SBC Swap into 1991 FJ80 (1 Viewer)

[USMCDocJ]

Alright, folks. After going through what seems like thousands of posts, I've made the decision to pull the trigger and replace my 550,000 mile 3FE.

I know some folks are going to give me a hard time for keeping the A440F

Here's the plan:

1995 350 SBC (Carby. Maybe a Sniper or similar at some point.)

Mark's4WD bellhousing adapter to the existing A440F

Automatic Wholesale Transmission A440F behind 350 billet torque converter

Automatic Wholesale Transmission Nomad valve body

Will likely do a rebuild on the trans once I have it out and inspected. Input on sourcing parts?

Installing some elocker 80 axles. Trying to decide on 4.88 or 5.29 gears. Input needed, please.

16" stock FZJ wheels with 305 70 16 ATs

Any input is appreciated as it isn't too late to change if I'm handed a show stopper.

 

[NeverFinis]

What are your reasons for SBC and not LS?

 

[jfz80]

With 33s and a 350 I would probably hold out on gears to see if needed.

What type of driving and/or elevation are you at in Mexico? If deviating from stock 4.10 I would think I would be debating between 4.56 and 4.88

 

[Heckraiser]

I would skip the 90's SBC. Worst performing GM V8 IMO, at least the truck version. Older and newer models had better flowing heads, better cam and valvetrain. It needs lots of upgrades just to keep up with a 70's V8 and a lot more upgrades to keep up with a vortec/LS. I had a '95 TBI in my fj62 and honestly it was not a huge upgrade from the 3fe and a downgrade from a healthy 1fz. I would skip that motor and go straight to a 5.3--so much better and not expensive. Just my two cents, not trying to rain on your parade!

I would also skip gearing the axles until you're done with the swap and have the tires you want. If you go with a 5.3 and a 4l80 or 4l60 transmission (or really any GM 4, 6 or 8 speed transmission) your gearing will be great with your stock 4.10 gears and 35's. 305 tires will just make it that much more peppy. Regearing to 4.88 or 5.29 will just make it undrivable on the highway.

There is a reason the vast majority of conversions consist of a vortec/GM auto/adapter/LC transfer case. It really is the simplest and most effective solution. I know its a long read, but read through the V8 swap sticky thread if you haven't already. This is tried and true and lots of knowledge to draw on. Why make it harder?

 

[USMCDocJ]

What are your reasons for SBC and not LS?

Mostly because of the simplicity of the engine.

 

[USMCDocJ]

With 33s and a 350 I would probably hold out on gears to see if needed.

What type of driving and/or elevation are you at in Mexico? If deviating from stock 4.10 I would think I would be debating between 4.56 and 4.88

I live in rural central Mexico at about 1500 meters. Lots of hills and rocky dirt tracks. I take a few pretty demanding 4x adventures a year.

I would skip the 90's SBC. Worst performing GM V8 IMO, at least the truck version. Older and newer models had better flowing heads, better cam and valvetrain. It needs lots of upgrades just to keep up with a 70's V8 and a lot more upgrades to keep up with a vortec/LS. I had a '95 TBI in my fj62 and honestly it was not a huge upgrade from the 3fe and a downgrade from a healthy 1fz. I would skip that motor and go straight to a 5.3--so much better and not expensive. Just my two cents, not trying to rain on your parade!

I would also skip gearing the axles until you're done with the swap and have the tires you want. If you go with a 5.3 and a 4l80 or 4l60 transmission (or really any GM 4, 6 or 8 speed transmission) your gearing will be great with your stock 4.10 gears and 35's. 305 tires will just make it that much more peppy. Regearing to 4.88 or 5.29 will just make it undrivable on the highway.

There is a reason the vast majority of conversions consist of a vortec/GM auto/adapter/LC transfer case. It really is the simplest and most effective solution. I know its a long read, but read through the V8 swap sticky thread if you haven't already. This is tried and true and lots of knowledge to draw on. Why make it harder?

I appreciate the info. I wasn't aware about the later sbc being dogs. I read from multiple sources that after 1988, I believe, they actually got better. I'll dig deeper. The SBC vs Vortec is primarily for simplicity. When something breaks in Mexico, I prefer to repair it myself.

 

[NeverFinis]

Mostly because of the simplicity of the engine.

Fair.

You can put a carb or simple throttle body fuel injection on a LS engine.

LS engines make more horsepower, run cleaner, better mpg, better sealed than a SBC, and are just stronger than a SBC.

 

[USMCDocJ]

Fair.

You can put a carb or simple throttle body fuel injection on a LS engine.

LS engines make more horsepower, run cleaner, better mpg, better sealed than a SBC, and are just stronger than a SBC.

I wasn't aware that I could dumb down the LS.

 

[Heckraiser]

The vortec motor is not really any more complicated, It does have an ECU and an electronically controlled transmission (which is a good thing, my 700r4 was a crap transmission), so there is some complexity there, but nothing that will make the truck unreliable and parts should still be easy to find in Mexico (former GDL Jalisco resident here )

:edit: yes, you can throw an old-school intake and sniper or carb on a vortec motor too, if you prefer that.

 

[NeverFinis]

I wasn't aware that I could dumb down the LS.

Yep.

From Google:

What do you need to run a carb on a LS?

You can use any carburetor, it can't see what motor you bolt it to, it can only sense the pull of the intake vacuum. You will need to buy an LS carb manifold and a stand alone ignition computer like the MSD LS1/LS6 ignition controller (part no. 6010) which comes with its own plug and play harness for about $650.

I assume there is info on running a simple throttle body fuel injection as well.

 

[USMCDocJ]

The vortec motor is not really any more complicated, It does have an ECU and an electronically controlled transmission (which is a good thing, my 700r4 was a crap transmission), so there is some complexity there, but nothing that will make the truck unreliable and parts should still be easy to find in Mexico (former GDL Jalisco resident here )

:edit: yes, you can throw an old-school intake and sniper or carb on a vortec motor too, if you prefer that.

Good info. I appreciate the input. Alot.

 

[thatcabledude]

Mostly because of the simplicity of the engine.

I would say it’s less simple than LS platform. For example the crappy gaskets and distributor.

 

[Augustiron]

The only change they made to the LS that I can't stand versus the SBC is having to take the heads off to change lifters and cam on the LS. Grrrr.

 

[USMCDocJ]

Alright. I found a c1500 with a 350tbi and a 2wd 4l60 for $800. It's hard to go any other route at this point. Thanks for the advice on the 440. Any more input is appreciated.

Matt