Is this V8 a good deal???

FJ40Boy · Post by **FJ40Boy** » Thu May 24, 2007 10:08 am

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =100751182

Hozit. Can I get some advice on this. Is this a good deal? What do I need extra to fit to an FJ40? I'm gonna try and do it myself. I've never worked on an engine before so help please :shock:

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Thu May 24, 2007 10:13 am

I'm no expert but if the reserve is any where near the buy now price I would have thought it would be a bit overpriced. But I'm sure someone else will have a better idea than me. No doubt it looks like a good specimen of this engine though.

Cheers
Mike

Steve_t647 · Post by **Steve_t647** » Thu May 24, 2007 10:35 am

well you have to work out the price but it looks like it is all there!

what are you planning on doing keeping the auto?
The only think I see as an issue is it is front sump, this will cause issues for your steering and articulation.

there is also an issue with the factory computer and the auto, not sure but the jet boat guy's cant run the factory computer for some reason and go for a link wolf or other 3rd party computer.

These two threads may be helpful
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307002
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118969

I looked at putting a lexus in a 2wd hilux but planned on using the factory computer and a manual gearbox, could not find the right computer this may have been worked around now but my research has stopped.

Good luck and you will have a lot of fun remember if you want to do anything to the 40 engine bay or clean and paint the motor etc do it before you fit it once in you wil leave it.

spanky · Post by **spanky** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:12 am

that seems overpriced once you add on a couple of grand for link and getting it going. they are a good motor but not alot of torque down low inless you supercharge or change cams. just finishing putting one in mates altezza and its cost him alot more than planned, my thought would be a chev like wopass has done ,simple torquey good motor for a fj 40. cheers
vaughan

Sadam_Husain · Post by **Sadam_Husain** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:25 am

I know very little about lexus conversions and I'm sure theres quite a few on here that have done them and know a lot about them but a lexus conversion would end up being a lot harder than putting a basic old chev in. I think you'd have to find a prado or something auto gearbox with transfercase or make up a bellhousing and flywheel like clint did with his truck to re-use the manual cruiser gearbox, then you've got all the computer side to wire up and fool into doing what you want it to do.

The chev's you can do a straight bolt in job with an over the counter adaptor kit picking up all the origional cruiser engine and gearbox mounts, gearbox stays exactually where it is, the only thing you'd have to muck around with is the exhausts and you could take the easy choice like I did and drop it off to your local exhaust shop and pick it up the next day.

and most importantly (sorry lexus guys :oops:

)... Chev's rumble and lexuses dont and it's got to sound right

FJ40Boy · Post by **FJ40Boy** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:50 am

Okay this changes things now. I didn't go through with the purchase, I'll wait for a chevy. :twisted:

Does it need to be 350 or is smaller fine?
Must of my driving is on the dunes, I'm not into the extreme stuff, just want a real mean bad dune bruiser.

Where do you guys by the adaptor kits from? Also I had a 3.5L Pajero but was too gutless for me...

Steve_t647 · Post by **Steve_t647** » Thu May 24, 2007 12:11 pm

Had a look you should be able to find one cheaper than that, most (based on the 2 I have seen) seem to ditch the factory computer and auto, or keep the whole lot factory.

Standard computer is an issue as they need the lexus auto as there too, there are a few places to go for parts Dellows in Aussie do a bellhousing.

I found where I was getting my info for the swap there is a lexus forum only here and has conversions done. I am afraid you need to do a little reading and dont worry about the chev option it has more torque but as a carb won't do angles as well as the lexus and the difference in power torque is not that big when you are only clearing tires, towing a safari out you could notice it a little.

http://www.lextreme.com/

you are looking at buying a computer
Bellhousing
Engine mounts
fuel pump and fuel lines (convert what you have to EFI)
throttle cable
Radiator hoses and radiator
probibly a couple of exhaust sensors for tuning and the computer
some dyno time for tuning (or the software to tune it yourself)

the last two are the only different bits but these give you the fuel economy but you need to do more reading to see if you want to taclke this.

Armourguard · Post by **Armourguard** » Thu May 24, 2007 12:51 pm

This one seems what you could be after

not a bad price either :twisted:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 97.htm?p=3

FJ40Boy · Post by **FJ40Boy** » Thu May 24, 2007 1:22 pm

[quote="Armourguard"]This one seems what you could be after

not a bad price either :twisted:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 97.htm?p=3[/

That looks like a good one hey?!? So the 350 hasn't got computers and shit. Straight forward like the old 2F.

