What is a 1987 FJ60 Vortec 5.3L worth?

[Matt1260]

I have plans to rebuild a nice 1987 FJ60 with a Vortec 5.3L, 5sp H55F, EMU 3" Lift, Painless wiring harness, new bucket seats, and upgraded brakes among other things. What would it be worth? I haven't seen anything similar for sale anywhere. I plan on selling it as well...so I can build something else...like a diesel version....

I built an FJ40 with a chevy small block from the frame up back in the late nineties. Been waiting to do a project like this for awhile....

-Matt

 

[gregnash]

Really depends on what all was done, how, etc. Most professional shops will charge $10k minimum for a V8 swap but that is normally just for the swap.

So all depends on the list of things that are being done and how meticulous you are.

 

[SteveH]

$12-$25K, depending on how well it's done. Don't 'build this truck to make money' - the best you could likely do is break even. If you plan to drive it for a few years, that might be part of the payoff. Check the 60 series Mud classifieds and see what V8-conversion rigs are selling for.

 

[Matt1260]

Actually I'd love to put a Ram Jet in there. When I do builds I'm restoring as much as possible, just cause it's fun. And we've got all the rust-free rigs here in PNW that are easy to clean and deal with. I'm pricing out a list of what I'd like in it. It's based on some actual FJ60 projects I've seen. It's amazing to think people must be putting what, $40k+ into these things if they're having shops do a lot of this for them?

I suppose if I get out of it what I put into it that would be fine.. I imagine it would take awhile to sell of course.

 

[gregnash]

Few things you forgot...
- special connection hoses between stock heater core and new engine
- special connection hoses between stock AC unit and new engine system
- PCM/ECM reflash and mounting
- VSS for PCM/ECM for system to read proper RPM
- New gauge cluster to meet up with new system
- proper fuel pump and regulator for new engine (depends on which way you go for PSI ratings)
- Modifications to stock fuel tank to accommodate above fuel pump (if going in-tank which is highly recommended)
- engine mounts for new engine
- possibly a new radiator depending on needs of truck
- possibly move the battery and tray to accommodate new engine and misc. items in engine bay

Other things...
- snorkel is very subjective and may turn a lot of buyers off
- since you are replacing the pressure plate and clutch, you may want to do the clutch master and slave while you are in there
- Thoughts on brake upgrades? if nothing else you will want to refresh with new hardware.
- Knuckle rebuild of front axle is something that will be needed.
- Offroad lights are another subjective item and could be a possible turn-off if you go with the wrong ones or potential buyer doesn't like.

There are more than a few build threads out there and at one point I tried to document a theorycrafting thread on the benefits of a V8 swap and the different types. That ended up turning into a very futile effort due to the fact that everything is subjective to user and the region they are in.

 

[White Stripe]

If it is emissions compliant probably 20 ish. If not emission compliant probably 15k or a bit less. If a buyer can't legally register it due to emissions laws that's a huge turn off.

 

[wngrog]

Get a $500 5.3

It will run better than that old school Ram Jet.

 

[Mace]

If you're building the truck to sell it then don't. Build the diesel to begin with.

 

[gregnash]

If you're building the truck to sell it then don't. Build the diesel to begin with.

Couldn't agree more... the only caveat that I would have to this is if you are trying to start your own shop that will do swaps like this and you are using it as a learning experience and a showcase of your shops skills.

I highly doubt that you would get out what you put into it on your first "sale" go round without being a reputable shop. If you are truly curious, then talk with guys like Georg (@orangefj45), Stan (@NCFJ) and Marshall (@Trollhole) to get some input from them as they are the shops that contribute the most on this forum for those kinds of things and post A LOT about what they are doing for different customers.

 

[ander42b]

The number from the list of parts looks good. But pictures and video would sell it faster and draw up more possible interest.

Jason

 

[Matt1260]

There is an imported aussie land cruiser diesel motor with 250k miles on it. He wants $4000 for the thing. Are the Cummins the go-to drop in diesels these days? I prefer to build with new, tight engines, especially if I'm forking our thousands for it.

 

[Matt1260]

I'm also impressed with the number of Cruiser shops that have appeared on the market around the nation... maybe I should quit regular auto mechanics and just work on Cruisers

 

[Trollhole]

A Vortec or Erod 6.2 is going to run 18k-27k depending on the motor. There is a ton of labor. With an v-8 you have to have a min of a 2" lift so factor that into the price.