Please tell me the pros and cons for a f engine to a 2F engine. Also, what is the average price of a running 2F.
What should I look for when purchasing 2F?
Thanks
What should I look for when purchasing 2F?
Thanks
Pros & Cons Change 1971 F to a 2F
- Thread starter jw71cruiser
- Start date
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I ca.t exactly give you the pro.s and con.s but my 74 originally came with a 2f and I replaced it with a f. I.ve been happy sofar with the f. I believe the f.s were a little short on HP compared to the 2 f and I believe parts may be a little more common. I would expect to pay $500-$700 for a running 2 f.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
If your 1F is running well, just keep using it as you won't notice much difference. When it dies, a 2F would be a preferable replacement. Mark A says the 1F gets better economy and I believe him.
Used motors are kind of a crap shoot. When you don't need one, a perfect motor with all accessories comes up for $300. When you have a dead cruiser and need one bad, you can't find one for $1000. I paid $300 for mine and then sat on it for 4 years before I needed it.
The pros of a 2F are marginally more power (though not enough to notice), smoother running, better oiling system, better ignition on 78+, and a better looking vale cover.
When you do start looking, look for a later 2F from an FJ60. Those are the best of the bunch.
Used motors are kind of a crap shoot. When you don't need one, a perfect motor with all accessories comes up for $300. When you have a dead cruiser and need one bad, you can't find one for $1000. I paid $300 for mine and then sat on it for 4 years before I needed it.
The pros of a 2F are marginally more power (though not enough to notice), smoother running, better oiling system, better ignition on 78+, and a better looking vale cover.
When you do start looking, look for a later 2F from an FJ60. Those are the best of the bunch.
Coolerman
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Of course you can also use a early aluminum 2F valve cover on the F engine to make it look better AND solve the ever present oil leak problem. Plus you can add the later solid state ignition system from an FJ60 to your F easily. That just leaves better oiling and a bit more power. Change your oil more often and run the mighty F until it drops or you do.
A '71 40 is actually a very cool cruiser...column shifter with T case under dash, bench seat up front, dual master brake cylinder gives added safety, older "cleaner/thicker" metal...etc.
If the rest of your rig is stock, I would stay with the F you have. Even if it isn't, unless you already have a great running 2F, I wouldn't bother.
If the rest of your rig is stock, I would stay with the F you have. Even if it isn't, unless you already have a great running 2F, I wouldn't bother.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks to everyone who replied. Amazing site.
I also think the 71 is a awesome ride. I like the 3 on the tree and the bench seats.
The motor seems to run fine, Exhaust and carb issues.
Should I rebuild the motor or just fix the exhaust and carb. and run it?
I also think the 71 is a awesome ride. I like the 3 on the tree and the bench seats.
The motor seems to run fine, Exhaust and carb issues.
Should I rebuild the motor or just fix the exhaust and carb. and run it?
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
Leave it alone and fix the problems you actually have. WIth a carb rebuild it could run for years before a major service is needed.
Last edited:
Cal40
SILVER Star
I bought my 71 with an F that wasn't firing on all cylinders and immediately replaced with 2f. I figured why trouble shoot an older engine when I can upgrade. If it had been running well, I would not have done it. I've been thinking about buying another 2f and rebuilding it in my garage with no time pressure just to have one on the ready if I ever need to rebuild. Maybe look for a 2f that has never been rebuilt but not running well and start the rebuild instead of looking for a drop-in ready version. That way you get the max life out of the F and then have a proven reliable option when it goes.
My Dec '74 had a barely running F.5 ( 80-100psi per cylinders and multiple cracks).
I took my time and found a 2F donor from an 86 FJ60 with everything still on it for $600 locally so no shipping.
I had nothing to really compare the new engine to, but it meets all my needs and bolts in so easy.
Keep what you have till it stops working or if you have reason to think it may be on its last legs, start looking for a replacment now and buy it to hold.
Good luck
I took my time and found a 2F donor from an 86 FJ60 with everything still on it for $600 locally so no shipping.
I had nothing to really compare the new engine to, but it meets all my needs and bolts in so easy.
Keep what you have till it stops working or if you have reason to think it may be on its last legs, start looking for a replacment now and buy it to hold.
Good luck
