Thoughts pre'90 Hilux Surf - 2L & 2L-T? (1 Viewer)

[LakeNorman_FJ40]

Considering an import Toyota Hilux Surf with the diesel 2.4 litre engine.

Very familiar with US-spec 1st Gen 4Runners (as well as 40s, 60s, 80s, and 100s).

But the Hilux Surf seems to be the best of everything for me:

- longer than 40 series (cargo room and rides better)

- seats 5 (requirement)

- open top (another requirement for me)...ability to use hardtop too

- Toyota reliability

- 1st Gen parts availability and low prices

- great fuel consumption

-not yet stratospheric prices

I'm aware of the 1st Gen rust issues and the drawbacks of RHD vs LHD. Ideally I find a rust-free LHD from Europe...but will consider RHD from Japan.

Thoughts on this platform from those familiar with it?

Engine thoughts? Turbo or non-turbo engine?

Sources of importers?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mookies]

I had a LN-65 Hilux (1985 US market with the 2L-T) for a few years and loved it. If you treat the motor like the tiny 4 banger it is on the highway it makes the torque off road worth it. You are correct in that the parts supply is endless and cheap. The motor is not cheap to rebuild however. The 2L will last forever but is SLOOOOOOOOOW. There are a couple of places in Seattle that seem to always have a Surf or 2. Just make sure it has the early "tin top" rocker cover 2L-T. Stay away from the 2LTE. I believe you would have to find a really early first gen Surf to find a non 2LTE version. You should consider a 4 door Hilux as well. No topless option with that but it's a great platform.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I have a 1990 one that is mechanical injection (2LT-II) with the R150F. I agree with just staying away from the 2LTE. I actually don't know much about the earlier surf's, but if they came with the original mechanical injection 2LT, they are probably pretty reliable. That motor came in factory pick-ups in the mid 80's in Canada, and has a good reputation. Just don't overheat them, and they'll keep going a long time.

 

[dare]

I have a 1st gen 4runner with a 2L N/A. It's very reliable but it's slow. Realistically you can normally bank on cruising at 90km/h, some days it can comfortably do 100. I did plan to turbo it but that's unlikely these days, I'll sell it on soon.

I don't mind it at all for driving to and from work (country area), into town ect but every time I drive it on a highway or sand I'm reminded I bought the wrong motor. My stock engined Suzuki Sierra (Samurai) absolutely slaughters it for speed.

Honestly I'm not very enamored with the 1st gen 4runner body layout at all and if I had my time again I'd either search out a dual cab hilux or a much later model 4runner/surf. I'm pleased to have owned it but it's really highly impractical.

1st gen surfs actually fetch quite decent money in Japan.

 

[LakeNorman_FJ40]

Thanks for the input so far.

 

[slosh]

They look pretty cool when bobbed (with the top on).