old cruiser, new motor?

[nmarshall-no]

hey all, I'm new to the group but have had my truck since 92. She's and 82 fj60 stock without any extra options. She has 190k.

I took it in for some extensive service including a proposed top end job. Cams are worn, valve adjustment is tricky and still slap because of worn lobes. She leaks oil from the oil pan and possibly from the front seal. Both of the front motor mounts are shot - the one under the power steering pump more than the passenger – this causes the fan to rub on the shroud under moderate acceleration. The radiator leaks badly of course because of the abusive torquing. So I’m ready to drop up to 2k to get the damage repaired and at least stop the continue abuse. Then my mechanic says he’s got a 5.7l vortec out of a chevy suburban. From the hip he said the conversion parts run about 1k and the labor would run 1k – we still have to agree on the motor but it sounded as if he’d be reasonable and give me a 1 year warranty.
Next year was the year to have 2f rebuilt ( I entertained a diesel conversion but gave up on it) so I’d like some advice on whether to pursue the conversion or get it repaired and wait for a rebuild. She is my main source of transportation and I will either save this one or buy another one. I'm just not a new truck guy.

thanks

 

[CodeRed]

Just my $.02, I'd do the Vortec swap and be done with it!

I unfortunately had to replace the stock engine in my 89 FJ62 last year. This came about after a service job done by someone else resulted in a damaged engine. It cost $3k with engine and R&R.

The engine I purchased was a used low mileage one from a company in Texas.

It's been several months and it's starting to crap out too Smokes like a chimney and can't get it to idle for chit!

Still gets 9.5 mpg and getting over 75 is a chore. I'm fed up with it, tired of the TRACTOR motor, and with rising fuel costs, and as much as I'm on the road and around town, somethings gotta go.

I'm in the market for a Vortec or a simple SBC and ready to do the swap.

Do the swap and you'll likely be happier for the same money

 

[meatloaf]

$2K plus the engine sounds real cheap. I started to do a tbi swap myself and parts alone was alot more than this. This included new FIS wiring harness though. The 'little' things is what gets pricey....

I opted for a lot better choice --- RT Customs Vortec swap.

ML

 

[iaintscared1969]

Do the Vortec. If you love the truck do it because you want to keep it. The mechanic under quoted that job FOR SURE!! The adapters alone are a grand without even getting started good. But if he will hold up to that price hey get it done. But really research this option before you get ready to do it. If you search many people have discussed the pro's and con's... Me I like the VORTEC and wouldn't think twice!! And if you want a sheet on a ballpark for a conversion drop me a line. It's free and it does give you a little bit of a head start when you talk to mechanics

 

[Tinker]

Aint is offering a great deal & the checklist (assuming it's complete) is worth at least $100! Incidentals you'll want to replace (like your radiator) "because you're in there" can easily add $1K.

Ask your $1K mechanic if he's ever done this conversion before & what other conversions he's done. I got "suckered" into my professional 5.7 Vortec/4L60E conversion by a mechanic friend who'd done great "side" work on my 460/'56 F100 conversion besides several SBC/LCs. Unfortunately, he went back to work for the 4x4 shop he used to work for & my rig went in through the front door. Big $, BUT THEY DID TOP-NOTCH, PROFESSIONAL WORK except for a handful of details. And they picked up the tab when their negligence caused an accident in my garage and when their imaginative emission control configuration had to be reconfigured.

Be aware that according to EPA regs, your rig must have the exact emissions configuration of the donor vehicle. If the 'Burb had an automatic, you have to use the same model/year of automatic. And the configuration of O2 sensors & catalytic convertors must be maintained. If neither Louisiana nor NO parish (?) has smog laws, you can prolly get away with ignoring the EPA, but you're limited in whom you might sell it to.

P.S. You'd love the conversion - I do & I have a "perfect" stocker also. But the projects don't end with a V8.

 

[sirenmoses]

1k is a good price for labor. I spent a little more than that dropping a remanufactured engine in my lil truck: the new cat and other stuff required for the engine warranty ran the shop bill up to to $2k.

 

[Toadhopper]

The price you're being quoted is WAY too low. Go for the checklist from Randy and bring it to the mechanic like he said. Chances are once he sees whats really involved he'll be able to give you a more accurate price.

 

[nmarshall-no]

got the build sheet

thanks for all of the advice, especially Randy. If I had the time and money I'd drop it off, but at least I'll have an extended conversation with my shop armed with Randy's list.

No worries on the smog or the re-sale (I'm keeping it it till it explodes in the driveway)

I was quite amazed at 100% positive feed back on the swap. I'm going for it.

thanks again.

 

[Bayou_Flyer]

Any updates on this?

 

[GAS-A-LOT!]

how bout a guy like me that is actually liking his 2f? I finished changing the worn/torn hoses so that all of the vacuum hoses were good and going somewhere and she's running better than ever. no more rough idle'ing at various speeds....

I would like to keep my 2f but....... If it were to take a dump after a rebuild I would hate her! I would be kicking myself for not getting a vortech....

over 230k on the clock & the plug @ cylinder # 5 is clean & dry!

!


Now where is that damn turbine at!

 

[Mace]

9.5 mpg means something is wrong with your motor should get 12 to 14 mpg easily.

There is just as good a chance that a rebuilt Vortec will die as a rebuilt LC six will.

As everyone said, that is way to cheap. Even doing things as cheap as possible will get you over 1K in parts alone.

I would like to see the actual EPA ruling that requires the use of the same tranny that the vehicle originally came with. I have searched for it and have so far came up empty handed. The motor swap that I did on my FJ60 passed all of the Las Vegas rules utilizing a motor that came with a manual (I used an auto). There is no way to tell what transmission came behind a block by the blocks casting #.

Lastly, that plug does not have to leak to blow..

 

[gnomesliv]

my 7 cents. Stay with the 2f. Get a MAF high performance 2f. It will not be as powerful as the vortec but I think it will last twice as long and you will pay less down the road for keeping everything toyota. More money for body repair..accessories..winch and other stuff you may want on the truck.