LJ 70 engine conversion

[Rosco_mac Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Rosco_mac]

G'day folks,

I own a 1985 Toyota LJ70 with a 2.4L Turbo diesel. I love my car but the engine is getting on a bit.
I have started looking into possible engine conversions and would love to bring her into the 21st century
and get many more years out of her.

So I was wondering if it would be possible to fit a 1KD-FTV engine from around 2006 give or take a few years.
I understand these are modern engines and it would be no easy task but I am not a mechanic and have limited
knowledge on these sorts of things.

Looking forward to your replies,

Rosco_mac

[gantulga Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gantulga]

Creative nature of human being is the driving force of our great society. why not be a little more creative and challenge this idea. with good finance for it and will to do, everything is possible. the platform is accomodating so go find a good mechanic and work it out. i drive (well almost as a hobby) i swapped nissan Murano engine and transmission to nissan maxima one. it runs great and with manual, it is a lot of fun, but all the electronics playing game with me since this spring. but i make the most of it.
So thumbs up for your project, and remember there is no turning back once you start conversion hehe

Regards Gantulga

[Rosco_mac Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Rosco_mac]

Hi Gantulga,

Thanks for the support! I agree totally, why not make the most of the car I have and end up with a unique ride. Sounds like quite a job you had on your hands.
Funny story, I was in Mongolia last week but now I am back to reality and dreaming about my engine upgrade !!

[Rosco_mac Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Rosco_mac]

Thanks for the reply John,

Just the sort of info I need. I figured it would be a headache, I still want to retrofit a newer diesel engine though as I would like to get the most out of my current ride and not. Are you aware of any more modern engine swap alternatives? Just for arguments sake though .... How much chassis alteration would be needed to fit an engine like the 1KD, i.e chopping the mounting brackets or chopping the actual frame? and When it comes to electrics (forgive my naivety), seeing as though the 2L-T is relatively electronic free, would it be a matter of overlaying the retro fitted wiring and not really having to worry about integration with a current system?

Cheers
Rosco

[RanJ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close RanJ]

##########, I hear what your saying, but if I can throw my two bob in. If undertaking a conversion, going from an older mechanical vehicle and bring it into the 21st century... or in this instance, dropping a electronic diesel into an old chassis is actually in my book, an easier undertaking then converting a 90series petrol into a 90 series diesel.

There is only one loom to contend with and no interfacing of two different systems. Just make it work. A frabrication shop should be able to make up the engine mounts for you.

You will need to buy a wrecked vehicle without a doubt.... I would perhaps consider (for cost purposes) the 3.0L diesel from a 95 series.

[gantulga Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gantulga]

murano lost CVT and needed replacement, i replaced the DD with VW for wife and petrol Prado for me DD and worked on murano for fun. we don't have warranty for used cars bought overseas, so any breakdown (this time CVT is a major stopper) the vehicle cost rendered for scraps. so no feeling of loss, played with it. the maxima was also scraps but bare engine and tranny survived.
i brought the two to a mechanic who worked his magic. after two months, the two became one. the interior and mounts were modded, and honestly, it really looks weird hybid of evolutionary deadend and traffic police would not give me annual inspection pass for my item.
But if you live in Mongolia, you can always fake a stuff or two and after a day, i found a fake road worthy stickers.
it now sits in my uncle's yard in a ger district, leaking oil and hoping i would come and visit him before winter to play with it. one of myrads of problems is the electrics, all creature comfort is gone as no electrician would dare to touch it. but it still fun and engine still running.
since the mod, the cab cannot even make a scrap price as the floor literally devastated and the saloon for that matter.
your example is much more easier than that of mine and i hope you can pull this off as you have better access to parts and fabrication shops than i did in Mongolia.

[gantulga Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gantulga]

Speaking of mods, as some of you might know i traded in my prado for a film crew. so I am still looking for a good 120 series or brand new 70 series 5 door. anyone have any thoughts about 120 series vs 76? i would prefer 120 but given the road condition we have, my practical side of me dragging to lean live axles and sticks. New item would set me back for 50 grands, while good samurai import could be half of that including TAX. Financing 70 easier as it's new but 120 for cash. either way, i just can't give or take both pros and cons for these two. Why don't toyota make perfect balance amongst these two?

[RanJ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close RanJ]

Well I'm lost.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Which engine is in the 70 series? That will sway what you will need in long term maintenance. Given I know nothing about your location but fear the worst the 70 series would be ahead if it isn't the D4D V8 engine.

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

I've seen a Bundy with a small Holden V6 fitted. I don't think you could ram a D4 V8 or a Brunswick diesel in there.

[gantulga Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gantulga]

Sorry Ron,

I kinda stollen the topic here, as mentioned above. We can only give you inspiration and courage if you really decided to undertake the conversion, i have seen engine swap of petrol to diesel etc for particularly land cruisers. the land cruiser platform is very accommodating. the most important deciding factor is the financing such projects.
for me, yes it overran the cost to buy another car, but given the will to do things, there is really no stopping.

[Craigo72 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Craigo72]

Rosco I reckon that if you were looking to do it, maybe a Hilux wiring system would probably be a bit less involved than a Prado. Especially if you get the engine and harness from a base model Hilux as it won't have the need for wheel speed sensor inputs etc required for the integration of things like ABS and cruise control. Might be an easier conversion?. From a mechanics point of view I reckon it would be a bit of a challenge but not impossible. Go for it I reckon.

[Rosco_mac Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Rosco_mac]

Hey Guys,

I never realised more people posted replies.

##########, thanks again for the insight. I know exactly what you mean re: Labour costs, I'm in Perth and everything is expensive. I cannot explain why I love my car so much, but its more than that, I beleive cars should be valued more highly as the amount of energy and resources that go into making them are ridiculous. Thats why I would like to keep mine going for as long as possible, retrofit a more efficient engine and get the most out it, you know?. p.s I am enviro so that explains alot!

Craigo72, thanks for the support : ) I am not familiar with the modern diesels and what electrics the have/dont have so that helps narrow it down. I would like to undertake the project with the help of friends and not resort to forking out for labour but I will have to wait to get a house with a shed : ( Ideally get a write-off/halfcut "base model" hilux and go from there.

Gantulga, thanks for the encouragement mate, I hope winter is not too bad for you over there.

If any one finds any good info feel free to post links.

Stay rad

Rosco

[scottkz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scottkz]

I've just converted a V6 prado to a 1kz 120 auto, the mechanicals are nothing more than a engine swap, you will have to move the chassis mounts as the 2.4 ones will get in the way of the power steering pump, it's not hard I've actualy done it before to a 4runner
The wiring is hard if you don't understand wiring you need to be good at it
If you want auto you would probly have to find a prado motor and box
You will also have to fit the donor cars immobiliser
All the ECUs ( inj driver main ECU turbo ECU ) are all in the engine harness
kZJ70 parts you'll need to find like rad power steer lines ac lines
The 1kz is the same bottom end as 1kd so just find a 1kz early prado for all the bits
As I said the wirings hard but very well worth it