65 Vortec Conversion

I started with a stock 65 FJ-40 and stripped it to the ground. This is a complete frame off restoration/customization.

This Cruiser is powered by a 97 Chevy Vortec 350, 5.7 liter with 350 horses and a 4L60 E automatic transmission. The following is a list of parts and a description of how I built it:

97 Vortec 5.7 liter fuel injected engine
98 4L60E Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission conversion kit and mounts from Advanced Adaptor
New torque converter

I chose the Vortec engine based on information I found on the web and from BTB land cruiser Vortec conversions. The big hype is not requiring a tune up for 100,000 miles. The fuel economy and horse power are an added benefit.
I have to say, that BTB, www.btbprod.com, was extremely helpful in walking me thru the measurements for engine placement and parts needed for the conversion. Once the original motor mounts and steering mounts where removed I measured back from the shock towers and clamped in the V-8 mounts and reinforcement plates. The rear cross member must be removed to make space for the longer 4L60E transmission length. Once again you clamp in the mounts and reinforcement plates, make more phone calls, search the internet and gather information to ensure you are not going to weld and bolt all the adaptors in the wrong place.

Aluminum radiator from BTB
Custom fan shroud from BTB
Spark plug wires
K & N air filter and intake system
Computer flashed and reprogrammed for tire size, shifting and horsepower gain to over 350 horses.
Ron Francis (E-Z wiring) kit for Vortec engine
Ron Francis (E-Z Wiring) kit for vehicles electrical system

The major problem with most Cruiser V-8 conversions is overheating. Not with this Cruiser. The aluminum radiator, clutch fan, and custom fan shroud from BTB definitely identified this problem and solved it. Thanks BTB. The spark plug wires must be replaced because of one wire. Stock exhaust and block hugger manifolds will not clear the frame(stock) or the knock sensor(huggers). Taylor makes a great set of plug wires for this, unfortunately they are about $170.00. The Vortec ignition cap has a very small opening that only after market plug wires for Corvettes fit.
The wiring for the engine and transmission was the easiest part of the entire project. Ron Francis really outdid himself on this. Every wire is labeled and 20� long. I could mount the fuse terminal and engine computer anywhere on the Cruiser. I chose to locate it under the driver seat inside the cab. This location provides me with a secure, dry and hidden place to conceal the almost 200 wires that are hooked up for this conversion. This Vortec upgrade, which is needed for the engine to run, and will cost you almost a $1000.00 to install. Every wire is labeled and the directions provide great information to locate the sensor or plug needed to complete the install. Locate the sensor, route the wire, cut and install your terminal connector, times 200 and your done. It took me longer to install the wire looms and PVC pipe I used for the short run under the cab for wire protection and a clean finished look, than it did for all of the terminal connections. Thanks Ron.

4-wheel disc brake conversion
New power brake booster from Cool Cruiser
Warn hubs

The front axle was upgraded to a 1978 land cruiser disc brake axle. I will let you in a little secret that will save you at least $100.00 alone on this project. Here it is, I replaced all of the races, bearings and seals in the outer hub. Toyota charges about $79.00 per side for the parts or $160.00 plus tax for the front axle. If you contact your local bearing supply shop and bring in the old parts, they can match them up for you. Get this, the pars come in exactly the same boxes with the same part numbers as the Toyota parts and only cost approximately $40.00 for both sides of the axle.

The rear axle is a different story. You must buy a conversion kit. Here again, I can save major bucks. You can use Montycarlo calipers and front discs from early 80�s light duty Chevy pickups. The center of the discs will need to be machined out to fit. The calipers and discs are approximately $130.00. The axle shafts must be removed and plates from the old brake assembly must be removed. My Cruiser will now stop on a dime, depending how fast I am going. More reliable, no monthly adjustments. Gotta love it.

Saginaw power steering conversion from BTB
Steering correction kit from BTB
Custom Tilt steering column
4 inch spring lift from BTB
Greasable shackles

The steering correction kit needs to be installed first. This is one of the most recommended kits along with power steering that I heard about when I started my project. The power steering adaptor is another story when it comes to easy installation. The adaptor and reinforcement plate are easy to install but cutting thru the front cross member is another story. Once you spend $50.00 on the appropriate sized whole bits and measure until your blue in the face your finished with first and easiest part of the conversion. I went the extra step and bought a 1992 Chevy tilt column. The column must be shortened about 6� and the appropriate fittings installed. The steering shaft is a very tight fit and just misses the engine mount. I had to manufacture the bracket that holds column under the dash.
BTB talked me into spending the extra money for the 4� spring lift instead of the spring over or longer shackles. It was money well spent. My cruiser rides better than most new trucks.

Vintage Air Conditioning and heater
Custom made aluminum AC/Heater control panel
Custom made Billet Grille
Front bumper from Man-A-Fre
Custom designed headlight assembly with internal turn signals
Custom made aluminum dash for instrument cluster
Custom made aluminum glove box cover

I love the location I found or created for the Gen II Vintage Air AC/heater unit. I cut out and removed the glove box, built and polished an aluminum cover for access to the unit. I had to custom build a few brackets and drill a couple of holes to get the unit securely mounted into place. You will definitely notice the increased amount of leg room, a much cleaner finished look, and a warmer passenger area. If you are a passenger in this ride or a person who complains about being cold, you will not have that problem sitting in the passenger seat.

The GRILLE. I really enjoy the look of a Billet Grille, the problem I have Toyota is there are not after market Billet Grilles for the FJ-40. I designed and custom built this one. I know the headlight shroud is a unique style of the Cruiser, but when you have your heart set on a Billet Grille and you spend three weekends working on it, you don�t want anything to hide it. The screw holes are still present and the stock shroud can be installed.
When I started this project I wanted a clean street-rod appearance and the large turn signals had to go. Once again, the stock holes are present and the lights can be installed for the die-hard Cruiser fanatics that must have stock look, but I chose the unique approach. There is a very ugly appearance around the headlights without the shroud and I spent numerous hours searching catalogs of old car parts to find a headlight ring that would work. After about 2 months of searching catalogs, internet sites and street-rod magazines, I was walking through a parking lot and saw Jeep, I know I said the four letter word Cruiser fanatics dislike so much, but to my amazement it looked like the headlight ring might fit and work on my Cruiser. I ordered a pair, customized some brackets to hold them in place and you guessed it, they fit. So, as a few of my friends would say, my Cruiser in part Chevrolet, Toyota and Jeep, making it a Toy-let-jeep. Since the jeep is so minor you can still call it a Toylet.

65 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40
Almost $30k just in parts. 97 Vortec 350, 350 HP, 4L60E auto-trans. One of a kind. Cost $45k to $60K to have it built. Serious inquiries only. $28,500.00 3000 miles. Patrick 360-556-2111 or email goldn4u2111@yahoo.com