What would you do...if you did it again...engine choices

[cdv3286]

I am trying to decide what engine to build up for my 78 FJ40. Been looking for about a year trying to decide one what to do...

My top two choices right now are a cummings 4BT and a chevy 350. Looking for something that will give me max tourqe at a lower RPM (which is why I was looking into the 4BT) - problem with them is they are HARD to find at a decent price.

Here is my question for all you cruiser know it/done it all. What engine worked best...ya know... being able to get it in...mating it with the trans...reliability... accesability of parts...

BLUF...what problems did you run into that would make you look for a different one/model next time?

Thanks!

 

[miletwo]

I'm no purist by any means so don't take this the wrong way, but I've ridden in plenty of rides with other power plants and I've found that none beats the 2F for all around goodness.

If I had the coin, I'd plunk down for a completely rebuilt 2F with a DUI dizzy (have it - love it) and a throaty Weber 38, and headers. Gee... that's what I have! If I had the means and time I'd pull it and paint it, but as far as I'm concerned... it's perfect the way it is.

My $.02

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

I'd agree with miletwo, out of all the rigs I've ridden in, the F is my opinion for best all-around engine. A tuned in and tuned up F or 2F are a great thing to have. Have fun, good luck.

Brian

 

[mmw68]

3FE, have you given that a thought?

 

[Trollhole]

I am trying to decide what engine to build up for my 78 FJ40. Been looking for about a year trying to decide one what to do...

My top two choices right now are a cummings 4BT and a chevy 350. Looking for something that will give me max tourqe at a lower RPM (which is why I was looking into the 4BT) - problem with them is they are HARD to find at a decent price.

Here is my question for all you cruiser know it/done it all. What engine worked best...ya know... being able to get it in...mating it with the trans...reliability... accesability of parts...

BLUF...what problems did you run into that would make you look for a different one/model next time?

Thanks!

Rebuilt 2f with TBI. Hard to beat it.

 

[bsmith123]

engine choices

Well, I think it is hard to beat OEM too

It is the easiest to ref in a manual and to work on and everything pretty much bolts in. The less modifying the better.


after that an SBC in one of the most common configurations


what would I do different--make sure all the accessories came with the engine

 

[Bodean]

Just build the 2F right and it will be plenty.

Later,

 

[Cruiserdrew]

The 2F has it's charms. It's a great motor for offroad, not so much on road.

I am currently intrigued with making a 2FE. It makes more power than a 2F, and it would retain the desirable low rpm characteristics of the 2F.

Otherwise, a SBC is not a bad plan, and all of the particulars are well worked out.

 

[Bret]

I am very pleased with my 383. It has a very mild cam and lugs very well. It also has the ability to spin to 5K if asked. It has been very nice on the trail and a pleasure on the highway. If you go the SBC way I would definately overbuild the cooling system. I currently run a Q-jet for simplicities sake. There are only 3 wires to make it run, HEI power, starter, and alternator. Tach and electric choke are there but won't keep it from running. I really like the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)

the only thing I might try is going TBI, I need to research it some more to be more familiar with it.

 

[matt.mcinnes]

2F-ETI

 

[F-junker]

I am very pleased with my 383. It has a very mild cam and lugs very well. It also has the ability to spin to 5K if asked. It has been very nice on the trail and a pleasure on the highway. If you go the SBC way I would definately overbuild the cooling system. I currently run a Q-jet for simplicities sake. There are only 3 wires to make it run, HEI power, starter, and alternator. Tach and electric choke are there but won't keep it from running. I really like the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)

the only thing I might try is going TBI, I need to research it some more to be more familiar with it.

This here is well said. keep it simple stupid. I went with a 2F and am happy with the result for what it is: A PLAY TOY. If I were to DO IT OVER AGAIN, no questions here. SBC 383 or possibly a 400 pontiac. You can't beat the low end torque of a pontiac but price to build is definitely more than a small block.

My next combo will be: 383 4bolt main SBC, coupled to a Ranger torque splitter onto a oem 4 speed trans and 3speed transfer. You get an extra range with the torque splitter which is fantastic and fewer adapters. I would go with an underdrive ranger unit if heavy wheeling were in the books unless I went with deep gears and big tires then maybe an overdrive ranger unit would be better.

I think the combos above give excellent strength, simplicity, parts availability, sustained highway drivability and very capable off-road. The price of the ranger case is alot upfront but the end result is more than worth it IMO. I've not seen too many folks go this route with the ranger box and don't understand why.

Maybe another good route would be 383, automatic and dana 300 or go to a center axle and run a 205/208. I think the 205/208 doubled would be pretty damn bulletproof. This is all getting pretty exotic and a little overly erotic for me, I've not hard my fill of truck porn today yet!

 

[Poser]

My top two choices right now are a cummings 4BT and a chevy 350.

Install a RamJet 350 and do not look back...

 

[badass]

2f with tbi, great combo, and a 2f is insanely bulletproof, i beat the hell out of mine and it just keeps going (knock on wood). I just drove 600 mile round trip with mine on the highway at 3000 rpms going about 65. I think the problem with the stock fj40 drive train is not the engine, but the fact that it is carbed and that it does not have an overdrive gear.

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

I am pretty fond of my 383 stroker also. I have owned it for about 6 months now and still havent gone through the first tank of fuel!!!!







Just trying to add some humor...... What do I know I can't even get my cruiser together

 

['74 UA FJ]

I like my fuel injected 350 enough to do it again. Much better off road and on road than my F was.

 

[jackbrad]

I am with Poser... Get a 350... Ramjets particularly.. make your life easy and do it right the first time.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

Diesel.... hands down the best engines for Cruisers.

I've owned:
B
3B (several)
2H
12HT
1HZ
2F
350 TBI

All round torque: the 1HZ is the winner for sure (HZJ73)
3B is a little thumper and will go for ages - nice in a 40 (BJ42)
12HT for highway cruising & best fuel economy (HJ61)
350 TBI for full-throttle fun (FJ45)


~John

 

[mustardfj40]

Personally I would rebuild the 2F but would love to get that Toyota I-Force 350!!!!

 

[Morse_FJ40]

I think it all depends what you are doing with it... daily driver.... weekend warrior. I am in the process of rebuilding my '78 2F. Some day I will add an h55F tranny.

good luck

Ryan

 

[Otterav]

Hey,
3B turbo, I drove a buddies 2F then redrove my 3B turbo, no comparison hands down, the 3B turbo pulls way harder off idle and shifting at 2500RPMs flat out blows the 2F into the weeds, no matter how hard you spin the 2F. V8 comparisons aren't equal, camels and gophers, decide what you want, then execute. BTW I use mine as a DD and weekend warrior too, perfect manners off road and runs down the highway very nicely, all the while getting 25MPG.
Hola
eric
P.S. And I haven't installed my H55 yet, report to follow.