Author Topic: Engine swap options (Read 4713 times)

jrock · « **on:** Apr 01, 2011, 07:14:23 PM »

I'm looking some info on engine swaps. I have a 1989 4Runner with a 3.0 and an auto. I've been toying with the idea of swapping to a v8 so I can use the runner for towing but mostly it'll be used for a DD.

I have looked a lot into the 1UZ with the auto and an adapter to gear t-case. Then someone started me on a 5.3 Chevy with the 4L60E. I like the 1UZ for the light weight and Toyota-ness. The 5.3 is a long lasting engine. I haven't looked to much into 2UZ but it's an option.

What are some thoughts.

R.DesJardin · « **Reply #1 on:** Apr 01, 2011, 07:59:02 PM »

My unbiased opinion

"If you want to wheel with a Bowtie powertrain go buy Chevy pickup", don't ruin your Yota. 3RZ or 5VZ swap is the way to go.

bigarms23 · « **Reply #2 on:** Apr 01, 2011, 08:42:08 PM »

it would be easier just swapping in a 3.4 v6

jrock · « **Reply #3 on:** Apr 02, 2011, 07:08:55 AM »

No more v6. I don't like them. If I swap anything it will be a v8

R.DesJardin · « **Reply #4 on:** Apr 02, 2011, 07:51:19 AM »

V8? crap and my dilemna is upgrading my 22r to a 2RZ or 3RZ, hmmmmmmmm......................................makes a guys stop and think........................mind made up Toyota motor only, not a V8, still need to have reliable drivetrain life. Simple decision, I don't DD mine I use it to play. I don't need freeway passing power it's rural road to the mnts from here, and a trailer haul to anywhere else. The Toyota/Lexus V8's are huge and the I6's are longggggg. A local guy has a Lexus in his Runner, great for DD, not so much wheelin', won't lug just wants to rev up and go and that don't work all the time. But I'm biased.

81_yota · « **Reply #5 on:** Apr 02, 2011, 10:33:38 AM »

There's lots of guys doin supra motor swaps

bigarms23 · « **Reply #6 on:** Apr 02, 2011, 11:32:01 AM »

if you want a v8 than try a 4.7 tundra motor

jrock · « **Reply #7 on:** Apr 02, 2011, 01:18:51 PM »

Quote from: bigarms23 on Apr 02, 2011, 11:32:01 AM

if you want a v8 than try a 4.7 tundra motor

Okay, the 2UZ. I was thinking about that one for the towing aspect.

peacesells · « **Reply #8 on:** Apr 02, 2011, 01:39:57 PM »

Do a 5.3 and an automatc, much easier swap than a 1 or 2uz, more power/tq and parts are cheap. as much as I like the 1uz, its too much of a hassle to swap.

jrock · « **Reply #9 on:** Apr 02, 2011, 05:03:49 PM »

Ah, thats what I wanted to hear. Do you have an idea on the weight of that engine.

yoshaleng · « **Reply #10 on:** Apr 06, 2011, 01:16:32 AM »

I think the lexus v8 has plenty of power and they're cheaper then the 5.3. Atleast where I'm at anyway.
If you must have a 5L, why not go with tundra 5.7?

89 runner · « **Reply #11 on:** Jul 02, 2011, 10:55:16 PM »

Take a look at the May/June issue of 4wd Toyota Owner magazine for the blue v8 powered 1UZ Lexus ls 400.Its one bad ass truck. ONCE A TOYOTA ALWAYS A TOYOTA.

IronClad · « **Reply #12 on:** Jul 02, 2011, 11:55:31 PM »

Quote from: 89 runner on Jul 02, 2011, 10:55:16 PM

Take a look at the May/June issue of 4wd Toyota Owner magazine for the blue v8 powered 1UZ Lexus ls 400.Its one bad ass truck. ONCE A TOYOTA ALWAYS A TOYOTA.

untill you do a bunch of custom fab changing the leafs/shocks/bumpers/part of the frame/ etc etc etc etc etc

87hillbillyoter · « **Reply #13 on:** Jul 03, 2011, 07:04:20 AM »

how bout a 4bt?

jimbo74 · « **Reply #14 on:** Jul 03, 2011, 07:16:52 AM »

what about using a ford 302 or a chevy 350?

both very venerable engines, and easily available

also, what do you plan on doing about SMOG?

jrock · « **Reply #15 on:** Jul 03, 2011, 10:08:09 AM »

For smog I'm going to pull everything off the donor vehicle including the exhaust setup.

I'm leaning towards the 1UZFE for the weight, reliability, cost and coolness. I don't want to have a heavy ass iron block in this thing. It may become a light duty desert racer.

PS. The 3.0 finally blew up.

TacoRunner · « **Reply #16 on:** Jul 03, 2011, 10:50:45 AM »

3RZ, nice but not an improvement in the power department
4.7 sweet! but headace to put in/to much work
Chevy and Ford, WHY!
4.0 1GR V6 borring and to big
4.0 1UZ V8 hell ya, go with the later years for more power
go with the sc400 for rear sump
91-95 250hp & 260 ft lbs
96-97 260hp & 270 ft lbs
98-00 290hp & 300 ft lbs

4.3 3UZ v8 if you can find one do it. You're on your own with the oil pan thing/i dont know of a swap but that dont mean jack
300hp & 325 ft lbs

topar · « **Reply #17 on:** Jul 03, 2011, 11:23:15 AM »

I have a sbc 350, turbo 400 in my 81 Toyota. I love the power however it has cost me broken parts like crazy. If I was to do it over I would keep the 22R & just gone with dual cases & a propane kit. Just my

Good luck to you & if you go V8 & need some info let me know.

Tofudude · « **Reply #18 on:** Jul 03, 2011, 02:04:57 PM »

what about the 1jz or even a 2jz

83yota · « **Reply #19 on:** Jul 05, 2011, 11:56:15 AM »

i did a 350 swap for less than $500. easy to work on cheap A TON of parts everywhere and you can't beat the sound of a good running small block.

howyadoin · « **Reply #20 on:** Jul 05, 2011, 12:13:24 PM »

Quote from: 83yota on Jul 05, 2011, 11:56:15 AM

i did a 350 swap for less than $500. easy to work on cheap A TON of parts everywhere and you can't beat the sound of a good running small block.

I'd have to agree with this personally...5.3, 5.7, 6.0, LS whatever...basically what you can get your hands on. Great power, great reliability, untouchable aftermarket support, and great value imho.

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