Tradesman’s LandCruiser 40 Series in the Victorian high country.

After many years of loyal service travelling the country for photo shoots and numerous shows, the faithful Toyota 40 Series was in desperate need of some extra horsepower. After much deliberation the engine of choice was a GM 6500 Optimizer V8 diesel with a Garrett Turbo on a custom manifold to suit the 40 series. Replacing a 2H turbo with 54kw at the rear wheels with an engine that gives out three times the power should be an interesting project to say the least!

With the engine on order it was into the workshop to pull out the old engine and strip down the front end to the chassis. The engine has now arrived and the fitting has started. 
Next steps include…

• Clean out engine bay
• Mount bell housing and customize the clutch fork
• Install engine in position so fabrication on the engine mounts can begin.

We will give you more on the conversion as it progresses.

Lowering the engine into place in the 40 Series.

Adjusting the chassis for the new engine in the 40 Series.