PZJ77 vs LJ78 (1 Viewer)

[RandyMarsh88]

Hey everyone,
I have the opportunity to get and LJ78 or a pzj77 for effectively the same price. What would you rather have? I like the looks and reliability of the PZJ, but I'd have to find a solution for some third row seating.
PZJ: 220k miles, looks clean mechanically.
LJ: 84k miles. Leaky headgasket, but doesn't seem to be cracked head. Alternator struggles to charge battery. Clean otherwise.

I'm leaning towards the PZJ. If it were simple to swap the motor in the LJ to a 1HZ, I think I'd do that, but it doesn't appear to be plug and play. I'll pay to have a third row installed on the PZJ for that money.

Thoughts?

 

[FJ73Texas]

The LJ will have coils in front while the PZJ will not. Another thing to consider.

Some engine parts for the PZJ are very difficult to find...mainly the parts that are PZJ specific such as injection pump, hoses (yes they are different than 1HZ), crankshaft...camshaft...etc. I had a PZJ70 for awhile so...been there, done that. Despite all of that...the 1PZ is a great little motor that should have had a longer production run than it did.

 

[AirheadNut]

If they're the same price then I'd say PZJ77 without a second thought. Sounds like the LJ78 needs quite a bit of work that would have to be factored in to the deal. A leaking head gasket is most likely due to improper installation, the head almost always goes rather than the gasket.

Pretty sure I know what PZJ77 you're looking at, it looks like a pretty good deal and replacing the 1PZ with a 1HZ in the future would be much easier than engine swapping the LJ78 with almost anything.

 

[Rigster]

PZJ77 for the win!

However, if you DO go for the LJ and need to swap the motor there is a crazy feller in the forums that put a TDI diesel into his LJ78 with some success. You may want to pick his brain if you are inclined to go that route.

Good luck with your choice and all the best!

 

[RandyMarsh88]

The LJ will have coils in front while the PZJ will not. Another thing to consider.

Some engine parts for the PZJ are very difficult to find...mainly the parts that are PZJ specific such as injection pump, hoses (yes they are different than 1HZ), crankshaft...camshaft...etc. I had a PZJ70 for awhile so...been there, done that. Despite all of that...the 1PZ is a great little motor that should have had a longer production run than it did.

This is good information. If that's the case I might start saving money for an eventual swap to the 1HZ engine... Any idea what that might cost?

 

[RandyMarsh88]

If they're the same price then I'd say PZJ77 without a second thought. Sounds like the LJ78 needs quite a bit of work that would have to be factored in to the deal. A leaking head gasket is most likely due to improper installation, the head almost always goes rather than the gasket.

Pretty sure I know what PZJ77 you're looking at, it looks like a pretty good deal and replacing the 1PZ with a 1HZ in the future would be much easier than engine swapping the LJ78 with almost anything.

Any idea what it might cost to drop in a 1HZ down the road? What little research I've done suggests it would be plug and play...

 

[FJ73Texas]

Never done a swap myself but I figure if you do it yourself....It will probably be $8000 or so for just the engine related side of it (engine, mount relocation, and some other bits and pieces). Then you will probably want to swap out the tranny as well to H55F so there is that extra cost too.

 

[RandyMarsh88]

Never done a swap myself but I figure if you do it yourself....It will probably be $8000 or so for just the engine related side of it (engine, mount relocation, and some other bits and pieces). Then you will probably want to swap out the tranny as well to H55F so there is that extra cost too.

I see you're in TX, do you know of any cruiser specific shops here?

 

[FJ73Texas]

I see you're in TX, do you know of any cruiser specific shops here?

The good ones always seem so busy but Endless Offroad Solutions would be a good place to start but I know he is backed up too (one man operation). I have a lot of experience with the owner (he has worked on all of the 70 series I owned, including the one I have now). He is a good guy.

If that is too far, he can maybe point you in the right direction.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

PZJ77 for sure.
Parts are not super hard to find, and they were used in mines in North America.
Takes a turbo well if you keep it reasonable.

~John

 

[Zorlac]

PJ77 no doubt

1hz upgrade bolt on

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Why on earth would anyone 'upgrade' to a 1HZ. If you're going to that effort, go direct injection 1HDT,1HDFT etc.

LJ78 is a great vehicle besides the 2LTE. Swap that s*** out for a 15BFT!

 

[Zorlac]

Why on earth would anyone 'upgrade' to a 1HZ. If you're going to that effort, go direct injection 1HDT,1HDFT etc.

LJ78 is a great vehicle besides the 2LTE. Swap that s*** out for a 15BFT!

Of course, it all depends on your wallet and getting engines at a good price and in good condition.

(and well that depends on where on earth you have the TLC, anyway the 1PZ are very scarce)

1PZ is actually slower than a 1HZ, or a 15BT, but certainly more reliable than a 2LT.

The other option is to add a turbo, which, properly installed, is undoubtedly cheaper than any other possibility.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Of course, it all depends on your wallet and getting engines at a good price and in good condition.

(and well that depends on where on earth you have the TLC, anyway the 1PZ are very scarce)

1PZ is actually slower than a 1HZ, or a 15BT, but certainly more reliable than a 2LT.

The other option is to add a turbo, which, properly installed, is undoubtedly cheaper than any other possibility.

Haha, yeah I hear ya. As much as I dream of better things, I'm still running a 2LTE for these reasons. On the plus side, it's really easy and relatively cheap to get parts for and maintain.

 

[RandyMarsh88]

I ended up buying the PJ. I wouldn't "upgrade" to a 1hz, but if this engine ever dies I might put a 1hz in there. I'm trying to decide if I like doomsday grade reliability or a bit more oomph. Any good threads on hdt or hdte swaps on these old 70s?

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I ended up buying the PJ. I wouldn't "upgrade" to a 1hz, but if this engine ever dies I might put a 1hz in there. I'm trying to decide if I like doomsday grade reliability or a bit more oomph. Any good threads on hdt or hdte swaps on these old 70s?

I don’t know if @divemedic is on ‘MUD very much these days (he is the administrator of 70 Series Land Cruisers - North America thread on Facebook) but he has owned a PZ powered 77 Series for years. Perhaps he’s will to share his experiences.

 

[FJ73Texas]

I loved the 1PZ in the PZJ70 I had...but I have no experience with the same engine in the 77 series.

Overall...the 77 and 78 series feels like a boat compared to the smaller SWB 70 series.

 

[JuanJ]

I ended up buying the PJ. I wouldn't "upgrade" to a 1hz, but if this engine ever dies I might put a 1hz in there. I'm trying to decide if I like doomsday grade reliability or a bit more oomph. Any good threads on hdt or hdte swaps on these old 70s?

Hello,

The 1PZ does have Doomsday reliability. It has some serious low rpm torque as well. It is not the fastest engine but it will take you wherever you want to go. And if it ever kicks the bucket, it will do it either in your garage or near your mechanic shop. Ask me how I know.

If you choose to swap the 1PZ for a 1HD, include an H15x transmission. These gearboxes are rather scarce in the US but they are worth every penny.





Juan