I have a 1976 FJ40 with a 350 TBI. I am looking to tear it down to the frame and am torn on the engine to use. I love this FJ40 and my goal is to make it as reliable as possible for daily use; but give it a bit more pep for enjoyment. Will be used in town, on longer trips and getting to shooting and fishing holes in the mountains. As of late, I am settling in on the Cummins 4bt or the Mercedes OM606a. I am certainly open to other options if they warrant a look. Seems to me that both the Cummins and Mercedes motors will fit fairly well without modification, are capable of adequate power/torque, and provide good fuel mileage. Assuming they are very similar in price, which direction would you go and why? I was originally set on the 4bt; however, excessive noise and vibration has me a bit concerned. I have had lots of Cummins in full-size pickups and I do like the sound of the engine, but I am concerned just how loud it might be in a FJ40 (even with sound proofing, etc.) Also the direction I am looking to go will require compound turbos, which gets a little tight. The OM606 was suggested to me and sound really promising in that it takes up slightly less room, may be easier to generate more HP/torque and is more drivable (quiet and smoother). I have not driven or riden in anything with either engine, so I am merely trying to decipher what's been said online.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!