Vortec engine swap

[ScottCo]

I have searched the threads and got lost looking for the two mechanics on the west coast that are known for the work on swapping the tractor motor and tranny for a V-8. Help me get in touch with these guys or anyone else that has done the conversion. I live in Colorado and am flexible as to where I go to get this done. I believe Tor was one and I think it was Torfab. Thanks for your help....

Scottco

 

[NCFJ]

Tor at Torfab or George at Valley Hybrids

 

[drillduty]

I highly recommend Stan at HFS vendor here on Mud! I just had a Vortec 5.3L put in my FJ62 courtesy of HFS!

 

[gregnash]

@drillduty & @NCFJ I know this is an old thread but have you run into any issues using the FJ62 filter and canister?

 

[ScottCo]

Decided on TorFab and delivered the 86 FJ 60 with 231K miles in September to his new shop in Everett,Wa. Flew to SeaTac on Dec 12th to pick it up and spent some time with Tor in his shop and got the run down on all that goes into one of these conversions. Amazing job and looks factory if you ask me. Tor has a system that is very professional and clean. From the motor mounts and custom fan shroud the custom cold air intake and 80 series evap canister set up plus the water tight fuse box, just to name a few of the impressive fit and finish details. Very neat exhaust/ cat system with incredible pipe bends welds and fitting that comes out on the correct side and looks like you could stick your head in the large tail pipe.....Sounds incredible with the ZO6 cam installed and tuned. I recall a comment some where on MUD that in part said I would be disappointed with the low end performance with the ZO6 in the 5.3 WOW was that guy blowing exhaust fumes! It is snappy all thru the 4 speeds and really spools up quick, sorta turbo like compared to what I was used to, if you know what I mean.....As in night and day.
Currently driving the Mocha Cruiser home via Bend Oregon as my daughter and family live here and will spend Christmas here. So far this conversion is running great and have received plenty of comments and a fair share of just open mouthed looks when putting the gas to this beast.
Will post picks when I get back to Colorado after Christmas. Merry Christmas to all and this is the best gift ever....Thanks Tor!!

 

[Elbert]

v8 swap is a game changer.....going from what was stock to V8 is great...

 

[60toyetero]

I would love to see a video of the sound of this thing! post up an under the hood and exhaust sound video brotha

 

[stayalert]

How's your face and mouth doing?…..All of that additional grinning & smiling can take a toll…..

 

[SNLC]

Since you said "west coast" Georg at Valley Hybrids. Super solid guy.

Cheers

 

[MacGYVER1979]

What does the average swap cost?
Is 5.3, 5.7 the way to go
Do you also upgrade the transmission?
My wife gave me the ok to get it done I just need to know how bad the bill will be.

 

[87CRUSR]

What does the average swap cost?
Is 5.3, 5.7 the way to go
Do you also upgrade the transmission?
My wife gave me the ok to get it done I just need to know how bad the bill will be.

Merry Christmas to you

 

[occruiser]

I'm curious to see how much it runs too.

 

[87CRUSR]

Interested parties should contact service providers as no 2 swaps are ever the same. With that being said...range is $15k give or take a few grand.

 

[Hillhippy]

My wife has also said "ok whatever". I still haven't put a real number on it though. Why ruin the holidays?

 

[87CRUSR]

Bank on $20k.....and if any $$ leftover. ...procure other mods.

 

[NCFJ]

@drillduty & @NCFJ I know this is an old thread but have you run into any issues using the FJ62 filter and canister?

None that I have been made aware of by owners. I use the original canister and WIX filter because of overall filter surface area. I have no real confidence in the cone shaped filters in designer colors. The OEM design filters have proven themselves for decades, no reason for change. They just plain work.

 

[MacGYVER1979]

15-20K! I was planing to budget around 5K.
Wife will regret it.

 

[meatloaf]

15-20K!
Wife will regret it.

True statement

 

[sheepdawg]

15-20K! I was planing to budget around 5K.
Wife will regret it.

Just the cost of the vortec will be around $5k. Not counting transmission and labor. I wish it was only $5k. Good luck. I know what my wife would say.

 

[SNLC]

Just the cost of the vortec will be around $5k. Not counting transmission and labor. I wish it was only $5k. Good luck. I know what my wife would say.

Maybe a crate motor. You can get a 6.2L 400+hp Escalade v8 for $5k. Hell for $3k you can get a 6L with a 4L80e trans, then spend another $1k or so getting a new cam in it and a tune and bam you got well over 400hp.

Your average 5.3L or 5.7L can be bought for $1-2k.

The expense, or most of it, in a motor swap comes from the labor. If you figure a guy like Georg is $50/hr. it only takes 100hrs to crack $5k in labor. But $5k for your drivetrain is a good estimate, $2-5k in little parts and the rest in labor. Do it yourself and it is a lot cheaper but a lot more grief to endure too!

Cheers