Steve_t647 · Post by **Steve_t647** » Thu May 24, 2007 2:41 pm

yip make sure there is power and fuel crank it and woo hoo you are running!

Having sat for a while I would be inclined to free up the pistons out of the car and do the oil etc (make sure you can hand crank it) you also may be in for rings but I think i would suck and see if you can crank it just do the oil and filter.

Bellhousing I think the Dellows kit is good and Smokey on here had one that may work or need a little work to fit (on his shelf send a PM and see what you can arrange with him).

Oh and you have Wop's build to work off too. About the same work involved in fiting but all the other bits are cheaper for the chev (no computer, return fuel rail etc etc).

FJ40Boy · Post by **FJ40Boy** » Thu May 24, 2007 3:56 pm

I had a look at Marks4WD. how do I know if a motor is internally balanced or not? Looks like ther's different kits for them. The 2F clutch should do the job hey?

wopass · Post by **wopass** » Thu May 24, 2007 9:27 pm

i have a turbo 400 trans with the landcruiser transfer case on it for sale if you wanted to go auto, diddnt suit my sprung over beast.

chev stuff is simple and cheap to get bits for, good strong engines with plenty of berries :twisted:

chev flywheel with chev clutch cover and cruiser friction plate and bellhousing and you drop it in and your away..... yea that easy sure :shock:

Mattman · Post by **Mattman** » Thu May 24, 2007 10:22 pm

That's not a bad price for a complete tidy Lexus motor with factory loom and computer.

All you would need additional to this is an adaptor to connect the Llandcruiser transfercase to the back of the Lexus auto. Probably cheaper to sort that out than do a manual conversion. Flywheel, clutch, and bellhousing will be at least $1500.

No need to spend $32k on a tuned installed Link setup either, the factory computer will run no problems. Most auto sparkies charge about 1k to wire the factory computers in, including getting existing gauges to work etc.

Probably not the best candidate for an FJ40 though, someone out there with a Hilux should grab it though.

Matt.

skid · Post by **skid** » Thu May 24, 2007 10:41 pm

go with a chev 327/350 smallblock.
they are lighter than a 2F, use less gas and produce more power and torque. I can idle around in third low on 33s and ease on the throttle to climb hills and back to idle no worries. its like a single speed cruiser(great for lazy boys like me)
There are plenty of people around that would do you a bellhousing adapter and you're away laughing. Stick to a manual box.

For the record you should be able to pick up 1UZ for $1200 and link for $800, maybe a little more if you have to, but that price on TM was way too high.
If you are feeling rich, there is a guy in Taupo who charges about 10k for lexus conversion. Drive in, drive out, fully certified. Hes done nearly 20-30 so far, so knows what hes doing.

But he chev is easiest way to go.

Good luck

Mattman · Post by **Mattman** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:17 pm

If you want to run an auto then a factory ECU with intact loom is the only option. At 2k that's not bad, no dyno tuning is needed.

Those 2F motor's must be heavy thirsty pigs if an iron block V8 is lighter and uses less gas!

Matt.

Sadam_Husain · Post by **Sadam_Husain** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:40 pm

Mattman wrote:Those 2F motor's must be heavy thirsty pigs if an iron block V8 is lighter and uses less gas!

Matt.

theres nothing heavier than a 2F :shock:

.... except maybe nissan running gear?

FJ40Boy · Post by **FJ40Boy** » Fri May 25, 2007 12:02 am

I thought the listing on trademe was you Wopass. My trademe name is boerseun1.

wopass · Post by **wopass** » Fri May 25, 2007 9:27 am

FJ40Boy wrote::D I thought the listing on trademe was you Wopass. My trademe name is boerseun1.

righty ho then.

the trans and transfer box i have for sale is not quite what your thinking i think

it is a turbo400 chev trans with an adaptor between that and the transfer box so only suitable to do that job.

its a very long unit and would need a fair buit of tunnel mods to get it working but cheap as chips,bolt the trans to the engine, hook your driveshafts up to it(after you get them modified) and your away.

not that im trying to seel it or anything :roll:

FJ40Boy · Post by **FJ40Boy** » Fri May 25, 2007 1:30 pm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 44.htm?p=9

What about these motors? Any good power and rumble wise?

MNC · Post by **MNC** » Fri May 25, 2007 9:05 pm

FJ40Boy wrote:http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Other-accessories/auction-101608544.htm?p=9

What about these motors? Any good power and rumble wise?

