V8 Swap: What am I up against ? (7 Viewers)

[Fj moneypit]

...and an engine that does not sound like it's flying apart at 3,000 rpm.

Hahaha. This! Exactly why I’m looking at a 5.3 vortec swap next year.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

How times have changed, back in the day guys couldn't wait for the 6 cylinder to blow up so they could rationalize going V8. If you are not a purist, go for the V8 for better H.P., better M.P.G., radically better in off road terrain, radically better (and cheaper) parts availability, and an engine that does not sound like it's flying apart at 3,000 rpm.

I mean...I'm with you on horsepower, offroad capability, and parts availability, but I get 11MPG HWY and my rigid-fan V8 still sounds like it's going to blow up at 65MPH.

I kid and I certainly appreciate/prefer the V8, but I can also appreciate the appeal of the original inline 6 - particularly since these trucks have gone from off-road beaters to collectibles in recent years. Same thing is happening to the 60'series as well. You're seeing the price of decent V8 swaps stay the same as the 2F FJ60's values are starting to climb.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Nice looking stock rig. It looks like a great resto project, but at the end of the day it's yours to do with what you want.

OPINIONS ALERT! If you are looking seriously at a V8 swap I highly recommend the 5.3 LS route. If you make the right choices for the engine, PCM, harness and fuel system, you'll be happy. No tune-up, no carb adjustment, no timing to set, it won’t matter if you are at sea level or 12,000 feet and the mileage will make it an economical daily driver. I've been the full V8 route, carbs, TBI and LS, and I resisted until a excellent opportunity landed in my lap. I was an old school guy who would never go back.

It IS easily a job to be sure, but it's hard to beat the results.

 

[shelfboy1]

Thanks everyone, for the input. Definitely fear that this could be an extended project going the way of a V8. Not a huge fan of the F engine, but like the 2F very much. This begs the question....What will it take to install a 2F? Are rebuild kits still available for the F and or 2F? What would it take for the 2F or f.5 install? I can imagine mating to the three spd. would require some work. It may be that I keep it simple/original and rebuild another f. I've posted some pics. Check out the serial number on the block...I'm guessing pre 1968. Can anybody provide an actual year of manufacture? ( 259802 )
Thanks-if you find a 2f all the 3 speed stuff will bolt on using the right toyota parts its a bolt in operation. im talking about the 2 f used in the fj40 before fuel injection dont know about those

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[cult45]

I don't know what's wrong with me as I'm a V8 fan, but that truck is so beautiful as it sits. It would be such a shame to convert it. I think an F155 is your friend here. Truck looks to be early 1969 by this here, though perhaps you'll have more luck with a frame number: Land Cruiser Engine Numbers
You should post up more pics so it can be properly ID'd. If it is a '69 [by your engine number] it would have left the factory with a split hood.

 

[B y r o n]

I say go back to why you purchased your 40 in the first place. Why did you want it? What did you want to do with it? If you had any long term plans for it, what were they? Now think about which plan fits better into those plans, fix or replace the engine that is in it or swap in another engine. Also, if you caught the rod bearing issue early enough and the rest of the engine is sound that doesn't necessarily rule out that it may be patchable at least for the short term to get it back on the road.

Just so you know, and not that it matters much in your decisions, I pulled my blown 6 years ago and would do it again because it is what "I" wanted for my 40.

 

[Broc2C]

I don't know what's wrong with me as I'm a V8 fan, but that truck is so beautiful as it sits. It would be such a shame to convert it. I think an F155 is your friend here. Truck looks to be early 1969 by this here, though perhaps you'll have more luck with a frame number: Land Cruiser Engine Numbers
You should post up more pics so it can be properly ID'd. If it is a '69 [by your engine number] it would have left the factory with a split hood.

This is definitely a '72 (May). Engine had been replaced and I am curious when this replacement engine was manufactured displaying serial ID# 259802. Sounds like it is a 1969 engine block ? Your point is very well taken with me: To swap or not to swap. I have owned both V8 & 2F powered in the past and aware of their own unique attributes.

 

[bikersmurf]

If you’re on a budget, a SBC isn’t the way to go. In the USA you may be able to save some over what it cost me in ‘96, but it cost me $1520 USD plus the motor to do the conversion. I did all the work myself other than the exhaust for $300 and having the mounts welded in for $45.

Long story short, it’ll likely cost in the neighbourhood of $2000-3000 to do the V8 conversion.

In comparison a good 2F can likely be found for $300-500. Most of the time locals here have a hard time getting $250 for 2Fs they have pulled out to put in 3Bs.

If I were to do it over from the beginning I’d either swap in a Mercedes turbo diesel, a Toyota 3B add turbo, or swap in a 2F and have cash left over to finish the body work.

That said in ‘96 it was the option I could afford... and recently I enjoyed the benefits of having done a SBC swap. In ‘96 I installed a one owner 100k mile $300 350 that ran well after I replaced the cam that had ate itself. I can’t say it owed me anything when it spun a bearing 21 years later. I was ready to rebuild it when a pristine 70k mile 350 fell in my path for $300 with a TH350 trans for good measure. I have no regrets to taking the easy route and replacing a ‘70 350 with a ‘72 350. It purrs like a kitten with an RV cam and quiet single exhaust... even at 500 rpm.

 

[cult45]

This is definitely a '72 (May). Engine had been replaced and I am curious when this replacement engine was manufactured displaying serial ID# 259802. Sounds like it is a 1969 engine block ? Your point is very well taken with me: To swap or not to swap. I have owned both V8 & 2F powered in the past and aware of their own unique attributes.

I think once you've properly dated your truck the decision will be easier. As bikersmurf has said, lots to change on a SBC swap - but lots to like!