I kind of get the "it's big" argument with the Coyotes and stuff, but I'm not sure that argument holds up in a FSJ. Especially for the guys running a body lift anyway. And since the modular Fords don't have the spark plugs way down next to the heater box; they're more on top, you can't argue that they're impossible to work on either. Additionally there are a LOT of guys who put them in early Broncos...if they fit there I would HOPE they fit in a FSJ. Am I missing something here? They're aluminum do they're not super heavy...
As far as parts go, you kinda just need to know your equipment, right? And they're still using the Coyote in the F-150s, and Mustangs, and have been for over a decade now--as long as you know what you have what's the problem? It's certainly not going to be any worse than having to ask for axle parts for a '74, engine parts for a '70 Buick (or SBC because they use the same parts but the Buick doesn't come up in the system), a voltage regulator for a '71, and dome lights for an '88...never done anything like that before lol
The other thing I forgot to bring up in my first post--as far as 6s go I have two 6-cylinders I like, ok, 3 if you mod the one, but that's pretty much it.
First there's the new Hurricane from Mopar--finally a straight 6 that brings all of the available technology at the time into one good, light, and powerful engine. My only issue with it is that now it's time for EVs--Mopar is late to the "make a really good engine" game.
Second I really like the Ecoboost V6--it's just a good all-around engine. It lasts, makes decent power, can be modded to make ridiculous power (exhibit A--the Ford GT Mk2), and doesn't suck TOO much gas in it's tamer forms.
The other one I like is the old Tornado that came in the FSJs originally. Really it's not a bad design, it just suffers from a lack of support and low compression. I've read that LS pistons work...up it to 9 or 10:1 compression, 3d print an ITB setup and give it multiport injection (mass air), a good flowing exhaust, and high-output ignition, and it should be good to go. Also Renault adopted that engine and made racing versions through the '70s--none of this stuff would be cheap but it would be an incredibly impressive engine, and then if you added turbos...
As far as transmissions go, you're just never gonna beat the efficiency of a manual; whether it be a true manual or a sequential (which, I highly doubt anybody would need something that shifts that fast in an FSJ, except for the handful of drag cars). Only advantage is that you don't have to mess with the clutch yourself, depending on the sequential setup, which I suppose would be nice for the crawlers.
@SJohn, I also like the 2JZ; I just don't feel like the FSJ is a good application for something with so little torque
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)
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There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.