Help needed for LJ80s

[drg]

Hey!
I got a super deal on 3 LJ80's (79,80 & 81). Two of them are running but all need work ($400.00 for the works). One is the truck stye, ne is a soft top, and the other was a hard top that they made into a soft top. Jealous? don't be. I have to drag them home from 8 hrs away.

Anyhow, what is the best engine swap for these things, I did an Sj410 with a tracker motor, but want something.., well better.

Anybody know the pros and cons of this. Some one said VW others have said Vitara. I need details cause I will do the work myself (over the next 100 years).

Thanks for your help!!

Dr. G

[TheSarg]

Ironic, i just scored a deal fer 2 LJ80's and have pulled the decrepid 797cc motor out already and am in the middle of an engine transplant myself. If it was the only truck i'd be running i'd recommend the VW turbo diesel. ifnot, the 1.6 would be my recommendation.

If you need anything i'd be happy to help,

Sarg

[longy442]

btw sarge. I was just at a place near owen sound yesterday who sell zook parts and he had just picked up a couple old lj's. So if you need any part email me and i'll give you his number or email address. Nice guy and seems fairly cheap. I just got to mint doors $20 each, and windsheild frame with glass almost know rust for $50. hit me at longy@bmts.com

[TheSarg]

Swwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet when we gunna go cruise Grand bend in the LJ's dude?

[longy442]

No my door were for a sami, but he may have some lj parts you need. I'd love to take the sami to grandbend but it would take weeks to drive there. check your email for the email addy for the lj parts

[TheSarg]

Awesomethanks dude, c'mon down to my lil shop of horrors theres a beer waitin fer ya

Sarg

[drg]

Help Needed
I am heading North to drag the first LJ home. I think I am going to try and go with an audi 1.9 L Turbo charge and add airconditioning just for fun. Should I change the tranny to a sammy five speed for the highway?
No matter what I do I guess I will need an adapter plate for the bell housing. Any suggestions on where to get one?

Dr G

[Mudslug]

Man I would kill for a decent stock LJ soft top....sigh....

Anyone wanna trade a good one for a roll cage?

[TheSarg]

Should I change the tranny to a sammy five speed for the highway?

Well regardless upon whether you have a 4 spd or a 5 spd gearbox the final drive ratio in top gear is still 1:1. The difference being is you will get a little more power out of each gear beacuse the ratio's are closer and your shifting will allow you to stay higher up into the power ban of the engine (most power is @ higher rpms in Zuk's). None of this, however will change your top speed , it will just give you more usable gears for around town.

my $0.02

Sarg

[MuddMachine]

btw sarge. I was just at a place near owen sound yesterday who sell zook parts and he had just picked up a couple old lj's. So if you need any part email me and i'll give you his number or email address. Nice guy and seems fairly cheap. I just got to mint doors $20 each, and windsheild frame with glass almost know rust for $50. hit me at longy@bmts.com

Sounds like Glen. Hey MudSlug........ money talks :D

[Mudslug]

Ya ya but I just bought a house, no way I can pay for a new toy but I can trade work.

Oh well one day...