Anyone research the viability of an LS swap? Like actual facts, not hearsay. I have my low mile LS1 from my vette collecting dust from when I swapped my turbo motor in my vette. Dimensionally can these be shoehorned in? Anyone know the viability of keeping the front driveline? maybe a trans adaptor plate or swap to a gm trans and Tcase?

Here's a total hack job. I think it's actually a 2nd gen body on Tacoma frame or something like that.

YouTube

Like my dad always told me, perseverance and sweet oil you could screw a cat...

LOL I am really digging his custom hood!

if you watch the whole thing, it's an hour of your life you will never get back...

HAHA that'll be a hard pass from me dawg. Thanks for the heads up. Luckily I only scrubbed through the video. Fun fact. That isn't an LS. its prob an LM7. People use the wrong nomenclature for the 5.3L, prob because they want to feel included by saying they LS swapped it. They are Gen III engines though, so they have the same modular compatibility.

hey, with a sledge hammer, torch, and a welder you can do anything. but you gotta have a patience. Id love to do that, but then again, I also love working on my engine in the truck if i have to instead of pulling it to change something so small.

I considered a 1UZ swap but I really dont want to lose the space for working with things under the hood. But I guess that goes with any swap....

As someone who watched that video before in it's entirety, don't do it! He did use an LM7 or one of the other truck motors which is why he had to cut the hood for the taller intake manifold. As far as ls swaps I've been looking into it off and on. One youtube series that was very helpful was "project firebolt". The guy puts an LS1 (LS2/3 maybe?) with a 4L80E into his 1st gen tacoma and turbos it. It's a 2wd swap, but most of the stuff is still relevant. He uses an aftermarket ecu and wiring harness as well as a different accessory drive configuration to fit in there and retain ac. Lots of good info and he usually gives part numbers throughout the video. The build is sponsored by Summit so it's mostly summit stuff. Look into marks4wd.com they make adapters for ls1 to r150 manual transmission, but it has to be a specific input shaft length.

Yeah, thats the prob. I find a bunch of swaps that are rwd. I guess I might have to take some measurements to see if it's possible to keep the front drivetrain. It's possible the only way would be to convert to a solid front axle and lift the truck high enough to clear everything to get the driveshaft to the pinion yolk.

Realistically, what do you need to get to that you can't with a bit less space between the wheel wells and engine? you only need to change your spark plugs every 10-100k depending on composition. Specifically with LS engines, they're notoriously reliable and don't ever have many problems. They are pushrod, so less things to go wrong. Timing chain thats super short, so no intervalled replacement or chain guides to wear out. Super efficient and lightweight. I making 410hp with just a cam and headers, over 30 mpg in the vette. I think they're like 360lbs dry. Might be lighter than the V6s we have.

While replacing LS1 in CJ7 on a bud's ride, was thinking would it fit in my 3rd gen 4x4.
Rough measurements engine fits, Trans back is where things get complicated with 4x4.

Ahh, Cary, NC eh? In Clayton myself.

LS engines will fit fine.

Check out this guy on YouTube. It's a 1G Tacoma (2 wheel drive), which is the same chassis as our 3rd Gen 'runners.

Part 1 of 13 part series: YouTube

The value in this video series is that Tom has figured out for us:
- Front drive accessory fitment
- Radiator fitment
- Steering shaft fitment
- Engine and Trans mounting
- Oil pan to use to clear OEM steering rack

Lots of value in his build for us 3rd Gen 4Runner guys looking to do any sort of LSX Swap.


I personally think this weak 5VZFE will last forever in my rig, but when and IF it does blow, I am certainly going with:
- 5.3 LM7, cammed
- 4x4 4L80e with NP231 Transfer case
- Holley Termimator X ECU for simplicity

Nice you're right around the corner. We'll have to link up once I get everything installed that I got on black friday. I got a plate bumper kit, sliders, winch, ham and cb radios, arb twin compressor, and a lift kit.

Will the front driveshaft clear everything on its way to the diff? That's my only concern. If not I think the only way is a solid axle and a big lift kit.

For sure, let me know and we'll meet up!

From the limited research I've done, I believe the front DS will clear with a 1" body lift on a 4x4 LS swapped 3rd Gen

It would probably take a few tries but they make a lot of different oil pan configurations. One of them should fit. The difficult part in my opinion is getting all the 4wd components to work. You'd need a driver drop transfer case so either a GM or Jeep transfer case. Then you'd have to make linkages to shift the transfer case and transmission (if it's auto). If I decide to do an LS swap I'll be doing it with a manual so I can use the adapter from marks4wd to keep the toyota transmission/transfer case.

FYI Tweak'd Performance can do the harness. I've already discussed it with them. I was looking at an LQ9 that was local to me at the time. 4L60 variant trans. Flipped Dana 300 or an old ford 205 if I could find one.