2nd gen motor swap

[Steven94]

Ok guys. So I finally got the engine and all components back together after my head gasket/timing job http://www.toyota-4runner.org/class...e-learned-about-my-truck-head-gasket-job.html. It drives better than it ever has since I bought it, but still not quite the way I want it. My friend/mechanic says when the engine hydrolocked, it may have done more damage than we first thought.

Anyway neither one of us thinks it is screwed up enough that it is going to quit on me any time soon, but like I said I would just like it to run a bit better. So I am trying to decide now on weather to leave it as is and save money to buy my first motorcycle to drive around town and save gas, or swap out the motor.

My friend called O'Reilly auto parts (where he use to work) and they said they could get me a brand new long block 3.0 for $2,600. I am thinking though if I did decide to swap the motor I would like to go with something other than the 3.slow. Maybe a Toyota 3.4 from the 3rd gen, or a Chevy 350 V8. So to those of you that have done an engine swap in your runner...

What did you swap it with?

What complications did you run into (if any)?

What did you have to do to get it hooked up to the tranny?

How would you rate the experience as a whole?

and are you happy with the results?

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

If you are gonna do an engine swap then you need to buy a complete donor vehicle. NOT just an engine... otherwise you will spend way too much time and money chasing down all the little things needed for a successful swap.
I would look for a wrecked 3rd gen with a 3.4 and let the fun begin!

 

[92-SR5]

If you are gonna do an engine swap then you need to buy a complete donor vehicle. NOT just an engine... otherwise you will spend way too much time and money chasing down all the little things needed for a successful swap.
I would look for a wrecked 3rd gen with a 3.4 and let the fun begin!

This. Plus when you are done swapping everything you can part out the rest of the vehicle then scrap the remains. :thumb3: Helps offset the cost of swapping.

 

[Steven94]

I had thought about doing that. I could get one that someone rolled where the engine and parts are still good. Unfortunately I would have no place to store the other vehicle while I did the swap/part out.

 

[fourwd1]

... So to those of you that have done an engine swap in your runner...

What did you swap it with?

What complications did you run into (if any)?

What did you have to do to get it hooked up to the tranny?

How would you rate the experience as a whole?

and are you happy with the results?

Buick 231 V6

TH-350 auto trans and Toyota t-case using Downey adapter kit

interesting experience, learned alot, happy until gas prices went so high

 

[BucknutBob]

I went the 350 route, and did it the hard way, starting with nothing but a professionally rebuilt engine and my '95 Runner. I got a bellhousing kit with custom Centerforce clutch and press. plate, engine mounts, and headers from Northwest Offroad. I bought a custom wiring harness and ECU from Howell Engine Development (it was a TBI 350). I used the Toyota R150 5-speed and all factory drivetrain, although the front was a solid axle conversion already. It was rough going at times, but the end result was a blast.

 

[Hyde802]

I swapped with another in 3.0. I chose to put the stock motor in it because I was trying to do the swap cheap and quick. Bought a 95 runner complete for 600 that needed valve cover gaskets and a exhaust manifold gasket. Body/frame was rusted beyond repair, but doors and rear gate were good.

Pulled the motor, put maybe 400 in parts into it. Changed every gasket from the HG up. New timing belt/water pump and all the normal "tune up" stuff as well as rebuilding the heads my self.

Parted out the 95 out. Paid for the parts truck and most of the parts I put in to the new motor. There is good money in parting out vehicles if you patient and have the room. I got 200 for the rear gate, 400 for the tranny/transfer, 100 for rear axle, 50 for computer, 100 for seats..etc I still have a ton of parts left over from it too.