I know. They are slow dogs with poor mileage. Runs great, but I'd like to tow our off-road vehicle down and through Baja on a semi-regular basis. Thinking a V-8 conversion. I've looked at some of the threads, but I seem to be missing the right ones. Questions are is this good idea or a bonehead move and recommendations (motor (assuming a 350, but...) and conversion kits/adapters) if a good idea. I jsut can't leave well enough alone. Thanks.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

It's very doable. There is an ongoing thread about that swap. Another thought would be a 4-cyl Cummins turbo deisel out of a bread truck.

 

[ginericLC]

I'm not sure you are going to get significant mileage increases from installing a V8. I installed a tbi 350 in my 60 series hoping to do better than the stock 6. I had a lot more power but my mileage wasn't any better.

If it were me, I'd bypass the Toyota auto tranny and put in a 700r4. The Toyota tranny is bullet proof but I believe from my reading it is less efficient than the GM tranny. I've also read that torque convertors can be a problem with a V8 and the stock Toyota tranny. I have no first had experience with them doing this though. I bought a 94 and soon after sold my 91 and the V8 kit I bought for it.

 

[deminimis]

Thanks for the replies and sorry about the delay in responding. Well, I just did it. My buddy and I haggled for weeks over this '92. We finally ironed out a good deal. I think I'll just drive it as is. Has the center diff lock. I was thinking not all came with the center diff lock, but I don't know squat about these, but willing to learn.

 

[OGBeno]

I'd contact the following people if you are interested in V8 conversions (in no particular order):

Businesses:

Slee Off Road (CO)
Proffitt Cruisers (CO)
TLC (CA)
Mudrak's (CA)
Lance Williams (VA)
Cool Cruisers (TX)
and some others that I am missing.

Individuals (MUD names)

Waggoner
Kirk
Alan Podvin (not sure of his tag here on MUD)

They've all done V8 conversions and can help you.

Also, prepare to drop a lot of cash ~$10K if you are going to outsource this. Closer to $5-6K if you are going to do it yourself.

Best regards.
-onur
Oberlin, OH

 

[deminimis]

I think I'll just run what I brung for now, but thanks. Wife is going to shoot me as it is when I bring this cruiser home.

 

[alkaline747trio]

All FJ80s have CDL switch, but no option for FR/RR Lockers...no FZJ80s have CDL switch, but have the option for FR/RR Lockers.