Can anyone recommend any shops in the MO area to have the V8 conversion done. Not in a hurry to have this done, when my 2F motor goes out I will get a V8. The 2F doesn't like going up some of the hills on the roads around here too much.
V8 conversion (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mtj555
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
What type of truck? I don't know about any shops around here personally. I know a great shop in Texas that does V8 conversions all the time, knows the proper radiator, can do a great A/C conversion etc. and know of other shops around the country I would recommend but none that I know of in Missouri.. If your interested I can give you a list of the shops I would recommend to do such a conversion.. Some of these shops have very long waiting lists, but I know they do quality work.
- Thread starter
- #3
I have a 78 FJ40. Has power steering already, A/C unit is in but not hooked up. Do you have any rough ideas on cost for a v8 Conversion. I know it can get pretty expensive when you get brand new high performance engines. I am just looking at a rebuilt 350, nothing crazy, just something to give me some more power. These hills around here are killing me with my 2F motor. Thanks
i went up a hill today with my 2f.
it was fun.
it was fun.
Really, if you can afford it at a shop then by all means do a quality shop. I'd recommend Proffit's in Colorado or Baker Tire in Bonham texas.. Those are the 2 closest shops that I know of that do v8 conversions and do them extremely well. There is way more to think about when doing a v8 conversion than just bolting in a v8.. you have different tranny's either GM or toyota, if toyota then you need an adaptive bellhousing, if gm then you need an adaptive transition to your tcase. you need new driveshafts, new radiator, hoses, senders, exhaust, exhaust manifolds, etc.. The list goes on and on.. Bring that thing out to visit with some of us at a run. A bunch of club members have v8's in their trucks or have performed the swap before and can give you the ups and downs of having a v8. Done right they rock.. Done wrong, well let's just say you'll be cussin those with 2f's cause they can run all day long..
Rough estimate All this is estimated from prior experience.. I try not to add things like this up in my head or I start to cry!
Engine (stocker, I'd at least do TBI) 1200,
TBI injection Fuel pump $100
wiring $200
Serpentine $60
waterpump $30
Alt $30
AC Compressor $30
Power steering $30
AC HOses to what you got $60
Power steering hoses $30
Rad hoses $40
Radiator $500 (this varies but I know the awesome ones that allow you to run ac and have a v8 will cost big bucks)
Bellhousing adapter $500
motor mounts $100
Tcase support $100
Driveshafts $120 (get em resleeved)
Labor? Dunno never gone down that road but I'm guessing $2000 or so?
Center dump manifolds $100
Crossover pipe for manifolds $60
Custom exhaust $150
TBI speed sensor $40
The ability to run upside down on the trail? Priceless..
I"m not trying to scare you off but I've seen a ton of bad conversions over the years and a lot of good ones.. You can do it way cheaper if you want but it's not as easy as just dropping in a v8.. It can be but will it work? Those are just some of the things I can think of off the top of my head on a conversion.. Thus read a ton or take it into someone that had done a bunch of em and is a pro..
If this is a daily driver then you'll need wheels for about 3 months or so if you do this yourself..
Rough estimate All this is estimated from prior experience.. I try not to add things like this up in my head or I start to cry!
Engine (stocker, I'd at least do TBI) 1200,
TBI injection Fuel pump $100
wiring $200
Serpentine $60
waterpump $30
Alt $30
AC Compressor $30
Power steering $30
AC HOses to what you got $60
Power steering hoses $30
Rad hoses $40
Radiator $500 (this varies but I know the awesome ones that allow you to run ac and have a v8 will cost big bucks)
Bellhousing adapter $500
motor mounts $100
Tcase support $100
Driveshafts $120 (get em resleeved)
Labor? Dunno never gone down that road but I'm guessing $2000 or so?
Center dump manifolds $100
Crossover pipe for manifolds $60
Custom exhaust $150
TBI speed sensor $40
The ability to run upside down on the trail? Priceless..
I"m not trying to scare you off but I've seen a ton of bad conversions over the years and a lot of good ones.. You can do it way cheaper if you want but it's not as easy as just dropping in a v8.. It can be but will it work? Those are just some of the things I can think of off the top of my head on a conversion.. Thus read a ton or take it into someone that had done a bunch of em and is a pro..
If this is a daily driver then you'll need wheels for about 3 months or so if you do this yourself..
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks for all the info. I am not really mechanically inclined so I am going to wait until my 2F is in need of being rebuilt before I do this. This is my first landcruiser so I am going to just learn to drive it within the limits of the 2F and deal with no road speed and power to go up hills. I haven't been out in it yet on any trails but I hear the 2F is pretty good, esp for my inexperience. There is lots of things that need to be done prior to me putting in a V8. I am new to all of this. I would love to come out and ride with you guys sometimes. Its hard to say when and if I will be able to make some of your rides while being in the military. Currently I am an instructor. Its not my daily driver right now. I bought this for hunting and learning to 4wheel. Always wanted one. My daily driver is a Z71 that gives me lots of problems. I never should have gotten rid of my Tacoma... I would definitlely have to get a trailer to tow it around to go riding, don't trust it driving to far yet.
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2004
- Threads
- 194
- Messages
- 2,929
- Location
- Emporia, KS
- Website
- www.tornadoalleycruisers.org
It'll surprise you. Don't hold your breath waiting for the 2F to fail. As far as trips go - just head out with a cell phone. My farthest trip has been 250 miles one way, but that's a drop in the bucket compared to others.