Want to sell my 72FJ and get a 60, more room etc. Concerned about gas mileage and power from the 2F. Wondering if anyone has tried putting the Vortec 4200 from a Trailblazer into a 60? Seems like since the F and 2F came from the Chevy 235 and supposedly the Vortec 4200 6 did so also, it might work. Thoughts?

sorry i have no input, since i am unedjimicated on any of these, other than the 2f, but it is a good and original idea

That engine has a unique bell housing pattern, which kinda locks you into the trans that is offered behind it....I'm convinced that you are not going to improve on the mileage much without sacrificing in other places, too much weight, too little aerodynamics.......unless you go diesel....
Butch

I know Classic Cruisers sells a conversion for an FJ40 to put a V6 Vortec in it. For that kind of money, you should buy an 80 (93+), that has a more powerful V6 than a 2F and you can get a turbo charge kit for it. Or you could buy a 100 with a v8.

My folks have a trailblazer with the 4.2-the mileage isn't all that great. I think they are lucky to get 17-18mpg. I does however pull real strong at higher revs. I would consider swaping one into my 60 but they aren't all that cheap around here. I like the idea of trying something new though.

My follks also have a Trailblazer. That motor has plenty of power and torque to move a 60. However, in my opinion that motor is junk. The sleeves in the motor came loose in my folks motor prior to hitting 48k. Their motor had to be replaced. I think the Chevy dealer in Sheridan, WY where they live have already replaced 4 or 5. This is a town of 18,000 or so. I guess they redesigned the motor some and the problem isn't supposed to happen in 04 and up models. But since the redesign is new, who knows if they will make 50k on them?

I put a TBI 350 in my 60. It didn't improve mileage enough to warrant a conversion price, buying gas is cheaper than the conversion. The power was great. If you do a 350 motor swap and keep everything else stock you can get 18 mpg in a 60. But if you do a motor swap soon things like tires, lift, bumpers, etc... follow and they drop your mileage. In the end I ranged from 9-15mpg. It all depended on the driving, weather, etc... A guy I know put a carbed 305 in his totally stock 60 with a Ranger Overdrive and he gets 16-18mpg. He is real easy on the pedal. But I could pull 16-18mpg with my properly tuned 2f and 33s. So really it isn't that big a deal. If you want Power do a swap, but don't do it for mileage. Unless of course you go diesel!

There's a limit to how much mileage you can get pushing an iron brick though the air regardless of the power train. The diesel gets better mileage but the fuel costs more. It will take several thousands of miles to recoup the cost of a conversion such that in most cases it is not worth it.

The Vortec 4200 was a clean sheet of paper design with nothing in common with the Chevy Stovebolt six.

The best mileage for a FJ60 would be to keep the 2F, swap in GM TBI, multispark ignition box, and tri-Y headers. You are in the 17-18 MPG range now which is sadly about what the 05 Trailblazer's real world numbers are.

The best mileage for a FJ60 would be to keep the 2F, swap in GM TBI, multispark ignition box, and tri-Y headers. You are in the 17-18 MPG range now which is sadly about what the 05 Trailblazer's real world numbers are.

A properly tuned 2F in an FJ60 should get you at least 15 mpg on the highway, my '84 (owned since new) has gotten 16 to 17 mpg consistently. I had an '82 FJ60 for several years that only got 14-15 mpg :confused:

John

IIRC the vortec 4.2's oil pan has a front sump which is made of cast alluminum, and the front axle goes through the pan. This might be a pain in the a$$ to make work with front axle in the 60. That was another reason I don't plan to use this motor some day.

matt