What is the best Toyota Engine for my Classic Land Cruiser FJ?

March 22, 2021 Off By Joe K

Are you thinking of restoring your Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Classic? The best type of engine to stroke the fire is a common question for FJ classic car restorers. Changing the engine does not mean that the F series engine is not fit. However, finding the best pair that works with the car transmission, fuel distribution, and engine affects the ride’s overall performance and capability. Our love for classic cars has led us to research the best Toyota engine that fits FJ Land Cruiser with minimal or no modifications. The following is a compiled list of reliable engines, including the classic Lang Cruiser build.

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Buy Toyota FJ Repair Manual

Toyota FJ engines are very simple yet reliable. You can take a look at the manual below. This is a nice book for Toyota FJ 1972 owners.

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Reliable Engines that fit the FJ Land Cruiser

1. The Original Toyota F Engine

The original Toyota F engine has been known for its reliability since the 1955s. Over time, Toyota has improved its engine by boosting its horsepower by 23%. The modification improved performance while maintaining low RPMs, a feature that makes the engine most preferred to power the FJ.

THE Toyota F engine is built with a large cast-iron block, making the engine nearly indestructible. The cast-iron is noticeable, giving its users reassurance that it will lust. Some people claimed that the engine could run for 500,000 to 600,000 miles before calling it off. Many reviews have mentioned so, and we believe it!

Another reason why this is the best engine for your Toyota FJ classic car is the carburetor cylinders. But, first, let classics remain to be classics! Like many other classic engines, the F engine uses a carburetor to deliver fuel into cylinders. Apart from the classic feel, the carburetor engine keeps things simple and less costly than modern fuel injection systems. It is less efficient and less powerful but best for those seeking to keep the Toyota FJ classic authentic as the original. The Land Cruisers equipped with the stock F engine include FJ2, FJ40, and FJ45LV models.

The old original F engine features:

9-liter, inline 6, with a carburetor
Fuel: Gasoline
Torque: up to 209 lb-ft of torque @1,800 rpm
Horsepower: up to 12 hp @3600 rpm
Production 1955-1975
Transmission: three-speed or four-speed manual
Great for weekend drives, vintage feel, and off-roading

2. Toyota 2F Engine

For more than 20 years of production, the F engine has gone through many improvements. The engine seemed to improve over time. However, the engine was slowly morphing into something else. F engine increased in size and power. That is how the 2F was born!

Toyota 2f Repair Manual

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The Toyota 2F engine repair manual was prepared to provide information on how to handle general repairs. It is a great book for classic Toyota owners, Toyota FJ being one.

The first 2F was installed on the FJ56V in 1975, other models being powered by the engine followed up to 1988. The engine gave the Toyota Land cruiser the power it needed to cruise in any terrine. In addition, engineers gave Toyota 4×4 a boost in horsepower. The same engine was also seen fit to run the FJ45 troops, a product that was accepted in Australia in the mid-seventies.

Looking closely at the 2F engine, you will notice similar features with 2F engines. The steel fan has only been replaced with a plastic fan, but the cast-iron block still exists. Another distinct change in 2F compared to the F engine is the size. The 2F is more prominent and more efficient. Additionally, its parts are readily available and very easy to replace.

Features of 2F Engine

Production years: 1975-1988
Fuel: Gasoline
Great for: Off-roading, highway driving (5 speed), driving around town.
Carburetor or EFI carburetor: both engines are available for FJ cars.
Horsepower: up to 135 hp@3600 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual or 5-speed manual
Torque: up to 217 lb-ft of torque @1,800 rpm

Land Cruisers fitted with 2F engines included the FJ40, FJ45 troopy, and FJ60.

3. Toyota’s 1FZ Engine: The Modern Monster

The Toyota 1FZ was made under the Land Cruiser 80 series hood. Like other F-series engines, the 1FZ has a cast-iron engine block. The machine also carries the extreme durability and liability of its predecessors. It is also one of the most significant inline-six engines of FJ.

1FZ engine was equipped with the Fuel Injection System from Toyota. Combining the old engine and new technology (EFI) makes the engine a popular choice for people who want a powertrain that inspires on both road and trail. Unfortunately, most Land Cruisers were not equipped with this engine despite being more efficient and powerful. The engine is available in two kinds of transmission; automatic transmission and 5-speed manual transmission. The engine allows it to go back to the classic or modern while maintaining reliability.