1989 Montero Build

[Burlwoody]

I have had my Monty for a few years now, LOVE this Truck. Unfortunately after some mishaps and a crappy ATL mechanic that installed then seized the new motor on it's maiden voyage, so my buddy has been sitting waiting for me to finally get him back on the road. Now I am ready. I am how ever in need of some help with a few resources. I am in search of a reasonable priced, quality (with warranty) re-manufactured (or rebuilt) engine. I am also in need the exterior weather stripping for the exterior base of the rear window.

the goal here is to keep the basic stock format with some simple upgrades;

electric cooling fan.
upgrade radiator to aluminum
upgrade front bumper to ARB w/wench mount
snorkel
raise venting lines for drive train
Roof rack system
Rhino line interior
Repaint exterior
fix any little non working gadgets (headlight washers)
remove or re tint windows


already done;

Bilsteins all around
BFG A/T Tires (staying with 31in as this will be daily driver and for medium overland, light hauling and road trips.)
K&N air

I believe this truck was built incredibly well done stock for most purposes a durable reliable solid truck. I am also curious if anyone has experience with a couple mods I am thinking of;

High flow Catalytic converter? what effects were found more power? lower fuel economy?
lockers of newer SR model, worth the hunt and effort?
always entertaining reasonable ideas.

I wanna budget all this for around $4500-$5000. Lucky for me I have an awesome mechanic down here working with me here in Jacksonville FL.

[scrubber3]

See if Jasper engines has something for you.

To start, I'd Ditch the idea of a high flow cat unless one is needing to be replaced. You won't see much of any improvement anywhere. I'd also not do an electric cooling fan either. There is not much benefit in that as it just uses amps that could go elsewhere. The stock clutch based fan in those is up to whatever task you need. You won't gain any power from it. Unless you put a much stronger engine in it, those little horsepower increasing ideas are pretty much useless as these don't make enough power to see any benefit from them. This includes the K&N. To be honest, I'd go back to a paper filter as the K&N lets way too much get by it.

Everything else is a good idea though. A rear locker makes an entire world of difference. I have been in a few instances where I was struggling big time and with the flip of a switch stopped all struggles and proceeded on my way. Depending on where you live should have an impact on rino lining the interior as well. Also, be prepared for alot of road noise. Not a bad idea if you intend on getting wet though. Just add a drain plug or two.

[Burlwoody]

Thanks for the input! I am on the fence about modifying the exhaust I am hoping to get a lil better MPG or power as long as the trade off makes sense. do manual hubs really make a MPG difference? Durability? I do want to do a dual battery system maybe upgrade the alternator and add a small air compressor. I live in Jacksonville FL so some there will be some fording and muddy trails.

My eventual goal is to build this truck up to be a long distance on and off road vehicle, primarily hitting hunting and back wood trails on my bucket list is to tour South/Central America.

as this project progresses I am hoping to resource some fun overland trips, suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[SOFpirate]

I suggest manual hubs anyways to preserve the drivetrain. But remember the farther you go from stock (within reason) the more likely it'll break. The biggest deal is engines are at their optimal performance stock and new.

But if you do decide ... PICS!

[Burlwoody]

I agree, many engineers much smarter than I designed this far better than I could ever modify so the goal is to do minor renovations and or upgrades that would have most benefit with minimal change to stock performance. not a rock crawler or mud bogger a pure all around get up and go on/off road rig. Right now Buddy is at my mechanics Waiting for me to Hunt down a reputable rebuilt (re-manufactured) Motor to revive him. Any referrals on where to find that motor are GREATLY appreciated!!! Also I need a set of exhaust manifolds (as the hammer head who installed, then blew, then uninstalled the last motor lost them...)

anybody with stock parts resources or has some extras, please forward any info, Please!

I will slide down there and take some Photos Soon!

P.S. Scrubber3 I checked out Jasper and they got nuthin fo me man... I appreciate the suggestion though!

I have found a good few rebuilders but I hope to find someone with first hand experience of quality of work. If I could find a NOS engine somewhere that would be awesome. Found one a while ago but couldn't pull the trigger on $3750 for the motor alone...

[fatrat]

I suggest manual hubs anyways to preserve the drivetrain.

X2...by far the best mod I've done to date!

[scrubber3]

X2...by far the best mod I've done to date!

I do keep the flanges as spares when I go out just in case though. I have never had a problem out of the times I have gone out, but you never know.

If you could tell us about where you are located, we could probably help you finding a reputable engine tech, or engine.

[Burlwoody]

At this point due to the previous engine debacle, I have no core, so I would need a whole new engine. The Montero motor for this model/year is nowhere really to be found here in Jacksonville Fl and it gets pretty pricey when adding up a decent used engine then having it rebuilt... prefer to purchase already rebuilt motor. I am hoping to not kill the budget on step one... I have heard of other 6g72 Engines being converted over to fit as it was used in so many vehicles but am hard pressed to find conformation that these are matched for the configuration of the Montero...

[cjm]

The wire will have all your answers!
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/postli...=0&Board=UBB69

[Burlwoody]

Thanks CJM, I have post over there hopefully I can get some good hits!