1990-1995 80 Series Cruiser - Selecting a diesel engine for overland travel...

p1michaud

Expedition Leader
I'm looking for a bit of advice from the Toyota diesel engine gurus out there.
I've narrowed my search to an 1990-1995 80 Series diesel.
Now what I'd like to start reading/learning is the difference between the 1HZ and 1HD-T for these years. Any good references on line?

I'm looking at importing into Canada in the future so spare parts availability in North America is a definate consideration.

Other items for consideration are (previously posted here , should I have a new thread to discuss vehicle selection in the General Vehicle Modifications section? Would the moderators have any preferance?):

Vehicle requirements:
  • We will own one vehicle only and it must be off road capable
  • Room for four adults.
  • It's primary function will be to take us out of the city during weekends/holidays.
  • Reliability is key with comfort in close second. I'd prefer a Toyota because I'm more familiar with them but am open to others (I like the Nissan Patrols).
  • Needs to be made in 1995 or older to allow for import into Canada uppon our return in two years.
  • Diesel power plant

Cheers,
P
 

mountainpete

Spamicus Eliminatus
Pierre,

Curious... why not a 70 series 4 door Troopie? They are readily available down there and most of the engine parts are easy to come by in Canada with all the JDM imports. Better yet, a 100 series diesel!

Pete
 

lowenbrau

Explorer
1HZ and 1HDT of that era are effectively the same engine. One with and one without a turbo. The 1HDT is direct injected ( as a turbo-d engine should be) and the HZ is indirect injected. If you forgo the complexity of a turbo you pay for it with significantly decreased available power. The HDT is considerably more common in the JDM 80 series rigs that are all over Canada now but the HZ is still used in the mine trucks which are still supported by Ens Toyota out of Saskatoon. I'd opt for the 1HDT and source a spare turbo if I were to take the rig to Africa or Mongolia.

Many people do it successfully (Canuck Mariner) but I'd look at adding an aftermarket turbo to a IDI engine as a less desirable choice. The pumping losses after about 5PSI diminish the returns. With aftermarket bearings and perhaps an oil pump upgrade, I see no reason why a 1HDT couldn't handle 30-50 PSI of boost. The bottom end is hideously overbuilt. With the pitiful 7-9 PSI that the factory sets it at it should last for a very long time.
 

lowenbrau

Explorer
mountainpete said:
Pierre,

Curious... why not a 70 series 4 door Troopie? They are readily available down there and most of the engine parts are easy to come by in Canada with all the JDM imports. Better yet, a 100 series diesel!

Pete

So far, Troopies still only have two doors Pete. Otherwise Rover would never sell another D110. :shakin:
 

mountainpete

Spamicus Eliminatus
lowenbrau said:
So far, Troopies still only have two doors Pete. Otherwise Rover would never sell another D110. :shakin:

Sorry I meant something like an HZJ76 actually. I've heard them called Troopies in some countries (like in Austria when I was there last year) although it's not really the correct term. I don't know for sure years they are available in though - they might be too new.

And yes, the D110 vs the 76 is tough comparison. I like this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptiE501ZdwM&NR=1

Pete
 

4Rescue

Expedition Leader
mountainpete said:
Sorry I meant something like an HZJ76 actually. I've heard them called Troopies in some countries (like in Austria when I was there last year) although it's not really the correct term. I don't know for sure years they are available in though - they might be too new.

And yes, the D110 vs the 76 is tough comparison. I like this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptiE501ZdwM&NR=1

Pete
I doubt anyone in Oz would know what you were talking about if you asked about a troupie with 4 doors... they're called "wagons" and pick-ups are "utes". ;)

That vid is interesting and credible until we get to: "here the Lardrover is far superior and the Land Cruiser must use it's differential locks to keep up..."(on the initial test hill-climb) Which is what the Rover did as well, used it's lsd's to lock limit wheel slip, you just can't manualy control them like in the Toyota... I'll take mechanical lockers over trac-control anyday. I never realized that that Defenders used this system, I thought the Disco was liek this, but that the defender had real lockers :confused: but then I also diodn't know that Defenders were AWD/FT4WD either (or am I wrong about that too :lol: )

And yeah Michaud, if you're going around the whole mess, why not get the ultimate, a 70 series wagon would be pretty aesome. Although I m ust admit, an HDT 80series would be pretty damn sweet too.

The ute I had in OZ was a 1HZ with an added turbo (we also had an N/A 1HZ troupie) and the Turbo'd 1HZ was happy as chugging up down and over dale all day long and was quite fun to drive. The N/A Troupie was noticably less powerfull, but it got along just fine even loaded to the gills. Alan 9that station owner) had a 1HZ power'd 80 but I never drove it. it was a goin to town and on the odd trail run vehicle. I rode in it though and compared to the 70 series ute I was captian of it was like being in a cadilac. Quiet, cushy, well, like an 80 series... The 70 Series are pretty utilitarian which to me is good, to others...not so good...

I can't wait to see what you end up doing, and I hope it's a neat imported Toyota ;)

Cheers

Dave
 
Last edited:

jim65wagon

Well-known member
p1michaud said:
Vehicle requirements:
  • We will own one vehicle only and it must be off road capable
  • Room for four adults.
  • It's primary function will be to take us out of the city during weekends/holiday
Cheers,
P
So if anyone from another continent visits you can take them on a tour of some offroading significance, right?
 

esh

Explorer
For the FJ62 I am going with a 1HZ, some kind of aftermarket turbo (like Garrett), and thinking about trying an air to water intercooler as an experiment. Not as versed in the two motors but I know you can source parts for a 1HZ from Toyota in NA (via toyotapartscenter.com, for example).

