1985 Toyota Land Cruiser with LS Engine is a Legendary Combo

FrankenYota

Yes, you read that title right.  This '85 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 recently sold at the auction is powered by Chevy's small-block 5.3L LS V8.  You might find this concoction offensive, but honestly, the prior owner created such an interesting synergy of the Eastern and Western auto worlds it's worth taking a closer look.

Photos courtesy of Bring A Trailer.

American Soul

The 5.3L LS V8 dropped in the Land Cruiser's engine bay boosted power for this old-school FJ from roughly 135hp with its 4.2L I6 to somewhere between 270-376 with the 5.3L (depending on the generation used). Additional parts required for the swap included an adapter from Advanced Adapters, a custom steering pressure hose, electric fan, Spectre cold air intake system, A/C system and compressor, a custom exhaust system with Flowmaster muffler, and new starter motor. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS swapped 1985 Land Cruiser right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Classic Interior

The tan and brown interior has been refurbished with new vinyl coverings on the seat bolsters.  The rest of the interior is retro 'Yota.  Regarding that stick on the floor, power is sent to two or all four wheels via Toyota's H55 5-speed manual transmission and 2-speed transfer case. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS swapped 1985 Land Cruiser right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Two-toned

Bodywork prior to the repaint included sandblasting various areas and rebuilding a spot on the tailgate and an area under the windshield.  The retro two-tone green and white paint scheme was then applied, and the grille, headlights, turn signals, side mirrors, and taillights were replaced with parts from Specter Off-Road.

>>Join the conversation about this LS swapped 1985 Land Cruiser right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Lifted, a Little

An Old Man Emu suspension was installed providing a 2″ lift to this FJ.  Aftermarket 15″ alloy wheels wear 33×10.5″ BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.  The brake master cylinder, front brake rotors, rear brake cylinders, and parking brake cable were all replaced just before it was brought to auction. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS swapped 1985 Land Cruiser right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

LS Worthy

With the odometer showing 175,000 miles, this retro-chic build brings on some hardcore '80s nostalgia with the gumption of American muscle to back it up.  If this legendary combo piques your interest, know that the FJ60 market regularly generates between $15,000 and $22,000 on auction sites, depending on spec and equipment; deep-pocketed collectors forecast further appreciation.  The highest bid as of May 2019 for this FJ60 Land Cruiser was $23,250. 

>>Join the conversation about this LS swapped 1985 Land Cruiser right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

For help with service and maintenance of your car check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com.