Worldcyclotour
New member
Any tips for getting better fuel economy with a 1989 FJ62? What are the averages out there? Hwy Miles?
Better fuel economy for FJ62?
- Thread starter Worldcyclotour
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esh
Explorer
A 1HZ swap seemed to improve mileage on mine. :sombrero:
You can get injectors reconditioned and do all the tune up stuff but results for most are mixed. I had a freak of a 3FE and would get 17-19mpg at the altitude it lived its life. At lower altitudes it would get 15-17. It had been regularly maintained at a shop before I got it. Average of what I've read from various sources is around 15mpg.
I completely agree with no roof rack, smaller tires and driving conservatively. There is noticeably less road noise at 55 vs 65 and therefore less fatigue as well.
IMO these are not efficient DD type vehicles. That's why there are Civics, Corollas, and Golf TDIs.
You can get injectors reconditioned and do all the tune up stuff but results for most are mixed. I had a freak of a 3FE and would get 17-19mpg at the altitude it lived its life. At lower altitudes it would get 15-17. It had been regularly maintained at a shop before I got it. Average of what I've read from various sources is around 15mpg.
I completely agree with no roof rack, smaller tires and driving conservatively. There is noticeably less road noise at 55 vs 65 and therefore less fatigue as well.
IMO these are not efficient DD type vehicles. That's why there are Civics, Corollas, and Golf TDIs.
Worldcyclotour
New member
Thanks for the reply.
The reason I ask is that I just sold my Sportsmobile which got 9-15MPG depending on load and whether or not my roof was jam packed. I do frequent trips that are 400-600 miles to destination from San Diego and the fuel cost was always a factor. The other factor is being many miles from fuel stations once I get to my destination and tank range is a consideration. If I could get 15 MPG with a FJ62 then that's better than the SMB. I have a Prius for my DD so the FJ is for the off road trips. I've located two FJ62 for sale and since I have not had one before I'm a bit nervous going with something that I have not had any experience with. I've had Jeep Wranglers which are good but the LC has so much more room inside.
Esh, What's 1HZ swap?
The LC I'm leaning toward the one which has 175k on the clock and looks to be quite original but the tranny seems a bit sluggish at startup. Common?
The reason I ask is that I just sold my Sportsmobile which got 9-15MPG depending on load and whether or not my roof was jam packed. I do frequent trips that are 400-600 miles to destination from San Diego and the fuel cost was always a factor. The other factor is being many miles from fuel stations once I get to my destination and tank range is a consideration. If I could get 15 MPG with a FJ62 then that's better than the SMB. I have a Prius for my DD so the FJ is for the off road trips. I've located two FJ62 for sale and since I have not had one before I'm a bit nervous going with something that I have not had any experience with. I've had Jeep Wranglers which are good but the LC has so much more room inside.
Esh, What's 1HZ swap?
The LC I'm leaning toward the one which has 175k on the clock and looks to be quite original but the tranny seems a bit sluggish at startup. Common?
TangoBlue
American Adventurist
I was going to be a wise guy and suggest a 4BT...
Diesel engine swap. The 1HZ is a Toyota diesel engine and parts are not readily available. The former is a Cummins and commonly found in the US... you hear them daily in bread or delivery trucks. But both engines are simple, durable, and have amazing lifespans.
Diesels will often give the FJ60/62 20-25 mpg and massive amounts of torque.
When I had mine loaded with the roof top tent and everything, I was lucky to get 12.
15 mpg may be achievable but that's the upper limit in favorable conditions.
If you are looking for fuel economy, I would look for another option.
15 mpg may be achievable but that's the upper limit in favorable conditions.
If you are looking for fuel economy, I would look for another option.
njtaco
Explorer
You can help both power and economy by swapping in a 5 speed manual transmission. It is a well documented modification to the FJ62s.
I get about 12 (around town) to 15 (highway) MPG in my 1988 at sea level on regular (89 octane) gas. Slower speeds (55-65 mph) help of course. I have the stock automatic, stock gears, and 31 inch tires. She is not ordinarily heavily loaded.
I get about 12 (around town) to 15 (highway) MPG in my 1988 at sea level on regular (89 octane) gas. Slower speeds (55-65 mph) help of course. I have the stock automatic, stock gears, and 31 inch tires. She is not ordinarily heavily loaded.
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Cackalak Han
Explorer
Would a 4Runner or Tacoma fit your needs better since fuel cost is an issue? I averaged 21-23MPG with my 4Runner/Tacomas on the freeway.
There is no denying the appeal of the 60/62, though.
There is no denying the appeal of the 60/62, though.
Funny you mention this...that is the route I took. I love my 4Runner. City is not so great but on the freeway I get easily over 20 too.
lostworldexpedition
Explorer
My FJ60 could not possibly carry any more gear (roof rack and 33x10.5 AT tires) and I am getting 19mpg with a 12HT diesel swap. Cost of the swap is rather high, but my engine was about to go anyway... and the difference between my 2f and the 12HT is night and day.
ashooter
Adventurer
I don't know if 62's have all the smog stuff that 3FE 80's have, but I bumped my mileage 2-3 mpg by desmogging with this bb's in the vacuum hoses method - http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/315482-1991-3f-e-de-smog-performed.html
As mentioned before the H55 manual transmission swap will get you an extra mile per gallon or three. Several H42 transmission swappers have suggested similar results with the addition of 33" tires.
I'll be collecting my parts soon enough for the H42 swap.
I'll be collecting my parts soon enough for the H42 swap.
cumminscruiser
Adventurer
FJ60 Fuel economy
That's funny I added the roof rack and bigger tires, but I only get about 25mpg.
That's funny I added the roof rack and bigger tires, but I only get about 25mpg.
