The Jolly Green Giant...aka the Recycled Rig

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

ok guys, here's the latest update. LC got everything back together put her on the dyno to see the results and Whammo! She had a hiccup. Yep, after four months of being at the shop and having all that work done she has two cracked rings in the number 5 and 6 cylinders.















This cruiser is killing me. So, now do I rebuild it. Swap a Vortec, or plug a diesel into it. I can get a hd-t halfcut for 8500.00 The Cummins 4bt prices are through the roof (Even so, Proffitts quoted me December date if I were to have them do it). Let me know what you guys think. By the way, I think LC has taken pitty on me and said just pick it up and don't worry about any costs that were incurred while it was there.

 

[spressomon]

Jeez Jeremy sorry to hear about your woes. Don't know anything about your diesel...I would just want to be sure it's got enough horsepower to propel a 3T+ adequately and what tranny would they use? Hmmm GM is supposed to have their new smaller V8 based Duramax that will take the same space as a 5.7L gas engine available later this year ;-).

Back in the day when I was into Harley's it was taboo to paint one green because it was an unlucky color...:hehe:

 

[Redline]

I thought some more about your options after we spoke yesterday... Beth chimed in too and we mostly agree on how you should solve your problem.

As cool as it would be I don't think you should invest the money in a diesel swap. We don't have a good record of keeping vehicles and to invest so much money on something you're likely not to keep for a very long time is a waste. Similarly, though I like the idea of swapping in a modern GM V8, all swaps are expensive, full of ‘issues’ and probably not really worth it for you.

This leaves you with two options:

#1) Fix the engine or replace it with a stock rebuilt of same type.

#2) Dump the car and put all that money into buying a different ride, either new or used, and wait the several months to couple years before the first good factory turbo-diesel 4x4 is offered by Jeep or Toyota.

I think a new or used late model Tacoma or 4Runner could be a great rig for you. You should see my thread about an '01 double-cab Tacoma that I'm considering 'only' 10K.

Redline

 

[locrwln]

As cool as it would be I don't think you should invest the money in a diesel swap. We don't have a good record of keeping vehicles and to invest so much money on something you're likely not to keep for a very long time is a waste. Similarly, though I like the idea of swapping in a modern GM V8, all swaps are expensive, full of ‘issues’ and probably not really worth it for you.

This leaves you with two options:

#1) Fix the engine or replace it with a stock rebuilt of same type.

#2) Dump the car and put all that money into buying a different ride, either new or used, and wait the several months to couple years before the first good factory turbo-diesel 4x4 is offered by Jeep or Toyota.

Redline

I agree.

As much fun as a diesel swap would be, I don't think it makes much sense. Too many issues that would make it reliable in the long run.

Jack

 

[blupaddler]

Gosh...
Tough decision. I think I agree with Redline on this one. The money spent on a diesel conversion would/could be better spent on a new"er" rig. However, a diesel 80 would definitely be cool. But we need to put aside the cool factor, and focus on functionality.

Here's an option:
Sell the supercharger.
Track down a decent, low mileage 1FZ. Have that installed in the 80 and sell the beast.

Just a thought. Good luck with your decision.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Can you guys hear that sound? It's the sound of me beating my head against the wall. HAHA. Redline, i'm going to go check out your thread. I also thought about the other suggested ideas. They too seem pretty solid. Thanks guys.

 

[Hltoppr]

I think it would be easiest to find another FZE motor, and just do that swap...also the cheapest, all things being equal...

It's a nice rig, and it would be hard just to take a hit and sell it as-is...but I'm pretty sure it would sell quickly, if that was your choice...

-H-

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Track down a decent, low mileage 1FZ.

Specter has a ton of them, all low mileage, was there 2 weeks ago

 

[Photog]

My father and others have always told me, "The rig you won, is always the least expensive one to buy." It will be less money to replace the engine, and you will know its history, when it is all done.

On the other hand, the Cruiser engines are built with extra beef; so they can be rebuild a few times. Why not get your existing engine rebuilt?

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

All great suggestions and I appreciate them. I am going to rebuild the stock motor. I'll go with the oversized pistons from toyota which should bump it out to a 4.6 liter. That coupled with the headwork LC has done should move her out pretty well. Especially with the NV Trophy approaching.

 

[Mlachica]

All great suggestions and I appreciate them. I am going to rebuild the stock motor. I'll go with the oversized pistons from toyota which should bump it out to a 4.6 liter. That coupled with the headwork LC has done should move her out pretty well. Especially with the NV Trophy approaching.

Oh man, sorry to hear about all of your troubles. I think this is a great decision. Like others have stated it's probably wise not to dump a large amount of time/cash/headache's into an engine swap. Good luck with this... :REExeSquatsHL1:

 

[Hltoppr]

I think that's a wise choice....keep it simple! You'll be able to build the motor for the supercharger too....

I've always wondered about the longevity of the 1FZE with a supercharger...always seemed a bit like pushing air into a tractor motor....

-H-

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I'm ordering the 1mm oversized pistons, from CDan. The motor will be built for the supercharger. I'm also going to have the block O-ringed as well. It should run pretty well when all is said and done.

 

[Hltoppr]

Excellent choice! What's the time frame for having her back up and running?

-H-

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Excellent choice! What's the time frame for having her back up and running?

-H-

I get my truck back next week, so it will start after.