Topic: 4runner engine options

[superyota]

well, i'm picking up a early 90's runner with a bad 3.0.  here are a few details on the truck...
it has headers, msd ignition,r150f tranny, lifted with 35's, 5.29's front and rear(still ifs and coils in rear) with detroit in rear and open front.  68k miles, super clean with no dents or dings, interior is spotless.  anyways, trying to figure out if i want to put another 3.0 in it or not.  the other options i have is put a 22re in it with a w56, or a 5.3 vortec motor with a th350 and a aa adapter and toy tcase(already have it so thats why i would use this setup if i went 5.3).  let me know what you guys think.  the sas will be done at the same time as motor install, so lift will depend on motor weight.

[dniel]

The 3.4 is supposed to be quite easy to swap in place and is a great motor. I would not go to the trouble to swap in a 22r unless it is just a cost saving measure. If you have the time and money the 5.3 would be the best option. It would probably beat the 3.4 in gas milage and would have a lot more power. I have my doubts about how long a Toyota case would live behind a modern v8. Your talking more than twice the power of a 22r. 

[4RunnerChevy]

If you already have the 5.3 and adapter, it seems that would be the most cost effective way to go.

[superyota [OP]]

i don't have a motor just yet.  the 5.3 with harness and ecu and all accessories only costs $550.  i think it would be the cheapest swap and maybe the easiest.  it uses the stock body harness, and has a stand alone ecu.  the only thing is how the rest of the drivetrain will hold up. i thought about a 3.4 but from i've researched they are a bit more money than what i have to spend. 

[toyotaman92]

I swapped in a 03 4.3 with a 4l60e and the AA hookup to twin yota cases and it works good with good power. I pulled my 22re out of my 92 pickup cuz it didnt have the power i wanted to spin 37s. with the 5.3 you will have a tight engine compartment and might have to cut firewall or radiator supports. I had to switch to electric fans and an aluminum radiator for the 4.3.

[dniel]

If you can get a 5.3 for that cheap you should go that route. Your not likely to do a 3.4 swap for that. You could always sell your toyota cases and go full size stuff. I think someone makes a doubler to put a dana 300 on the back of whatever t-case comes with a th350, 203 or 205 maybe I'm not really a chevy guy. A 300 will allow you front and rear disco and you can get a super stout output for it. I will go the dana 300 rout if I can't keep my rear toyota case together.

[toytank]

everyone here is doing the 3rz swap its pretty quick and easy . phil designed motormounts and we are going to start putting them into production soon.

[bigarms23]

i do a 4.3v6 or the 5.3 it all depends on how much you want to spend on a motor

[Cheesemaker]

I'd go with the 3rz setup personally.  Either way your gonna have to do some mods to it.  The 3rz would be a easier swap than the 5.3, since your gonna have to cut out your core support.  And the 3rz has more than enough power and torque for your rig.  I've known guys that dropped a 4.3 in and only to have their ass's spanked by a 3rz.  Ask Bigmike about him passing Dean on the way to Shaver up the four lane! 

The thing about the 5.3 is that it's putting out more power than the drivetrain can handle.  Many people have regretted putting v8's in their toys.  That's my 
 

[Dingman.]

If you can find a 3.4 for cheap.

I have less than $1500 into the swap i did.

[superyota [OP]]

well, i decided to try to salvage the 3.o that is in it.  if its just head gaskets, then i'll swap them out and hope they last a while.  if the bottom end is toast, then its getting a 5.3.  i'll keep a post up as the work gets done.