What would you do? 3B or 13BT

[drmsrule]

OK ladies and gentleman, I have a shot 3B that I have determined is beyond financial repair. Looking to get the rig up an running again so I need some help and your best insider information on which engine to throw back in. Would like more power then I had prior so a turbo is a must. Love the idea that I can easily throw back in a 3B with little to no headache, but like the idea of "upgrading to a 13BT. Give me a rundown/comparison on the pros and cons of these engines.

Vehicle: 1981 BJ42 (Australian market)

- Approximate costs?
- 3B - $3,000 (engine) + $2,000 (turbo) = $5,000
- 13BT - $6,000 with factory turbo

- Ease of install
- mating it to the existing 4 speed

- MPG
- Reliability
- Power
- Parts availability

So, what say you? which way would you go?

 

[Hulsty]

If you can get a reasonably priced 13BT in good condition I would go that, it will be more reliable long term as it is factory turbo. Especially when you get used to the power and boost it up more.....

 

[Fantom]

Overall the 13BT is a more superior and better engine. So when chosing between the two, a 13BT is a better choice. So now you have to address the other factors, like condition of either engine (unless you are buying new or freshly rebuilt by a reputable and competent, and certified rebuilder).
You can do a turbo on a 3B for under $2000, mine cost me $500 with everything but I did my own manifold and lines, etc.
So if you are able and willing to do the work, it turns into a $3500 vs 6000 question. By the way, for that money it better be new or damn close to if you're just talking about the engine.
As for parts, and reliability, it's one of the best engines Toyota built, as long as it's maintained it should outlive you. Parts are going to be a problem down the road just because it's old, they both are.

 

[HJ61 12HT]

I voted for 13BT but you live in Australia? If you do then you should consider a 12HT! I've seen some fitted to 40s, they suit them very well, slightly more powerful and being 6 cylinder they are smoooooth.
They probably go for a similar amount of money...

 

[dmjay]

X2 on the 12H-T. Magic in that truck.

1987 HJ 61 VX 12H-T A440F PTO 24V

 

[jb BJ73]

Possibly look into 14b or 15b/b-f as well, they'll bolt in just as easy as the 13b

 

[roscoFJ73]

A 13BT for $6K ,is a good choice ,assuming its in great condition .Its a factory turbo engine and its plug and play that wont hurt resale value if you ever want to sell.
There is more powerful options out there,but 13BT is as fast a 40 series really needs to go.
The only thing I would do different would be to mate it to a 5 speed.

 

[John Galt]

13B-T...mate it to a 5 speed.

Yes, with a 4spd the 13B-T would be an over-revving dog

 

[HJ61 12HT]

What about a good old 2H? Probably a fair bit cheaper than a 13BT, a bit less power, but should move a 40 along just fine.

 

[77cruiser77]

A 13BT for $6K ,is a good choice ,assuming its in great condition .Its a factory turbo engine and its plug and play that wont hurt resale value if you ever want to sell.
There is more powerful options out there,but 13BT is as fast a 40 series really needs to go.
The only thing I would do different would be to mate it to a 5 speed.

Couldn't agree more. If you are willing to do something different then I'd go for a newer engine that has parts availability like the 1HZ or better yet 1HD-T. The only reason i say 1HD-T over 1HZ is because the 1HZ is expensive to turbo. A 12HT is nice but holds the same cons as a 13BT (touchy throttle and short production). Not enough of an upgrade to warrant the hassle and expense of fitting and sourcing in my opinion. A modern engine like the 1HZ or 1HD-T wouldnt hurt the resale value either and if anything add to it. If you're going to keep it forever and resale isn't a factor I'd consider some of the Isuzu options. I know little about them but hear a lot of great things.

 

[Chamba]

Depending on altitude (irrelevant in Australia), the direct injected 13bt will be far easier to start compared to the indirect injected 3b. I live at 7,300' and my 2h had to be plugged in when the temp got below 40f. My direct injected diesel starts fine without plugging in down to -20f.

 

[keving]

Anything "B" is great in my books. I am very happy with the 3B but im also very patient with the lack of power thing. I have owned a 13B-T and admit they are very nice, no pre cup issues, 5 bearing cam, factory mellow boosting turbo and same robust engine as the 3b pretty much..

But they are harder to work on as they are more cluttered under the hood as any turboed engine is really.... I get better mileage with the 3B to if that makes any sense

 

[R.E.M.]

Wouldn't anything non-B require a different transmission? Of course if you step up to a 5 speed that's not important.

 

[slowandsteady BJ]

First off: Nice truck man! Love the rust free tan 42.

2ndly, Doing a 13BT isn't a whole lot more work than a 3B in the world of engine swaps. I love my old 3B and wouldn't trade it for anything (ok thats a bit of a lie). If I were to start a swap from scratch I'd go 13BT. With some careful tuning it'll move that 42 around just fine, leave lots of room under the hood, keep the weight down and offer good milage and reliability. Go for it man.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Be careful with the newer 3B's. They are not impossible to retrofit but they are not just plug and play either (at least it wasn't for me in my '82 Canadian BJ60). The replacement engine was a mid-90's 3B with a rotary pump and built in power steering and vacuum pump.

Truck runs just fine now but it was more than just "plug and play".

 

[crushers]

88 and newer is 3B-II
3B is a fine engine and stands up to a turbo just fine
13BT is a really nice engine but the sensitive throttle can take a bit to get used to

John, max rpm for the 13BT is the same as the 3B so i am having a hard time understanding your comment. true the 5 speed does lower the rpms, gives a better first gear (if the 4 speed is the H42, if H41 then the gearing is identical to the H55 without O/D)

which ever engine you go with make sure it is in good shape, buying a piss poor 13BT is a waste of money same as buying a tired 3B is a waste.

 

[cicak]

My vote

13B-T and a 5 speed (H55F) and rebuild the 13B-T and the turbo and you will be a happy camper.

 

[Ratpuke]

I have had a 13BT w an h55f in my BJ42 since 2002. Zero complaints. Love it.

 

[magnus_heydoc]

3B and turbo can be fitted to your specifications to get lots of snort. 3B are readily available and turbo from a 4cyl gasser works well. I have volvo turbos on both of mine. You just need a manifold and likely an adapter and you can do it yourself for less $.
13BT is great but a bit harder to find and likely more dough. 3B and turbo is about the same and cheaper.

 

[TIggr]

Overall the 13BT is a more superior and better engine. So when chosing between the two, a 13BT is a better choice. So now you have to address the other factors, like condition of either engine (unless you are buying new or freshly rebuilt by a reputable and competent, and certified rebuilder).
You can do a turbo on a 3B for under $2000, mine cost me $500 with everything but I did my own manifold and lines, etc.
So if you are able and willing to do the work, it turns into a $3500 vs 6000 question. By the way, for that money it better be new or damn close to if you're just talking about the engine.
As for parts, and reliability, it's one of the best engines Toyota built, as long as it's maintained it should outlive you. Parts are going to be a problem down the road just because it's old, they both are.

Fantom, could you share your 3B turbo install? I’ve got a turbo from an OM 617 merced3s I could use.