Restored HJ60 vs Toyota Diesel Conversion

[DCM36]

What are the +/-'s of each?
From what I can tell:

Restored HJ60:
+ stock toyota setup, maybe cheaper overall
- Non US gauges(for odometer at least), worse performance(assuming 2H HJ60 vs 1HZ/12HT conversion)

Diesel conversion:
+ newer drivetrain, get to keep same truck
- expensive, guages not set up for diesel, some things have to be jerry-rigged or doesn't look stock???

 

[Entaran]

Just restore the HJ60 and strap a turbo onto it effectively making a 12HT. Parts support for 1HZ's basically isn't there in Northern America as far as I can hear from all the people on this forum. That way you also get to keep all the factory stuff on the truck (which is quite frankly the most reliable). Once you start hacking into looms and so forth things go haywire.

 

[Greg_B]

Just restore the HJ60 and strap a turbo onto it effectively making a 12HT. Parts support for 1HZ's basically isn't there in Northern America as far as I can hear from all the people on this forum. That way you also get to keep all the factory stuff on the truck (which is quite frankly the most reliable). Once you start hacking into looms and so forth things go haywire.

Not true, as the 1HZ is a current North American engine...just in the mines. You can get stuff through aftermarket, or even Toyota if you have the part numbers. Or, direct to a few Toyota dealers that have the rights to order 1HZ stuff to supply the mines. You won't walk into any Toyota dealer and get parts though, and some parts will take time to come...unless you build a stockpile of common parts over time.

While strapping a turbo on a 2H will liven it up, it does not make a 12HT, just like putting a turbo on my beloved 3B does not make it a 13BT. DI vs IDI, different pistons, heads, injectors, and the 12HT has oil jet piston skirt sprayers.

You're right, if you hack, things can go sideways. Skillfully grafting stock components into what was a stock gasser Cruiser can lead to some very nice factory detailed diesel swaps.

Much depends on the condition of the HJ60. If it has a rusty frame, or rust on structural/body mount areas...you are much better finding a rust free USA Cruiser and putting in your choice of Cdn or JDM diesel drivetrain imo.

hth's

gb

 

[roscoFJ73]

It all gets back to how many dollars you want to pour into it.
My choice is to start with a good rust free body and choose a diesel that will give adequate power.

If you start with a good diesel engine and have it tuned right ,it will only need very basic maintenance for years.
With this in mind,the need to have a parts store that stocks your engine parts next door is less necessary,and the long trouble free periods you should get allows you to stock up on spares like hoses,belts,filters and injectors at bargain prices

As all Landcruisers were available in either diesel or petrol engines,it doesnt take a lot to make them look and work like it came from the factory.
Its an engine bay that begs a swap

However ,if a mint locally sold diesel cruiser falls into your lap at the right price,why not.

 

[DCM36]

I guess it just comes down to what's available. What made me think of the question was that in pricing a diesel swap and including some other details like supension or paint etc, the price gets to the point where you could order a restored or refurbished HJ60 from Radd Cruisers or somewhere like that. And the whole package would have been gone over vice just the drivetrain. On the other hand, paying for a good swap keeps another cruiser on the road for many more years; you could almost say you were being altruistic.
Great info. Thanks!

 

[hks3sgte]

Or just wait until some of the JDM trucks turn 25 and you'll have the best land cruiser ever built! The HJ61 (my very biased opinion )

 

[marting]

Or just wait until some of the JDM trucks turn 25 and you'll have the best land cruiser ever built! The HJ61 (my very biased opinion )

with the steeringwheel on the wrong side..?

get a nice hj60... it keeps up with traffic (just) stock
you can easily turbocharge... it's been done many times, 160hp should be no problem... use a small turbo and an intercooler to give it a lot more low end and midrange grunt..
.

 

[brownbear]

IMOP I would get a clean FJ60 and install a 1hz.

The 1hz is FULLY supported in North America. It just isn't common and dealers will not know much about it. But in Canada the industrial toyota dealer can sell you parts.

An hj60 restored will be nice. But using a clean southern Fj60 is better. Especially using a current engine such as the 1HZ.

3b/2h engines are nice but support may not be there in 20 yrs. It's barely here now. But yes it is here.