Sniper Conversion Opinions Needed

[cruiserschwing]

I’m considering purchasing a 60 with a Sniper conversion. It also has an H55F. While I’ve never owned a 60 with either of those modifications, much less both, I’ve always been under the impression that these are the two best mods that can be made to a 60. I’ve researched all the threads about the Sniper conversion. I see where folks have had a lot of issues with it and and have had to do a lot of troubleshooting to figure things out. For as long as I’ve owned Land Cruisers (34 years), I’m still not real mechanically inclined and have always relied on my local garage to keep them running. One thing I’ve never had to deal with has been fuel deliver whether I’ve had a stock carburetor or had a Weber. I’m just looking for some advice on the reliability of the Sniper and the long term service of it once it’s been dialed-in. I’ve read about O2 sensors and all kinds of stuff. It makes me nervous not really understanding those issues. Secondary to the question is….if the Sniper gives me too many issues, can the EFI be reverted back to a carburetor? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[zeeklafreek]

I'll just chime in here even though I'm probably the most qualified but was/am in a similar situation. My FJ60 is currently being restored in Texas and I thought about going down the Sniper route but had the same concerns you do. I did earn some money in college as a shade tree mechanic but would definitely feel more at home with a naturally aspirated 60 than one with a EFI. In the end the decision was sort of made for me since I need to get an "old timer" designation here in Germany and from most of my research, converting it to EFI would have prevented it from getting that designation.
I can tell you that yes, you can revert back to a carburetor.

 

[Dr. John]

My Sniper had a failed injector out-of-the-box, but after that was resolved, it has operated faultlessly for about 4 years now. I would certainly not buy a Cruiser just because it had a Sniper conversion.

 

[DrRock]

Paging @FJ60Cam to the Sniper Guru courtesy phone.

Personally, I would be much more comfortable with a Sniper (I'm currently converting my 60 as we speak) versus having a carburetor with it's host of old, antiquated vacuum, air pump, and ancillary components that are becoming or are NLA. As my Dad used to say "if it's not there, it can't break". There is an awful lot of stuff in a stock 60 with factory smog that can break. That said we are all different and posses different levels of comfort and experience with fuel delivery systems. Many issues people experience with the Sniper are a result of other issues with the engine which a Sniper will highlight more versus a carb. One last caveat here is if it has been installed and set up correctly.

Good luck with your decision and know that whatever system you end up with, there is a host of great information here on either of them, plus some others.

Cheers, James

 

[knuckle47]

Chiming in here as well…not a 60 but a ‘75 FJ40. Had my first FJ40 in 1974 and with Downey Toyota, ManAFre and a few others back 50 yrs ago I switched carbs every few years to see if I could really tell. I tend to THINK, the Holley was the easiest at that time…I now have my ‘75 that came with a Weber. The truck runs so darn good that the Holley Sniper sat in the box for 17 months…why screw with success.

I finally decided to start the conversion last week and I’m nearly finished. Trying to get the fuel lines better than perfect so that’s my only hold up. As for going backward… you can. Gotta consider the fuel pump as a major factor.. I am also using an in-tank electric fuel pump so the plumbing is going to be different for the conventional fuel system.

There are several EFI systems on cruisers here and I have read a few stories about failures but have read many more about really nice performance. I come from the days of kick start motorcycles…1940’s and 50’s era. When I got my first fuel injected Electra-Glide…yikes. Press a button and in 3 seconds it’s running. That was in 1995 and stuck in my head since. The thought of starting my Land Cruiser this was kinda excites me. Should I find it screws up, I have no second thoughts on going back to carb. It just takes a bit of extra time… I have a thread on my 75 sniper install with several photos if you care to check that out.

I’d be interested to know if you go that route.

My 1975 2F Holley Sniper Install….

I figured there are several Sniper builds listed and I enjoy every one of them. I know I will second guess half of what I am doing so I will post a few photos and curse phrases while I am getting this slowly done…it at the fuel tank stage currently so here are a pictures and comments. I was a...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[cruiserschwing]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Your responses make me feel better about the Sniper conversion. Today, I’m going to try to talk to the mechanic who added the Sniper and H55F as well as other mods and maintenance. I’m excited about the possibility of owning another 60. It’s been too long since my last one. In between, there have been 2-62s, 4-40s, 1-80, 1-FZJ80. If not this 60, there will be one eventually and it’ll probably be my last FJ.

