It's done! 3.0-liter turbo-diesel FJ60 from TLC

[ujoint]

Estimate on just parts is 16-18K.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Hey Chip, the answer is, we don't know yet. This was an experiment for both TLC and us, since the 3.0 was brand new and not by a long shot a bolt-in replacement for the earlier 2.8. TLC's plan is to produce a kit that could be installed locally by a competent mechanic.

Incidentally, I've seen comments on other forums about this project, a couple of them saying, "They'll never make their money back on fuel savings." Those people either haven't read through the entire project, or they just don't get it. Our goal was to take a classic expedition vehicle that might otherwise have been on a downhill slope, and give it a completely new lease on life - new running gear, brakes, differentials, etc. - for about the same price as one would spend on a new Tacoma, Frontier, FJ Cruiser, etc., while achieving better fuel economy than any of them (and nearly double the original engine's), and reducing emissions significantly compared to the 2F. The fact that we did all that and also gained horsepower and torque was icing on the cake.

 

[Martyn]

... while achieving better fuel economy than any of them (and nearly double the original engine's), and reducing emissions significantly compared to the 2F. The fact that we did all that and also gained horsepower and torque was icing on the cake.

Jonathan

It would be interesting to see what your emissions are running diesel, and then compare them to what the emissions are running B90. From what I have read the emissions are greatly reduced by adding 5 or 10% bio-diesel to the diesel.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I'd like to see that too.

Currently we're not even sure what percentage of biodiesel this engine is certified to run. Given that Brazil is the world leader in the stuff I assume it would be high, but we need to make sure.

 

[MoGas]

Has anyone checked to see how much TLC would charge the rest of us to swap a
new 3.0L International diesel/new 5 speed trans/new radiator/new wiring into a
60 series Land Cruiser? $30,000? More?

Chip Haven

I'm sure it is unobtanum for most of us common folk. Aren't TLC the guys that make the Icon? Those are ~100K.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

David, again, our goal was to keep the cost of the entire project, including a solid donor FJ60, around the same as what a new Tacoma would cost. That looks quite feasible at this point.

 

[DesertRose]

I'm sure it is unobtanum for most of us common folk. Aren't TLC the guys that make the Icon? Those are ~100K.

Estimate on just parts is 16-18K.

... This was an experiment for both TLC and us, since the 3.0 was brand new and not by a long shot a bolt-in replacement for the earlier 2.8. TLC's plan is to produce a kit that could be installed locally by a competent mechanic.

And we're working out the kinks so future owners won't have to!

I think the price for a brand-new modern engine, transmission and accessories to make it fit is really do-able if sold as a "palleted" kit like TLC has talked about. Compare to the price of a half-cut or pulled diesel engine/transmission (that you still have to clean up, test, fix, and then install) and these are older engines, not nearly as efficient.

Once it's dialed in, if you are a mechanic or have a local one who does diesel, it should not be overly expensive.

 

[Hltoppr]

I'm a big fan of the thinking Jonathan and Roseann follow. If you figure a new Toyota Tacoma 4Dr, Jeep Rubicon, or the like will run you $30K easily, and depreciate quickly, then a 24 year old FJ60 with a new drivetrain and all the goodies you want for the same $30K doesn't look so bad....especially when it will tend to keep a higher resale....and you get exactly what you want.

Heck...watching this I'm tempted to sell the Troopy and find an old FJ60 to drive to California....

-H-

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Um . . . why not a 3.0 turbodiesel-powered, five-speed Troopy???

 

[thallca]

Um . . . why not a 3.0 turbodiesel-powered, five-speed Troopy???

I wish they could do that with my Range Rover classic!

 

[Martyn]

I'd like to see that too.

Currently we're not even sure what percentage of biodiesel this engine is certified to run. Given that Brazil is the world leader in the stuff I assume it would be high, but we need to make sure.

So long as you have a Nitrile fuel line for all flexible connections and the seals in your fuel pump are nitrile you can run biodiesel or WVO.

 

[silverton62]

Nice rig!

Wow, I like it! I am doing a similar build up, in stages. My write up is on here as well, but a 62. I went H55F too, and OME heavy lift. How do you like the H55F overall? I am about a few weeks from picking mine up! Can't wait to see yours painted, GREAT COLOR!
I will look in the Journal as well for info, Thanks.

 

[Corey]

Very nice!
I enjoyed the writeup in the Journal.

Nice tent too

 

[Hltoppr]

Um . . . why not a 3.0 turbodiesel-powered, five-speed Troopy???

Hence one reason I can't wait to see the new rig this week....:wavey:

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

So far the H55 is working very well. It's great to have a lower first gear plus an overdrive. It's surprisingly reluctant to engage first at times at a stop, something I hope will diminish with use.