SBC vs 2F

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'74 UA FJ said:
It would take about two weekends for two guys with decent mechanic skills to get it done given all the parts on hand.
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As long as they have done a swap before I'd agree. The problem is "Given all parts on hand". V8 swaps are not expensive because of the main pieces (they can be but). It's all the little crap that adds up. Hoses, brackets, gauges, exhaust, drive shafts, etc..

For most people, I'd estimate at least a month of weekends screwing around.

Things get even more complicated when you have to be emissions compliant.
 
Mace said:
'74 UA FJ said:
It would take about two weekends for two guys with decent mechanic skills to get it done given all the parts on hand.
Click to expand...

As long as they have done a swap before I'd agree. The problem is "Given all parts on hand". V8 swaps are not expensive because of the main pieces (they can be but). It's all the little crap that adds up. Hoses, brackets, gauges, exhaust, drive shafts, etc..

For most people, I'd estimate at least a month of weekends screwing around.

Things get even more complicated when you have to be emissions compliant.
Click to expand...

Flat out making a fuel injection system with a 2F took a long time if it's your first time. So, there's your options.

And as for the main point of the whole thread.....I think the best course of action is "why not get two cruisers?" That seems like a good idea, time to start searching for a nicely maintained one.
 
"fj40charles: Running propane is another good option if you want a reliable fuel delivery at extreme angles."

I want to do a propane swap someday, they say you loose a little hp and mpg in the process....but mine is not a dd and I don't do 5+ trails...or even that whimpy Rubicon ;) either. Oh, and isn't the weight of a V8 a whopping 50+ lbs lighter...oh, more beer can now go in the rig :rolleyes:
 
You only lose mileage and power going to propane if you do not optimize the motor for it.
 
My71FJ40 said:
Oh, and isn't the weight of a V8 a whopping 50+ lbs lighter...oh, more beer can now go in the rig :rolleyes:
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I've heard that a SBC is 200 pounds lighter than the straight 6.
 
I thought I'd add my two cents worth. I have just completed installing a Chev 350 - holley carb with LPG (required for pollution regs). Here in Oz that is a very expensive process - and getting it right needs a lot of experience or time. I also added power steering and aircon too. IT has a manual 5 speed and Marks Adaptors had the right adaptors.

The 2F was a bit tired but reliable but I needed to tow a camper trailer or horse float. The result is great - cruise along at 110kph with the camper trailer - and the mileage on LPG is better than the 2F - the cost of which is 40% of unleaded.

Be aware that a lot of details may need sorting - I had issues with cooling - but the forum here will give you lots of help.

I love the Chev sound too.

Graham
 
A propane V8 sounds sooo weird (the concept that is), but it is a lot cheaper as compared to gasoline practically every where I believe.
 
Propane around here is almost the same price as gasoline unfortunately.
 
Mace said:
You only lose mileage and power going to propane if you do not optimize the motor for it.
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Not many people rebuild the engine when going to propane. You need really high compression to get the power back.
 
'74 UA FJ said:
Not many people rebuild the engine when going to propane. You need really high compression to get the power back.
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Doesn't high compression bring more wear and tear on the engine than normally needed?
 
'74 UA FJ said:
Not many people rebuild the engine when going to propane. You need really high compression to get the power back.
Click to expand...

The higher compression really helps out, but even just adjusting the spark advance and dizzy curve helps too. Or a turbo, then no rebuild is necessary ;)

toyotalandfj40 said:
Doesn't high compression bring more wear and tear on the engine than normally needed?
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It absolutely does. Anything you do to make more power will increase wear. How significant that is depends on how extreme you go.
 
msapers said:
Well, we've covered just about everything else...so ho about an Evinrude 2 stroke outboard converted to run on Hydrogen?
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Lol, yes, we delineate as bad as the steering play for a stock FJ40.... This thread was both helpful and so ambiguous. And has anyone put that new Ford V6 Ecoboost in their rig?
 
duffontap said:
Does this mean that a 2F with 120psi compression could theoretically last a long, long time?
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It means any quality engine used in a theoretical environment should last a very long time. Some engines in the real world really do last a very long time.. Some examples: AMC 258/4.0, Ford 300, SBC, Dodge 318, Cummins 6BT.
 
duffontap said:
Does this mean that a 2F with 120psi compression could theoretically last a long, long time?
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Depending on a couple variables, absolutely.
 
My 2 cents worth FWIW...
I picked up a 76 FJ40 with a 350 in it from a junkyard. PO did a lot of work on it but could not keep it running. Long story short he had wire rusted out everywhere and no attempt to fix it. So I took out the wiring and replaced the same. Then had a good running FJ. It became my daily driver but didn't pass emissions. So I fought it for 2 years then the rules were changed making my 76 exempt. After I had spent $250 + to get it to pass. I put a Holly Truck Avenger carb with an Edilbrock hi rise manifold, MSD ignition, MSD coil and new sparkplug wires. End result I have a motor the gets 14 mpg in town,starts real easy, and idles down very well. Motor real strong at idle. Could start out in 4th if I wanted, but I don't. I'm running 33" tires, stock Toyota 4 speed and transfer with stock axles. Never checked the highway mileage. I am fortunate to live in a small town surrounded by mountains so exploring is easy. To say I am pleased with what I wound up with would be an understatement
So now I have picked up the remains of an FJ 45. Let this saga begin...
 
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