engine
performance:
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all:
- Engine Performance
- Spark
- Carburetion
- Exhaust
Engine Performance:
The Toyota F Series motors may not be known for high-revving-seat-of-the-pants-power,
but with a few modifications they will put out more power that you
can feel and can use. Before discussing any enhancements, we recommend
doing a full tune-up to ensure that the
motor is in good shape. When making repairs, we can use stock replacement
items or we can make some modifications to enhance the performance
a bit. Another important issue is SMOG compliance. In most areas
1980 and newer must be able to pass.
There is no silver bullet. A lot of small improvements make a big
difference. The most important part of any modification is tuning
the motor to best use the new improvements. That is how we pay the
bills!
Spark:
The spark makes the explosion that makes the truck move. Better
spark equals better movement. On early F series motors (early '70's
through '79) many had a vacuum retard distributor. That just does
not do real well but it will match the carb of that year. Switching
to a NON USA vacuum advance distributor will make a significant
difference in power and access to the power. The semielectronic
distributors, small cap, from around ’76-’78 are nothing
special. Although they are a bit more waterproof than the early
NON USA dist they do not respond well to power requests. ’79
and newer fully electronic, large cap, distributors are great and
only require normal maintenance.
The NON USA dist is a points-style distributor. We install an electronic
ignition conversion module into it to improve reliability. The
cost to convert from an early vacuum retard or a semielectronic
distributor to an electronic NON USA dist. With new plugs and wires
is $525 installed.
We can also install a late model 2F fully electronic dist into any
F series motor. The main advantage to this is it is almost 100%
waterproof and uses all OEM parts. The side lifter cover will need
to be replaced at the same time to allow for the large cap. These
distributors are becoming difficult to get from Toyota new. We have
some in stock and are attempting to buy more as they become available
in the OEM inventory. Occasionally we find good used units for a
discount. Call us if you need a used unit. We install a new
large cap dist with side cover for $775.
The dist needs to be able to send the spark to the plugs. We
offer fully custom MSD 8MM plug wires for $115 installed.
The stock coil, while it puts out a very hi voltage, can be improved
upon. We like the MSD 6A Spark Control System. The nice thing about
this is that it is a piggyback system to your existing system so
if either fails the other continues to function. We build a custom
insulated mount for the 6A and use only waterproof, vibration resistant
connections. The plugs are re-gapped to allow for the bigger spark.
You will see better starts, smoother running and more power higher
in the power band than stock. The MSD 6A upgrade costs $375
installed.
There are quite a few other spark controls on the market. We have
used most of them. If there is one you prefer let us know. We will
be happy to provide it.
Carburetion:
Basically you have 3 options:
1. Stock carb with emissions intact.
When the emissions work correctly, and they usually do, you get
smooth running, easier starts, better gas mileage and low emissions.
The downside is a very complicated emissions system which must
be maintained and a small loss of power over a non smog truck.
Most people who use their truck as a daily driver or for mild
trail use are better off keeping the system stock provided it
has not been butchered in the past; many are butchered. The carb
does well off road with little issues with fuel starvation at
angle.
The emissions system generally works and we have spent many hours
learning how they work and what it takes to get a truck to pass
smog testing. Many performance issues are directly related to
a malfunctioning emissions system. We rebuild OEM carbs to either
emissions spec or to NON USA specs. Base price on the rebuild
is $375 plus $75 for the install.
2. Stock carb rebuilt to NON USA non smog specs
Contrary to popular belief there is a lot more involved in de
smogging a truck than just pulling all the smog crap and re routing
a few vacuum lines. We see a lot of backyard de-smogs! Don’t
do it unless you know what you are doing and have rebuilt the
carb for NON SMOG. It will never run right!
The NON USA option is what is referred to when it is said a truck
is “de smogged” This involves rebuilding the carb
to NON USA spec then re configuring the emissions system doing
away with much of it. The advantage of this set up is better power,
better acceleration, and a much cleaner engine bay. The downside
is slightly more difficult starts, especially when hot and a loss
of gas mileage; usually around 10%. Of course there is the issue
with smog laws and visual compliance. We have had good luck getting
trucks to pass but will not guarantee smog test passing. The NON
USA carb excelles off road in most any situation.
We recommend the NON USA set up to customers who are ALREADY
missing most of their emissions system, who live in non smog areas
or those who want the best possible off road performance. Also,
the early smog systems, 1978 and older, do not add much to the
truck except for a restoration. We suggest removing all emissions
from early model truck coupled with a NON USA rebuilt carb. A
full de-smog of a late model 2F will run around $550 with a rebuilt
carb installed. We often combine this with a full tune up. This
saves you some money and us some time. We price all package projects
on a job by job basis.