Oh yeah they sound nice! Just look at the answer to your question on TM - he was going to put into a cruiser too. You should try and get his number - think that guy used to compete in the trials so should be able to help you out :wink:

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Sun May 27, 2007 8:18 pm

I hear theres alot more than just wiring a 1UZFE factory computer & loom than most people think , hear its alot easier to run an aftermarket ECU like a Link , EMS , wolf , Haltech , etc - remember reading about it in the Aussie "ZOOM" magazine thats all about import engine mods & peformance mods .

You can get good 2nd hand Complete - Chev LS1 V8 (Alloy 5.7 ltr) in Aussie for like $2500 from wrecked late model commodores/Calais , order a new magazine called "parts peddler" from Aussie , plenty in there . plus the 6 Ltr version is a little bit more & good for over about 300+ klw stock .

Mattman · Post by **Mattman** » Mon May 28, 2007 7:02 am

If you want to know about the Lexus motor's go to http://www.lextreme.com and read the faq's and forums. Ton's of people wiring up the stock ECU's with no major drama's.

Matt.

FJ40Boy · Post by **FJ40Boy** » Mon May 28, 2007 9:13 am

Thanks Mattman, but I think I'll go Chevy but there is a Rover on trademe with a cruiser box already on it. I just don't know if they're any good. Power and sound wise, I need a rumbling 40

Steve_t647 · Post by **Steve_t647** » Mon May 28, 2007 9:48 am

the Leyland (rover V8) is a good motor and in a lot of the rangie and landies running around and if you wanted you could throw the EFI setup on them. There is a huge amount of potential in those alloy V8's they can be bored our to 4.0 litres and are used in the Bowler (EFI tho) and they featured on top gear.

Looks like it is all setup throw it in and a couple of driveshafts, exhaust, bits and pieces and a little bit of wireing later you will be away.

I think this is what is in mikes rover Turoa would know a lot about what can be done to these being a english 4wd fan. they are a really light engine for their size all alloy, just run a high concentration of antifreeze in them I have been advised (something to do with being all alloy)

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Mon May 28, 2007 10:33 pm

funnly enough the range rover all alloy V8 is a chev design bought by rover in the early 60's as chev no longer were going with it , i think the leyland is a Buick motor design - correct me if i'm wrong , remember reading it somewhere awhile ago .

Oh yeh cheers mattman for the info , read that magazine like a decade ago & since then the 1uzfe 's have taken off , people everywhere making parts for them , see on trademe theres a comapny that makes billet chromolly flywheels , bellhousings , etc in the north island - which is cool !

NJV6 · Post by **NJV6** » Mon May 28, 2007 10:41 pm

Nearly - the Rover and Layland (P76) are one and the same with a few minor differences. The 215 cubic inch (3.5 litre all alloy) was a buick motor bought by rover in the 60's. It was seen as too small for the americian market.
There are some similarites with the chev's such as followers and I think pushrods but can't be sure.

Personally I like the sound of them - who has heard Darryn Bell's comp Rangie in full song?

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Tue May 29, 2007 12:46 am

NJv6 - you sure about the rover engine being a buick ? only one i was'nt 100% sure about was the leyland , but distinctly remember reading about the rover V8 originally being a Chevrolet design , either way they're not a bad wee engine till the 1uzfe , VH45 , LS1 , etc came out , they're cheap as now !

Mattman · Post by **Mattman** » Tue May 29, 2007 6:58 am

Definitely a Buick. General Motors do own Buick though.

Matt.

Clint · Post by **Clint** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:14 am

Sadam_Husain wrote:
and most importantly (sorry lexus guys )... Chev's rumble and lexuses dont and it's got to sound right

Yeah, ya gotta love the rumble of an old 16V V8, Like the clip clop of horse's hooves on a cobbled street & the chugging of an old steam train it's a sound that reminds you of the romance of a bygone era... :lol:

What engine you need depends on you a bit, if you know carbs & stuff, get something with one, if you understand 'lectrickery go for a lexus, If you just want to pay the money & turn the key I'd go for the reliability of EFI, & a lexus is a good cheap option there. Keep in mind that the motor is usually the cheapest part of any conversion.

Cheers
Clint

adventures_more · Post by **adventures_more** » Tue May 29, 2007 12:50 pm

if you like the good old rumble of a pushrod V8 , then i reck'n you can't beat a "wwwwhhhhhiiiiiinnnnnnneee" of good sized a supercharger under the bonnet , like in the movie " Running on empty" in the black blown 57' chev - makes man himself turn to jelly - lol