Hello Tilted79,
Welcome.
Your post reads like you are a serious DIYer.
The V-6 Vortec swap is my first choice for a “practical” and increase in HP with reliability.
The interesting thing about V-6 Vortec is you can build it nearly anyway you want it and its every bit as reliable as any Toyota engine.
My desirable choice is a Chevy 5.3L V8 LM4 Aluminum block.
Any Chevy engine swap is going to be a challenge. Space is limited.
The other issue is a Chevy V-6 Vortec is going to weigh a little over 100 lbs. more than a 22RE, so that extra weight on the front end will be noticeable.
Staying with Toyota.. I’d just swap in a 22RE or 22R stroker.
There is probably a good number of posts and threads on a V-6 Vortec swap on a number of Toyota forums.
The guys I knew that did engine swaps always said “There’s a lot more to it than you think.
Your budget should have some padding, and you’d better be a good fabricator or have a buddy that is.”
Please keep us updated on your project.
Gnarls.