 

[PVCsnorkel]

I have a sniper kit on my 85. I'm fully desmogged and couldn't source an overseas non-emissions carburetor so Sniper was my best option. I have had zero issues with the system over the year I've had it on and I love how easy it is to start no matter the temperature. It also runs smoother than it ever has and feels much quicker (for a 2F).

 

[dcashley84]

I have a sniper kit on my 85. I'm fully desmogged and couldn't source an overseas non-emissions carburetor so Sniper was my best option. I have had zero issues with the system over the year I've had it on and I love how easy it is to start no matter the temperature. It also runs smoother than it ever has and feels much quicker (for a 2F).

dm sent

 

[Rustyj41]

No major issues on my sniper conversion. Had the typical stall on decel and ate one O2 sensor. But it is a night and day difference.

 

[knuckle47]

I am enjoying my recent conversion to Sniper also. The starting alone is amazing and well worth it . I am still chasing a few small tweaks but the truck runs great. I’m also using the DUI distributor

 

[dcashley84]

I am enjoying my recent conversion to Sniper also. The starting alone is amazing and well worth it . I am still chasing a few small tweaks but the truck runs great. I’m also using the DUI distributor

Did you delete all your smog and vac lines to vac switches? I ordered a sniper. Need to decide on distributor and see what vac lines have to stay

 

[klinetime574]

I’ve had my Sniper for almost three years. No complaints here. It is sometimes a little tricky to keep running after initial start. It doesn’t bother me enough to fix it via tuning. Biggest deal for me was the carburetor sitting over winter and causing issues. Done with that now though.

 

[knuckle47]

Did you delete all your smog and vac lines to vac switches? I ordered a sniper. Need to decide on distributor and see what vac lines have to stay

My 2F was de-smogged when I bought it so everything was already out. It also had a Weber carb and Performance Distributors DUI distributor. Frankly, the Weber ran good and I had the Sniper in my garage for over a year …in the box, just waiting. Finally decided to get this installed. I followed the suggestions of several Sniper guys here on the forum and have had great success after getting it setup. It was mentioned in a few video installs that the DUI distributor was a great way to go and since it was already installed…perfect.

Timing is an important setup parameter. Mine was off by 5*. The truck still ran great but now at 11*, it is quite a performer ( for a 2F )and quick to respond to throttle…and as mentioned…starting is almost instantaneous. I am also using the in-tank fuel pump

 

[TT FJ60]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the site... and owning a FJ60 (1987). I'm handy with car maintenance... but adding an EFI is a little too daunting. Does anyone have a recommendation of a shop near Tampa Florida that is competent/trustworthy enough to do an EFI install? The vehicle is low milage, well maintained (it still has the typical rust) and has the upgraded fuel tank.

I'm not looking to do a restoration... just improve drivability. I appreciate any advice you can provide. Have a great day.

*apologies if I posted this in the incorrect place.

 

[BurntToast]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the site... and owning a FJ60 (1987). I'm handy with car maintenance... but adding an EFI is a little too daunting. Does anyone have a recommendation of a shop near Tampa Florida that is competent/trustworthy enough to do an EFI install? The vehicle is low milage, well maintained (it still has the typical rust) and has the upgraded fuel tank.

I'm not looking to do a restoration... just improve drivability. I appreciate any advice you can provide. Have a great day.

*apologies if I posted this in the incorrect place.

@cruisermatt is in Winter Park

 

[cruisermatt]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the site... and owning a FJ60 (1987). I'm handy with car maintenance... but adding an EFI is a little too daunting. Does anyone have a recommendation of a shop near Tampa Florida that is competent/trustworthy enough to do an EFI install? The vehicle is low milage, well maintained (it still has the typical rust) and has the upgraded fuel tank.

I'm not looking to do a restoration... just improve drivability. I appreciate any advice you can provide. Have a great day.

*apologies if I posted this in the incorrect place.

We have done several. That being said it should run just fine with a carb in Florida - we don't have wild temperature or elevation swings.
Happy to help with either

www.cruisermatts.com