Topic: engine swap decision delemma

[doc83]

im sure this has been discussed before but...
im finnaly getting to the point where my 83 22r isnt cutting it for my power needs, big surprise.
im trying to figure out the best engine for swapping for THE LEAST amount of money and EASE of swap, cause im thrifty, and lazy like that.
right now as much as i dont care for cross contaminating it seems as though a 4.3tbi chevy backed by a 700r4 is the way to go, considering i have a 700r4 available allready im leaning this way. Plus i know chevy tbi well.
I allso have 22re swap parts available too though, but considering the small amount of gain, im least tempted to go this route.
3rz sounds nice but im leary because of the smartness of obd2 and how emmisions touchy that can be. plus there a tad expensive once you consider the trans swap and the extra tid bits acossiated with that swap.
unless somone else can speak up with a swap that is smart, or can convince me other wise, it looks like im looking at 22re or 4.3 chevy swap. oh yeah and no turbo....

[THK Matt]

Check out my thread I recently started.. its 4pages already. Im in the same situation as you pretty much.
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=74293

I too am going the 4.3L CPI w/ 700r4/4L60 Route. Ive got info if you're interested and I have a few people to hook u up with if you need more direction.

[yota4x4sc]

the chevy v6 is a pretty basic swap, i done the r to re swap and the wireing sucked, the stupid thing still dont run right, stupid coolent sensor is broken so it will only start when its at 170 deg or startin fluid

[Snowtoy]

The cheapest/easiest route would be to do a power build of the 22r, i.e. larger pistons, valves, port, cam, header, etc.  If you aren't in need of more than 145hp, this would be the way to go and should run you under $1k.  A buddy went this way on his '84 X-cab, and it worked pretty well, he had no problem climbing the Sierra's loaded with gear, running 36's and 5.29's.

[pumkin toy]

to me it sounds like you already have your mind made up!  you said the re swap isnt worth the few extra hp (which I would have to agree)  and the 3rz is too expensive, and you dont want any turbo engines (which would cost more than the 3rz anyways).  Looks like your only choice is the 4.3!

[yota4x4sc]

of do it big and go 5.7..so much more fun in a yota!!!

[THK Matt]

of do it big and go 5.7..so much more fun in a yota!!!

If he is gonna wheel it hard... he better step up in axles though, thats one of the reasons im not going V8.
Good luck on the 4.3L man, I'm doing one right along side ya.

[yota4x4sc]

If he is gonna wheel it hard... he better step up in axles though, thats one of the reasons im not going V8.
Good luck on the 4.3L man, I'm doing one right along side ya.

ya i forgot about that..lol i got 60s

[kneedownnate]

Probably one of the easiest, best fitting and most overlooked engine swaps is the buick v6. 

[66cobra]

need i say more

[THK Matt]

That looks really nice in there!

[doc83 [OP]]

well it seems the 4.3 is the way to go, now that ive seen some picks on how well they fit in there, and i found that i can pick up an astro for 500-800 bucks, cant seem to go wrong.

[pumkin toy]

well it seems the 4.3 is the way to go, now that ive seen some picks on how well they fit in there, and i found that i can pick up an astro for 500-800 bucks, cant seem to go wrong.

yep, my dad has a 4.3/700r4 combo in his 83 mini truck.  the swap came out of an 85 astro I believe.

[boggerunner]

the 4.3 will kill axles, be prepared to upgrade.  and not just the added power, but the weight too. 

[THK Matt]

the 4.3 will kill axles, be prepared to upgrade.  and not just the added power, but the weight too. 

So will a horrible driver with a 22RE :]

[yota4x4sc]

the 4.3 will kill axles, be prepared to upgrade.  and not just the added power, but the weight too. 

ha i seen a vette motor in a stock truck..it handled 

[THK Matt]

the 4.3 will kill axles, be prepared to upgrade.  and not just the added power, but the weight too. 

its not that much bigger then a 3.4L 5VZE, so I'm not seeing such a big problem in weight, performance and such, as far as killing axles goes.

[66cobra]

good quality rear axles and longs up front are a must have and should be part of the arsenal anyway

[motoracer]

my 22r sucks id go with a 4.3

[4RunnerChevy]

I love my 4.3, and its Cali legal.  Pretty basic and the parts are cheap.

[boggerunner]

good quality rear axles and longs up front are a must have and should be part of the arsenal anyway

doesnt do much for the new weakest link, 8" gears

[THK Matt]

doesnt do much for the new weakest link, 8" gears

ill take toyota axles over S10s, ANYDAY!

[Cheesemaker]

I see your from Clovis?  Got to remember that you have to get it ref'd and smogged.  I know it can be done, and alot here has.  But are you willing to deal with them to get the ok to drive it in Cali? 

[hilux-1983]

need i say more

Nice...... Got a build thread on this?

[66cobra]

no build thread just a few pix, although i did build it.thx for the

[12 valve]

i like my 3.8 turbo in my 87 ttype wish i had one in the toy haha.

[THK Matt]

i like my 3.8 turbo in my 87 ttype wish i had one in the toy haha.