Whats the way to go

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Nov 21, 2008
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30
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Location
Ramer Alabama
I am triying to get some opinions on v8 conversions vs upgrading the the f motor in my 72 before i wind up doing one and wishing i did the other. Main thing will an upgraded 6 be able to perform pushing 35x14.5 s on and off road.
 
I agree with the Beagle.

The 2F does a fantastic job, but it's all about the gearing. If you're dead set on swapping motors--go with a 1HZ-T, 12H-T, or 1HD-T. Not some stupid V-8. You want a turbo diesel whine--admit it.

Dan
 
Ok motor is an f just rebuilt 3000 miles ago but remains bone stock outside of a weber. I plan to upgrade the distributor and probably headers.i also plan to get rid of my 3speed and go to a 4 or 5 undecided. What gears are yall running?

NEVER WAS A FAN OF THE V 8 SWAP ANYWAY.
 
What ratio do you run and did it kill anymore top speed
 
Well i am mainly looking for pulling a med size bass boat to the river and good (on road) performance. I don't need to smoke swampers on the road but if i am in the mud i do want all 4 to spin in 4 high. The 6 cly isn't much on hp but it does have plenty of torque. My first one was a 75 with a 4 speedon 33's no complaint at all. I guess my main concern is this high 1st gear i can't get use to.
 
I love my built 2F, and it Pushes my 35's with no problem. Gearing is the key to the whole thing also.

pics:


fj40-2473.jpg

fj40-2474.jpg
 
Talk about evolution, I've watched us go from avoiding rocks on 4WD runs to now playing on those rocks. I've watched us go from everyone wanting a Chevota to everyone wanting a stock 6 cyl.. Now here's my 2 cents:
Poor running 6's weigh 800 lbs., get possibly 12 mpg, and make attempting to listen to a radio at 65 mph very challenging. Good running 6's weigh the same, but might get 14-16 mpg.
Normally there is no such thing as a poor running Chevota. Small block Chevys weigh about 550 lbs., can get 16-20 mpg, and absolutely purr at 65-70 mph. :clap:
 
Well i am mainly looking for pulling a med size bass boat to the river and good (on road) performance. I don't need to smoke swampers on the road but if i am in the mud i do want all 4 to spin in 4 high.



Chevy V8.


Going any other direction will only delay the inevitable and exponentially increase the cost in the end.
 
You talk about the nice high rev's of the V8, let's not neglect the cool lugging through the trail and rocks at 600rpm with an F/2F like an ol John Deere tractor.

I love the F motor series. ;-)
That's right, and most Chevy V8's have even more torque at an even lower rpm!!!!!
 
I have the v8 with 5:29S with 35's and love it. With my hand throttle I can get up and down just about anything. I get a good 18mph. With my old 2f it was about 10 on a good day. Top speed isn't great, cruising at 60 - 65. At idle I can get out and walk around the rig it crawls so well. There is a bell housing from chevy(late model) that bolts right up so I didn't have to go with the fancy adapters.
Do the 8...
 
I have the v8 with 5:29S with 35's and love it. With my hand throttle I can get up and down just about anything. I get a good 18mph. With my old 2f it was about 10 on a good day. Top speed isn't great, cruising at 60 - 65. At idle I can get out and walk around the rig it crawls so well. There is a bell housing from chevy(late model) that bolts right up so I didn't have to go with the fancy adapters.
Do the 8...



Please start a thread detailing the parts used for your engine conversion and the specifications of your Land Cruiser.


:beer:
 
I like my 2F for the trails but its a dog trying to get there. I really love going 40mph up a mountain grade with the pedal to the floor while semis pass me.........
The speed limit on the Interstate here is 75mph, my cruiser doesn't like going that fast. I am switching over to a V-8 and an auto now so i can get to the trail, through the trail and back home.
My last cruiser I built had a 350465/205 and I had no problems driving anywhere, on and offroad.
 
Hi All:

Guess it boils down to what you want to use the rig for.

The F/2F are fine for general trail running, and slow-speed crawling in dry conditions, but for muddy uphill ascents a V-8 and auto tranny combo works very well! :D

Is a FJ40 a good choice to tow a bass boat? Anothre point to ponder.

Search around here on MUD - there is lots of good info.

Good luck!

Alan
 
Poor running 6's weigh 800 lbs., get possibly 12 mpg, and make attempting to listen to a radio at 65 mph very challenging. Good running 6's weigh the same, but might get 14-16 mpg.
Normally there is no such thing as a poor running Chevota. Small block Chevys weigh about 550 lbs., can get 16-20 mpg, and absolutely purr at 65-70 mph. :clap:

I worked at an LC shop on and off for a number of years where I saw an awful lot of hacked up V8 conversions that ran & drove MUCH worse than a most of the trucks with stock engines. They were also much more difficult to work on than the stock drivetrain due to mix n match fasteners, parts from who knows what, poor fitment, rats nest wiring, you name it, it was there.
All these problems are avoidable and fixable, but I think a lot of people at least used to go into the v8 swap with the wrong mindset - budget power.

A well done v8 swap is one thing, but the shortcut, budget minded hackjob, of which there are a lot running around, flat out suck from all angles.
 
If your intention is to pull a bass boat then put the V8 in it. The stock 6 will not provide the performance you will want and the gas mileage will eat you up. Also, if you have a mechanical issue, V8 parts are widely available where as the 2F parts can be scarce at times. Take your time, do it right. You can pick up everything you need off of the classifieds here or on Ebay. It took me a few months to gather my parts but I ended up saving at least 50% of the cost over new when I did the swap in my 71. A few things you will want to be mindful of is engine placement, not too close to the firewall yet not too far out where you can impact the radiator. Drive shaft lengths and wiring. While your in there you will want to do a disc brake swap and add PS imho. just my .02
 

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