HEART TRANSPLANT

RAISED FROM THE DEAD, THIS LANDCRUISER 60 SERIES NOW RUNS AN ISUZU HEART

- MARK ALLEN

WAY back in 1985 Toyota created this FJ62 complete with a four-speed auto and the not-so-mighty 4.0-litre 3F petrol boat anchor that wheezed asthmatic output.

Anti-rust prevention was minimal, the suspension was comparable to a cart, the design and looks were basic ... yet it was a rugged wagon that is still loved to this day.

Although this particular 60 Series was more likely than not destined for the graveyard, Adam had other ideas and set about its resurrection, but with a very different route compared to most other restorations.

Minimal fuel use, a comfortable ride, surplus power, some high-tech wizardry and the adoption of some cool old-school paint and panel modifications were to be the order of the day.

HEART TRANSPLANT

NOPE, a thumping petrol V8 wouldn't be transplanted into this old body, nor would a large-capacity Toyota diesel be squeezed between the rails. Rather Adam and James opted for a well-proven, smaller intercooled turbo-diesel engine from an Isuzu D-MAX.

The renowned 4JJ1 3.0-litre engine was chosen for the Cruiser's heart transplant.

Even its standard 130kW and 380Nm is a huge leap up from the old Toyota engine (115kW-298Nm), and there are easy aftermarket enhancements to double the outputs, while overall reliability and efficiency, plus the engine's compact size, all make it a great engine transplant for not only this older Cruiser, but many other makes and models.