Topic: Help me pick a motor for swap in my 82

[dubs chops]

Guys and Gals, I finally picked up a truck I have wanted forever. its a first gen 4x4 long bed.

It currently has a 22r with a LCE kit, I think this one but it leaks oil and still dont have much pizzaz!
https://www.lceperformance.com/Builder-Series-Street-Engine-Kit-22R-RE-1985-1995-p/1011037.htm

I love this truck but would love it WAY more with an engine swap. This wont be a serious wheeler more of a DD and overland rig. I have been studying swaps for about a week for the 5vz and it looks really tight in the first gen truck.

this brought the 3rz into my mind. Is one of these motors considerably easier than the other? The HP of the 3rz is almost double the 22r but the Tq is just about the same. will my current transmission bolt up to either of these?

I'll continue to study on my own but any insight you guys can offer is GREATLY appreciated.

[redneckcustoms13]

Do your homework. Read through the threads all over this board. 3rz is extremely simple swap once reading and seeing all these threads. Just be prepared for wiring or buy a harness.

[T-Revv]

The 3rz would probably be the easiest.  It fits in nicely. Mikes 1st gen 3rz swap has plenty of power, its a lot of fun to drive.  You can use a W56 with this swap. Depending what year 1st gen your transfer case should bolt up to a W56 A or B.  For a harness I would get a hold of Mike at Offroad Solutions.  read Big Mikes Official 3RZ Swap Thread on the engine section of the forum.  A 5VZE would be great, and a little more unique.  More power. but a little more work.   Or you could really get crazy and put like a 2JZ or 1UZ in there. 

[T-Revv]

SPUDS015 is putting a 5vze in an 82.  Build thread in the projects section.  worth checking out to see if that is something you are up to.

[dubs chops [OP]]

Thanks guys, I am reading big mikes swap thread now. I think id be plenty happy with the 3vz. I messaged him to see if he ever started making those engine mounts.

[redneckcustoms13]

No, but they are available from toy only swaps. Do not waste your time with chilkats

[84 yota dude]

cummins r2.8!

[H8PVMNT]

The 3RZ is good.  My personal preference for a 1st gen would be a hotter carbed 20r or 22r, but I'm weird .

[spuds015]

I'm doing the 5vz in my 81. The problem with the first gens is the hood design. It drops faster and steeper towards the front making verticle clearance tight and the engine bays are also a little shorter than the 2nd gen I beleive. Side to side there is plenty of room. A 4 cylinder is the easiest since you can just use a w56 or the w59 and the 22r radiator is enough for the 2/3rz. 6 cylinder requires new cooling system, custom power steering lines, r150 trans and 23 spline input gears for the tcase depending which v6 tcase adapter you run. Advance Adapters has a kit that runs the 21 spline gears with the v6 trans. You may also run into steering clearance issues depending on how your front end is setup. A 22re fuel tank will bolt into the 1st gen frame with some spacing and the fuel pump is sufficient to run either 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder engines. I chose the 5vz cuz I had a Tacoma and loved that engine. It's reliable and has plenty of power. I got a complete donor truck which also is a huge help. Hope this helps.

[kneedownnate]

Google “buick 231 v6 swap” and get back to me

[OVRAROK]

iirc the Buick had an odd fire, and even fire. The odd fire is the one you want

[kneedownnate]

I thought it was the other way around   Oddfire sounds like a v8, evenfire ran smoother and had more power.  I got one years ago from a board member, supposedly rebuilt, but it’s never turned over freely.  Came with toyota swap headers, edelbroc intake and 500 cfm carb

[mudmaster]

I believe the odd fire is a 225?

[Slabzilla]

231 evenfire, 225 odd fire, newer v.s. older, then there's the 4.3 chev.  Personally I'd go for the 3RZ, all toyota easy to install and goes like stink, good on fuel.   

[redneckcustoms13]

I have a 231 that is .030 over with an after market camshaft. It was in an 83 Toyota show truck that was built by Downey if my sources are correct. It was pretty quick. Just not my cup of tea.

[gnob]

Steer clear of the Buick bs.  I had one and it was a turd.

[Wildbill]

I’ve swapped both odd and even fire 231 Buick v-6s into VW busses. They vary from mild to wild. Kenne Belle built some Grand National Buick’s v-6s that put out over 500hp, and ran in the 7’s! The advantages to that engine is it’s short
But Its out of production so long term parts could be an issue. Easy to work on, a Holly 600 with vacuum secondaries give good throttle response and sings up top. Advanced Adapters has off the shelf adapter plates for the trans. I’ve had a lot of fun with that motor, but a SBC is cheap with endless parts. Advanced Adapters has a kit for Toyota Trucks. We’re actually using one in an extended Cab Toyota. Swaps will put lead in your pencil, lots to consider, ha ha!