Thoughts on importing a HZJ75? (1 Viewer)

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It took me almost a year of looking for the troopy, looked a quite a few.... Patience is key to finding your gem.
 
Hello SkiBum506,

I hadn't seen this thread before. You say you want stuff like a snorkel, bull bars, roof rack etc etc; i suggest you not be concerned with those so much, as they can (relatively) easily be added on after, custom made, found in the aftermarket, etc. What i'd say is important is to get the car you want with the factory bits you want, the dual fuel tanks as you mentioned, a 1HZ, the gearbox/transmission that suits you, A/C, whatever. My point is to not make your search more difficult by looking for stuff that can easily be added after the fact. Of course the cost factor is always an issue, but same difference either way, for example you may find the car you want and can add goodies to it after when your budget allows, or you can spend a lot more time looking for the car you want that has the accessories you're after, and pay more initially.
For what it's worth, the 12HT in my old 61 was a great engine. More than once i had to start it without the in-line coolant heater plugged in (no access), and at -40C (stupid cold in Fahrenheit, Kelvin, whatever you want), and the smoky beast cranked up. Yes it took a few tries, but it bloody worked (although it pretty well smoked out the entire parking lot for the first half-hour). From some of the posts here on your thread, i'm starting to think i got lucky with my 12HT. It's been too long since i drove a no-turbo 1HZ, but i love mine with its aftermarket turbo (and intercooler); but you better make certain, if you add an aftermarket turbo, that it's done right. Makes all the difference in the world.
 
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I recently drove your dream truck :) absolutely wonderful. Never being a diesel guy this truck changed me.

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Hi everyone, been busy and on the road with work for a bit. Im back in CO and continuing the Troopy search! At this point Im thinking 1991 and maybe 1992 for my search years. As by the time I find the right one and get it here, 1992 might make the 25 year mark. Thanks for any and all leads. Definitely looking for a solid base to build off of, dual factory tanks, A/C, lower miles, and in good shape and as little rust as possible. Thanks all
 
The search continues! The more I read about engines though the more I question myself, so looking to the experience of you all. I want a turbo eventually from what I read, if not right away if I can find a good one to buy with a turbo. That being said the 1HZ is a IDI engine and seems like a problem to turbo. The 1HD-T and 12H-T seem like better options being DI. I also understand that the non turbo version of one of these was used in forklifts? in the states, so parts can be easier to get here? Please help me with the pros and cons of these engines. Im looking for longevity, reliability, and live in the states so easier part sourcing would be nice. Im happy to take my time with this purchase and buy the "right" one the first time around hopefully. Thanks for the help everyone.

p.s. If anyone with a Troopy in Colorado would take me for a ride or possibly let me drive a little I would really appreciate it. I have seen them in person but have yet to ride/drive in one. Diesel and/or beers on me!
 
@SkiBum506 ..... "That being said the 1HZ is a IDI engine and seems like a problem to turbo."
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Just curious, who gave you the above information?
 
@1978HJ45 No one in particular, just reading about engines and trying to learn as much as I can. Am I wrong about something? Here to learn, open to all and any input. I don't know what I'm talking about, just reading here and the web in general about toyota diesel engines.
 
@1978HJ45 No one in particular, just reading about engines and trying to learn as much as I can. Am I wrong about something? Here to learn, open to all and any input. I don't know what I'm talking about, just reading here and the web in general about toyota diesel engines.
I'm a mechanical dufus and in no position to give technical advice however I'm running a turbocharged / Intercooled 1HZ. I wouldn't refer to the installation as "difficult or problematic". :)
 
@1978HJ45 Thanks, I have not read that the installation is difficult or problematic. I have been reading that IDI diesel engines are not as well suited for a turbo as a DI diesel is. I have also been reading that towing with a 1HZ-T is more prone to overheating than a 1HD-T or 12H-T is. @1978HJ45 Do you tow with your rig? How long have you been running your setup? Any issues at all? Did you buy it like this or have the turbo installed yourself? Thanks for all the help and info.
 
@1978HJ45 Thanks, I have not read that the installation is difficult or problematic. I have been reading that IDI diesel engines are not as well suited for a turbo as a DI diesel is. I have also been reading that towing with a 1HZ-T is more prone to overheating than a 1HD-T or 12H-T is. @1978HJ45 Do you tow with your rig? How long have you been running your setup? Any issues at all? Did you buy it like this or have the turbo installed yourself? Thanks for all the help and info.
1) Don't tow
2) Turbo / Intercooler installed by Odd Iron Off Road (Rob Smith) in August of this year
3) No issues to date. Very happy with the results.
 
From what i have read 1hz turbo fine at 10 psi. Its when you get higher than that you risk burning a hole in the piston heads. If your goal is more than 10 psi, then a 1hdt with thicker piston heads would be better for you
 
@1978HJ45, Thanks for the info and happy to hear yours is running well. What turbo are you using, and do you have a build or turbo thread I can check out?

@AndrewHadji, Im not trying to win any races or produce the most boost possible. Im looking for longevity and reliability and I live at 8,909 ft. I will be pulling a trailer here and there and don't want to be concerned with overheating while doing so. Being able to cruise at 65 or 70mph would be nice on the highway but I don't need to rocket to that speed or go any faster.
 
Having owned and driven for years the 12HT, 1HZ and 1HZ-T I'd say scrap the 12HT. Well designed but not the best off road compared to other models. Excellent in cold and cruising on roads but an expensive nightmare for parts. The 1HZ is still in production after 26 years. You won't be towing more than 2000 lbs however and it'll be slow, and if it's a manual you won't be able to use fifth as the gear can't take towing. Make sure to budget 5k for a good and proper installation of a turbo (this includes cost of SS exhaust). Also yes the IDI can take a turbo but they create more heat than a DI.

If possible sell the 1HZ, buy a 1HD-T with a H151 (stronger transmission) and you'll be able to tow mild loads and the turbo is done and engineered by Toyota. All this being said the 1HZ is one of my favourite engines but it is imperative to keep in mind what it was designed for.
 
@77cruiser77 Thanks for the info. That was my initial thought and as well, that the 1HZ is still in production and would be better going forward for that reason. Being wet behind the ears here and having lots to learn, what was the 1HZ designed for? The 5k for turbo sounds like what I have been reading for well done ones, what do you think a 1HD-T with H151 could be found for? Lastly, I don't see myself towing more than 2,000lbs, just a small trailer with camping gear and hopefully a sled in the future.
 

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