I'll be starting a 3fe swap into my 1979 fj55 this weekend. I got the kit from cruiserparts.net. I'll post pics as I go. I will also tell you what wires and colors I spliced my 3fe harness into. I already have a 30A relay wired to my ignition positive(the red and yellow wire going to my old exciter). It was used to power an HEI dizzy. I also had to make a custom shim from the old bracket for ideal spacing. I'm not sure I have any answers yet, but feel free to ask away.
Starting an FJ55 3fe swap this weekend.
- Thread starter Indigodog
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looks like I got some pics up. My clutch kit has been delayed. So I'm just doing little things to make the swap a little smoother. Things like prepping the engine bay and such. I'm also cleaning up the wiring harness and trying to figure out if I really need the VSS. In SC we have no vehicle inspection so failing a smog test isn't a problem. I don't think with a '79 smog is an issue in most states. We really should have at least safety inspections though.
It will throw a 42 code if it doesn't see the VSS signal, at least that is what the book says:
The computer only uses the VSS to know if the truck is accelerating, decelerating, or at standstill to control air/fuel and ISC. It does not need to be that accurate. I think the 62 has a 6 or 8 pulse VSS and my 40 has the 4 pulse (or something like that) and it works fine. I assume the 55 has the VSS in the speedo like the 40? Just connect one wire there to the ECU.
I de-smogged my engine also to simplify everything, looks better and eliminates a lot of stuff that could go wrong. Don't forget to connect the distributor cap vents or you will be replacing the distributor in about a year. Also verify the throttle body and TPS are set up correctly or you will have high idle problems. These are the two biggest OE items from my project.
Good luck, you will enjoy the reliability of the 3fe.
The computer only uses the VSS to know if the truck is accelerating, decelerating, or at standstill to control air/fuel and ISC. It does not need to be that accurate. I think the 62 has a 6 or 8 pulse VSS and my 40 has the 4 pulse (or something like that) and it works fine. I assume the 55 has the VSS in the speedo like the 40? Just connect one wire there to the ECU.
I de-smogged my engine also to simplify everything, looks better and eliminates a lot of stuff that could go wrong. Don't forget to connect the distributor cap vents or you will be replacing the distributor in about a year. Also verify the throttle body and TPS are set up correctly or you will have high idle problems. These are the two biggest OE items from my project.
Good luck, you will enjoy the reliability of the 3fe.
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I look forward to reading!
Keep track of what mounts you end up using, it should be a bolt-in operation, but I forget what mounts I used.
Will you be running PS and AC?
What year is your 3FE?
Keep track of what mounts you end up using, it should be a bolt-in operation, but I forget what mounts I used.
Will you be running PS and AC?
What year is your 3FE?
Why not do a 2fe??? Especially if u have a 2f your pulling out! Throw a Delta cam in it too.
Or sooner than a year. I went through 2 distributors within a year before I learned that the fresh air line was plugged. Engine fumes or moisture sucked up under the cap would corrode the electronics.
@Indigodog was last seen in March of 2016.
Can you believe that is 10 years ago???
Can you believe it is March?!?
It's a good swap I feel like.
I don't remember what year your 3FE is? I feel like you posted it at one time...
It came from a 62, so 89,90? I could reach out to the guy I traded with. I communicate with him occasionally. He's not a mud member, but has some cool LandCruiser's.
I believe the biggest hangup would be the Radiator spacing with the fan clutch and extra pulley up front? Everything else seems straight forward.
Of course there is plenty of 2uzfe's in my region for sale too. LOL
Check out my build thread where I had a radiator shop move the mounts on the radiator back as far as they could to move the radiator forward in the engine bay.
I "stock" your thread regularly. LOL I can't see it on my PIG. Wondering if you have a different Radiator, Maybe from a '79? I am heading out to the shop now for some pictures.
Skreddy
SILVER Star
is the VSS needed? I have everything to build a 2FE for my 60 and plan to start in on it somewhat soon.
Curious does the 2F have to from a 8/80+ to make a 2FE? Is there an advantage to 2FE or 3FE over just a Holley Sniper. I already have a 3FE I bought years ago cheap. Have a few pre 8/80 2F engines. Possibly getting an 82 2F. Have lots of wiring from an FJ62. Also have multiple FJ62 ECUs.
You should find out the model year of the 3FE. If 1988 a 2F flywheel will bolt up with 2F flywheel bolts, if 1989 or 1990 the flywheel bolts are larger diameter and you'll need to enlarge the holes in the flywheel.
Nope. I'm pretty sure that there is less room in front of a 2F in a 55 than a 40, probably a 60/62 as well. I can't fit a fanclutch in my 55 with an original waterpump. I've heard of a later model waterpump that's shorter and will fit a fanclutch...
A 2fe has a 2f shortblock with a 3fe head. You get higher compression and fuel injection. A 2f with sniper and timing control would be better if you bumped up the compression ratio of the 2f. Although the 3fe has nice manifolds too.