Hello 90 series crowd. I am normally quite active on the diesel tech threads, and typically deal with 80 series 1HDTs and 1HDFTs.
I am in the process of purchasing my first Prado, being a very clean 1999 VZJ95. Since I am in the western U.S., this vehicle is old enough to come in under the 25-year rule.
I have chosen a V6 gas Prado, namely because of my negative opinions towards the 1KZTE engines. I considered a 1KDFTV, which are just now beginning to enter the U.S. import market, as well as the 3RZ-FE, but given my prior experience with the 5VZ platform, ability to supercharge, and hopefully easily compatible with domestic R-series gearboxes, it was the way to go.
As with the rest of my landcruiser fleet, this truck will see lots of mixed dirt/gravel roads, highway miles, and the occasional rutted two-track trail. I am very meticulous about maintenance and it will be treated well in that department.
Now, for some questions for the more experienced forum members:
I am in the process of purchasing my first Prado, being a very clean 1999 VZJ95. Since I am in the western U.S., this vehicle is old enough to come in under the 25-year rule.
I have chosen a V6 gas Prado, namely because of my negative opinions towards the 1KZTE engines. I considered a 1KDFTV, which are just now beginning to enter the U.S. import market, as well as the 3RZ-FE, but given my prior experience with the 5VZ platform, ability to supercharge, and hopefully easily compatible with domestic R-series gearboxes, it was the way to go.
As with the rest of my landcruiser fleet, this truck will see lots of mixed dirt/gravel roads, highway miles, and the occasional rutted two-track trail. I am very meticulous about maintenance and it will be treated well in that department.
Now, for some questions for the more experienced forum members:
- I have owned a 1998 Tacoma with the 5VZFE. It had an R150F trans & part time case. This leads me to believe I can convert the Prado using a Tacoma trans & case. Has anyone attempted this? I much prefer a part time 4wd setup. Obviously a 5 speed is preferable.
- Is the emissions system different on JDM imported 5VZFE engines? I am hoping some of the useless CARB compliance stuff will be missing.
- From a quick Google search, VZJ95 Prado seems to outweigh a 4wd 4Runner or Tacoma by 500-700lbs. How does that effect the fuel economy of the 5VZFE?
- My JDM 80s have a cruise control set limit around 120km/hr. Same deal on Prados?
- Free wheeling/lockout hubs to go with part-time 4wd?
- Speedometer conversion to MPH - stealing a Tacoma/4runner dash cluster? Done this with 80s.
- Supercharger on the 5VZFE in Prado application?