Engine Swap, 4.3 v6 questions

[tribliska]

I've got an '80 Toy pickup and have been thinking about swapping out the 'ol 20R and putting in something bigger--plus the 20R keeps having problems and it's becoming a $$ pit.  I do not know much about swapping an engine or how much work is involved so I was hoping I could gain some wisdom from those more experienced.  I heard swapping in a 4.3l v6 is a popular choice but I was hoping I could get some info on how much I should plan to spend and how involved of a project it is exactly.  Thanks!

[FIREBALL]

The swap isn't too bad. It's going to take some time, and some fabrictation. (mostly minor fab work, unless you want to do more) Most of the things you need for the swap are available through aftermarket companies. Bell housing, motor mounts, wiring harness, etc.
Depending on how much you pay for the motor, and if you are able to do your own wiring, and build things like your own motor mounts, the cost will be roughly between $1500 and $3000.
There are a couple of threads on the pirate board outlining cost with differant variations, and other information about the swaps.
Do a search, here, on the pirate board, and on the internet.

[tribliska]

Thanks, I did some more research and found a couple good links  http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/other/v6swap.html  and  http://www.mindspring.com/~jayk3/toyota/swaps.htm.  From what I read, it seems that I would need to swap out the tranny too.  Has anyone ever ran a v6 with the 4 spd and had it blow up?

[Ferg]

PM'd ya.

[Plowking]

here is another link as well, I am in the same boat different power plant


http://www.offroadsolutions.com/products/engine_upgrades.htm

[FIREBALL]

I don't think i'd run the 4spd. I would pm malrin and ask him his opinion on that one. You have several tranny choices though. You can run a yota 5spd, preferably an R150 or 151, but some of the others will work. Or you can run a Chevy tranny, 700R4 auto, and adapt it to the yota t-case.
I'm running the R151 that came in my V6 4runner. I'm not a fan of auto's, but it's pretty much personal opion.

[freds40]

FYI, I had talked to Rocky about this a bit when Marlin built my w56 HD and he said a w56 would last for a little while and an HD would last a little longer than that. I was never too comfortable with that time frame. I'd say if you go Toy tranny and want it to last, go 150 or 151 like stated above

[FIREBALL]

I would feel ok with a 56HD, but not a 4spd. Although I think the 4spd has a good main shaft.

[tribliska]

Cool.  Thanks for the help guys.  I'll shoot for the 150/151 to be safe.

[tribliska]

Will the R150 or R151 be able to bolt up to the '80 transfer case without any adapter? 

[dj]

  If you are going to rock crawl You should seriously consider an automatic, I do not really like autos myself but you can build a th350 where it will hold up extremely well under very harsh conditions 700r4 has a much lower 1st gear but it is somewhat undesireable because they are such weak pieces of crap, and there are so many part varations. I have an 82 with approximatly a 400hp 350/TH350 combo with a downey adapter coupling it to my wonderful   I wheel it extremely hard and have no problems with it
or the toyota transfers that I was told would not hold up, the important thing is to keep it mintianed and keep it cool, I have never had the tranny overheat and I drive the crap out of it. However when I built it I used hardened sprags, and machined the surface of the low and reverse piston down to allow the addition of extra steel and friction discs. 

[FIREBALL]

  uh ya.

Both the 150 and 151 will hold up no prob.
No, the '80 case won't bolt up, you'll have to get the adapter for that too. (i know, crap, another adapter to buy)

[tribliska]

Bummer .  Seems like this could get expensive.  What transmissions do most 4.3l V6 engines come with?  It seems like it may be easier and cheaper to pull an engine and tranny together and transplant it into my truck rather than try to adapt everything.  Are there some standard trannies coupled to the V6 that would be an easier swap, like a TH350? Then I would only have to buy the t-case adapter (or am I dreaming?).  I wouldn't mind having an auto...they do ride smoother, but would really like to hear your opinions.  Thanks.

[dj]

  any chevrolet transmission will bolt up to the 4.3, it probably came out with a 200r4 which is a light duty version of the 700r4. It has less clutch packs and lighter duty parts.
TH 350 is probably your best option for the least amount of money, you could then run a gm t-case or buy the adapter to bolt it to a toyota t-case, which will cost about 500 if you buy it new,
a stock th 350 will be more than enough tranny for your 4.3, there are only 2 variations of this trans, lockup and nonlockup, nonlockup is cheaper and less complicated. Think it over before you make any hasty decisions. weigh your options against each other and see what kind of logic you come up with. if you would like to see some pics of my truck, with TH350 installed I can post some

[Rockdiver]

I have a buddy pulling a good 350 with tail shaft set up for toy t-case  I just gave him a 4.3 and 700r4 he is going to get another shaft installed in the 700  I will ask him what he wants  forthe turbo 350         Lynn

[derek]

the 80 toy case will bolt to the r-151f turbo trans but you will have to swap to the 23 spline input.
but it would need an adapter to bolt to the r-150 v-6 trans.

derek

[JAG666]

Commin' in late to the dance, but my (then) fairly new Land Cruiser burned FOUR #4 exhaust valves in LESS than three years!! (the last one went thru the piston!!) I fitted a 429cid Cadillac V-8 & TH400 onto the T-Case of my 1974 FJ40 and squeezed the mess onto my Land Cruiser.  The end result was, in my opinion, Fan-Damn-Tastic!!  No more ANNUAL Burned Exhaust Valves, no more "doggin" in the slow-lane 'cause the LC can't "Get-Up & Go"!!   Now it's "GiddOuttaDaWay" 'cause a Cadillac's 400 horses are a wantin' to run!!!!  Okay, the LC's 4:10's are crappy on top-end, but the Caddy engine will rocket the two ton FJ40 to OVER 65mph in a helluva hurry!! ;-} And it's STILL 4WD!!.. it crawls-up snow-covered and ice-slick hills like it was a summer afternoon..
   Chas..  '74 TLC (bought new Dec. 73 and into my fifth 100K miles!!)