3. Aftermarket carb without emissions.
For many years it was assumed that to get any performance out
of an F series motor you had to replace the carb. That just is
not true. The Webber carbs are still very popular, any monkey
can have one installed and tuned in less than an hour. The only
problem is that it will never run quite right. No matter how it
is adjusted it is either too rich or too lean for a given condition.
The Webbers do well off road if tuned correctly but then they
wont do well on road! The cost of a Webber is about the same as
the cost for a NON USA rebuilt carb. We stay with the AISAN OEM
carbs. We do not install Webber carbs.
We have had great success with Holley carbs. We run them on some
of our own trucks with super results. Plenty of power and great
gas mileage. The big advantage of the Holley is that each and
every part of it can be modified and dialed in to the specific
situation that is experienced. That is also the downside of the
Holley. It takes many adjustments and modifications to make a
Holley work correctly. Bottom line we wont install it on customers
trucks as it is too much of a PITA to get right. It can take 10
tries and $800 to get it right. We just cant put ourselves or
you through that. We are more than happy to share any Holley knowledge
we have. If you like to tinker go for it. Drop us a mail with
questions.
Occasionally, it is possible to get aftermarket carbs to pass
smog testing but generally it is more trouble than it is worth.
Exhaust:
There are a bunch of different options here.
Stock exhaust manifold/headers:
The stock exhaust manifold is very strong cast iron. It holds heat
in well and lasts a long time. It structure helps prevent it from
warping against the head thus creating leaks. UNFORTUNATELY, It
is also rather restrictive and does not allow the engine to breathe
well.
Many different manufacturers market assorted headers for the F
series motors. You do get more horsepower right off the bat. It
also transfers a great deal more heat into the engine compartment
and, due to the design, transfers more heat to the floorboard area
in 40, 55 and 60 Series trucks. They are made out of cut steel plate
and thin tubing. The plate can be difficult to seal up correctly
against the head and often leaks. The tubes become very hot and
will rust over time. There are headers made that are SMOG compliant.
We recommend headers for those that want the most power possible
out of their motor and for those whose original cast iron manifold
is cracked and should be replaced. We have installed many headers
and can get them to seal up correctly. If your stock system is intact
and not cracked or leaking we suggest you keep what you have.
All headers will give you more power and all headers will eventually
leak or rust out. It is a simple trade off. We can help you decide
which route is best for your truck.
The basic price for a header install is between $350 and $500
depending on the style of header and general exhaust and engine
condition. We do strongly suggest that you let us have your
headers ceramic coated. It will reduce under hood temperatures and
extend the life of the header. We charge an additional $175
for this service. Some headers are available from the factory
ceramic coated.
We do not recommend headers for the 3FE motor. It is too much
work for very limited results. If there is a need to remove your
stock system for other repairs we will have the stock exhaust manifold
ceramic coated.
Exhaust system:
40 Series:
With a stock exhaust manifold, a stock exhaust or a stock style
aftermarket exhaust is perfect. This usually runs around $200
with a hi flow muffler.
If a header is installed we can use bigger pipes but still follow
the stock routing more or less. $200-$225
60 Series:
Much the same as the 40 Series with a stock manifold. We can add
a hi flow catalytic converter and a hi flow muffler such as a Flowmaster.
It will be better than stock but not an amazing difference. $300-$400
depending on muffler and cat.
We can do the same as above with larger pipes when using a header.
$350-$450 depending on muffler and cat.
62 Series:
The bastard stepchild of the Land Cruiser family can really benefit
from exhaust improvements but it is also a complicated and expensive
proposition.
Generally, we install slightly larger pipes going to 2 hi flow cats
in the stock location then to a Flowmaster muffler. You will feel
a real difference in power. The main drawback is that the one exhaust
pipe still moves outside the frame rail and one cat is located outside
of the frame rail. This “super stock” set up will
run around $800.
Another, better option, is to run both down pipes to a double, hi
flow cat then to the Flowmaster. This keeps both pipes straighter
and within the frame rails. It makes the system more efficient and
safer off road. This set up runs around $1100.
With either exhaust option you will notice dramatic improvements
in your 3FE.
80 Series:
The stock 80 Series exhaust is rather well suited for the motor.
Of course, we are only talking about the 1993 and newer 80 Series.
Early 1991-92 80 Series fall into the FJ 62 category. There are
full systems and cat back systems available. All are rather expensive.
We do not suggest removing a good exhaust system for the limited
gains of an aftermarket system. If the system is ripped off or rusted
out we can point you in the right direction.
Prices subject to change, please call or stop
by for an exact estimate for your vehicle.
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