Jonathan Ward took ICON’s newest creation, a 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 for a drive. Power comes from an all-aluminum LSx V8 connected to a 4L65E automatic transmission. Unfortunately Jonathan doesn’t give too many details about the engine so it is very difficult to know exactly what model it is. ICON lists two engine options on their website, 390 hp/420 lb-ft and 450 hp/470 lb-ft with both being 5.7 L displacement and 10.1:1 compression. Behind the transmission sits an Atlas II transfer case connected to a Dynatrac Dana 44 up front and Dana 60 in the rear both running 4.09 gears.
Source: Jonathan Ward
Neat and really well made, but is it really even a Toyota LC anymore?, it is basically a completely new vehicle not a LC with a LSx swap, does not seem to be in keeping with the general types of vehicles featured here.
That’s the great thing about engine swap projects. Each person can have their opinion whether the car still retains the “spirit” it was originally built with. It is fun to discuss the advantages and disadvantages engine swaps bring the donor. As to whether this is keeping with the general type of vehicles? I feature all kinds of projects, from “bolt-in” swaps to projects that are completely custom and ridiculous. I try my best to feature a wide range of projects.
You sir, do a really good job.
Thank you.
When someone has a heart transplant are they still the same person or do you ask if they are even the same person? I own an original FJ40 and am glad to see people completely going through these giving them more life.
I own a rare FJ-43 but the engine is weak. The top speed is very limited.
My distance I can drive is very short. So myself would live to switch my engine and axles out. Ide keep the original parts as an option for the next owner to have that option to switch back if they wanted to.
I think I’m ready to make the jump. Not sure if I’m using a modern Touota engine or go the LS route. Pondering…hmmm