Stoffregen Motorsports
Explorer
A while back, I got a phone call from a guy up in the Pacific northwest. He wanted to ask me about making some improvements to his FJ60. He proceeded to describe the mods done to it already and one of them was a MBZ 5cyl diesel conversion. The chief problem that it wouldn't get out of it's own way. After making a few calls, one of them to my friend Luke Porter of 4x4 Labs, I decided that the best course of action would be to remove the 5cyl turbo diesel and try talking the owner into a gas V8. When talking with Luke about the truck, he snickered and said that the truck was just too heavy for that motor.
In describing his truck, the person (we'll call him Popeye) explained that he was working towards trying to achieve an off-the-grid lifestyle. I totally understand, but there was the problem. How do I convince someone with strong ideals that converting a mechanically injected diesel powered 4x4 to a modern EFI gas V8 would actually help him? I knew how the conversation would play out and I was not excited about making the phone call.
I too have strong ideals, and one of them is reflected heavily in my work. During every build here in my shop, there are often situations where a custom part is needed, but I always try to come up with a solution that includes over the counter pieces, so that future repairs are made easier, thus alleviating stress and thereby maximizing the chances that the vehicle I built will be enjoyed long into the future.
After explaining that "GM V8" is spoken fluently around the world, the guy (Popeye) bought it. He gave me the green light and I'm glad he did. I think he'll enjoy this truck for years to come.
Why Popeye, you ask? Because his truck is olive green, the color of olive oil, which is the name I've given his Land Cruiser...Olive Oil.
Here is the truck. Beautiful, isn't it?
In describing his truck, the person (we'll call him Popeye) explained that he was working towards trying to achieve an off-the-grid lifestyle. I totally understand, but there was the problem. How do I convince someone with strong ideals that converting a mechanically injected diesel powered 4x4 to a modern EFI gas V8 would actually help him? I knew how the conversation would play out and I was not excited about making the phone call.
I too have strong ideals, and one of them is reflected heavily in my work. During every build here in my shop, there are often situations where a custom part is needed, but I always try to come up with a solution that includes over the counter pieces, so that future repairs are made easier, thus alleviating stress and thereby maximizing the chances that the vehicle I built will be enjoyed long into the future.
After explaining that "GM V8" is spoken fluently around the world, the guy (Popeye) bought it. He gave me the green light and I'm glad he did. I think he'll enjoy this truck for years to come.
Why Popeye, you ask? Because his truck is olive green, the color of olive oil, which is the name I've given his Land Cruiser...Olive Oil.
Here is the truck. Beautiful, isn't it?