Here are some fun numbers to look at:

13B-T, 120HP @3400 RPM, 200 ft-lb @2000 RPM
12H-T, 135HP @ 3500 RPM, 231 ft-lb @ 2000 RPM
1HZ, 135HP @ 4000 RPM, 187 ft-lb @ 2200 RPM
HD-T, 165 HP@ 3600 RPM, 268 ft-lb @ 2000 RPM
1HD-FT, 168@3600, 280@2500
1HD-FTE, 205@3400, 318@2500

I would say the HD-T is gruntier, so beware your drivetrain. :)
 

esh

Explorer
Let me add, I was just in a recently-converted 60 series with a 12H-T/H55 and it was plenty powerful. It felt similar to the 4x4Labs HJ61 (factory 12H-T/H55, and heavily weighted) for power to spare, which I've driven around Moab on trails and the highway. It is amazing how little into the throttle you need to be.

I have also driven an FJ62 recently with a 13B-T/A440 and it was outstanding for a commuter/light explorer. We would be up to 60 without realizing it. I bet the power would drop off as you started weighing it down.

Have also travelled with an FJ60 with the 1HZ/H55 (with HD-T turbo setup) and it is disgustingly powerful with weight.

My plan is to keep the A440 and do the upgrades to keep the auto cool.
 

p1michaud

Expedition Leader
A bit more info

A bit more info.

Due to import restrictions currently at 15 years, in two years I'll be able to bring in anything up to 1995. That eliminates the 100 (introduced in 1998 I believe). I have limited funds for this rig keeping in mind it will need some upgrades and mods plus it has to be shipped back at the end of all this... so that leaves me with an older vehicle that is in good condition and reasonably priced.

The only concern I have at the moment with the 1HDT is additional complexity due to the turbo for long trips (i.e. cross Australia). Not sure that would be a well founded concern though as long as the rig is well serviced.

Side track, I just looked up to see a kitted up 80 stopped at the lights... man I love the rigs here. I've noticed that there are tons of utes on the road here...

jim65wagon said:
So if anyone from another continent visits you can take
them on a tour of some offroading significance, right?

Exactly! :safari-rig:

Thanks for the info so far folks, keep it coming.
 

roscoFJ73

Adventurer
p1michaud said:
A bit more info.

Due to import restrictions currently at 15 years, in two years I'll be able to bring in anything up to 1995. That eliminates the 100 (introduced in 1998 I believe). I have limited funds for this rig keeping in mind it will need some upgrades and mods plus it has to be shipped back at the end of all this... so that leaves me with an older vehicle that is in good condition and reasonably priced.

The only concern I have at the moment with the 1HDT is additional complexity due to the turbo for long trips (i.e. cross Australia). Not sure that would be a well founded concern though as long as the rig is well serviced.

Side track, I just looked up to see a kitted up 80 stopped at the lights... man I love the rigs here. I've noticed that there are tons of utes on the road here...



Exactly! :safari-rig:

Thanks for the info so far folks, keep it coming.
The turbo doesnt really add any serious complexity to the engine.
When these engine need work its usually the injection pump leaking but they give a lot of notice.
The turbo engines need their big ends checked every 100k,no exceptions.

If your buying in oz you will notice a big difference in price between turbo and non turbo 80 series.
There is a couple of reasons for this,one is that the turbo engines generally came with more options in higher spec models.
Many of the non turbo 80 series are white,barn doors in the rear,plain vinyl interiors and have an ex govt,ex mine or ex construction history.
There is still a good proportion of privately owned 80s

IMO the turbo premium is not worth it. You can usually add $7-8 k over a non turbo year for year.
I find the 1HZ ok if you work the gears and be patient.
I can get my 1HZ powered ute with a big load do over a 1000 klms a day if I want.
Im not sure where you will be located,but travelling into the aussie interior doesnt require much speed.
Out back roads are generally good for 80 kph in exceptional condition.

The vehicle you buy here is probably best sold here when you leave.
Use the money from the sale and the $4k you save on shipping to buy a low klm Japanese import when you go home to Canada.
 

p1michaud

Expedition Leader
roscoFJ73 said:
The vehicle you buy here is probably best sold here when you leave. Use the money from the sale and the $4k you save on shipping to buy a low klm Japanese import when you go home to Canada.

I'd been considering that as well. Good advice and will keep that in mind.
Cheers,
P
 

dieselcruiserhead

16 Years on ExPo. Whoa!!
I wouldn't worry about the turbo being a weakness in the slightest. I have never had a turbo go out in all the turbo charged vehicles (gas & diesel) I've owned, near a dozen of them I figure. It is nothing less reliable than say a clutch on a manual transmission model (and they are pretty easy to replace if it does go bad). Just can be costly if you need to spring for a new one. The power is so much more worth it particularly at speed and acceleration. I actually dislike the 1HZ as it is a pretty outdated design. It is a good reliable work horse but I would take a 1HD-T or variant any day of the week over a 1HZ. I hope it helps...
 

Forum statistics

Threads
189,935
Messages
2,922,408
Members
233,156
Latest member
iStan814
Top