Alikazam - 1998 4runner 4cyl "Betty" - Build Thread

[Alikazam]

Hello All,

I am long overdue to actually post this, but I thought I'd do it finally! Ha. Anyway my ride is a:

1998 Toyota 4runner Base
Dark Blue (someone know paint official color?)
3rz - 4cyl 2.7L
5spd Manual Trans (W59)
4x4 (Manual J-gate xfer case)
AC, PW, PDL, Cruise C.
257K miles on her (bought at 215K miles)

Comfort and Convenience Mods:
Pioneer AVIC-X910BT Double Din Nav/DVD Head Unit
Kicker Hideaway 8" powered sub (Mounted under driver's seat)
Additional Constant Hot Lighter Outlet in coin tray under E-brake lever
New 3-way speakers in all doors
OPT-7 LED replacement headlight bulbs (9003/H4 High/low beam)

Aesthetic Mods:
Level 8 mk6 18 x 9" wheels in Gunmetal w/ Cooper Discoverer HTP 255/55R18 tires (65K mile rated!)
Clear Diffused bumper Turn Signal lenses
Painted Grill Gunmetal color (was extremely faded)

Performance and Mechanical Mods:
KO Racing Enforcer Turbo Kit w/46trim T3/T4 Turbo w/journal bearings
Custom by KO Racing front mount intercooler and pipes
Hydra EMS Stand Alone engine management computer (Tuned by KO Racing)
Autometer Ultralite Vacuum/Boost gauge (30/30) in A-pillar pod
Custom by KO Racing Cat-Back 2.5" exhaust w/26"x6" case Magnaflow muffler (looks like stock exit location, no tip, keeping it stealthy lol)
Amsoil Oil and Filter (Annual/15k mile oil change intervals)
Lock-Rite easy locker in rear diff
KYB Mono-Max shocks on all 4 corners
All new front suspension bushings and joints (moog or OEM) and Polyurethane rack mount bushings.
Competition Clutch Stage 4 kit w/6 puck sprung hub
Innovate LC1 Wideband O2 sensor

Future Mods:
Cat-Delete Test pipe
Upgrade in tank fuel pump
500cc/min injectors and more boost!

Currently running about 7 psi and that's all the stock fuel system can do! 190 whp / 240 wtq. Yeah this 3rz is really torque-y!

Blue line is stock power (home made CAI only) before turbo and basically the way I bought it with 215K miles on it, not bad really! had perfect compression, 180, 180, 181, 180 in cylinders 1 - 4. Red is tuned witH Hydra EMS. It will run and have no check engine lights on factory computer just fine. Just have to turn it back to low boost (well, boost is controlled by Hydra also so, that does put it back to low boost, ha!). EMS is sitting in glove box so its about a 30 minute process to reconnect factory computer for emissions times! not bad at all.



Here are some photos:

 

[Alikazam]

Old wheels, recycling a queen mattress for a friend/ex roommate :

Marlin crawler clutch kit and be flywheel install:

New wheels, vast improvement in looks! Lol

Sleeping arrangement for camping with the 4runner:

Intercooler pipes and fitment with mounted IC:

 

[Alikazam]

Also reserved for photos

 

[JayRolla]

You need to go e85. Get a 255lph FP. Some 1000cc injectors and turn that boost up!!

 

[Alikazam]

You need to go e85. Get a 255lph FP. Some 1000cc injectors and turn that boost up!!

Lol, the Hydra EMS is fully capable of flex fuel! but I'm transmission limited at this point. Go too much and the W59 might take a dump on me! I won't be going a lot higher until my other vehicle is running (just in case) this is my daily!

 

[Chim]

Such a clean runner! I saw it in person once when I stopped by with Adam Lee for his turbo parts and chatted with you about your runner Mine is the same color.

 

[Alikazam]

Such a clean runner! I saw it in person once when I stopped by with Adam Lee for his turbo parts and chatted with you about your runner Mine is the same color.

Hey thanks! my brother seems to think I talk about it too much, haha. Do you know what our color code/name is?

 

[NWFL4Runner]

pretty sure it's stellar blue pearl (same color as mine)

check out this link: Toyota 4Runner Touchup Paint Codes, Image Galleries, Brochure and TV Commercial Archives

 

[JayRolla]

Lol, the Hydra EMS is fully capable of flex fuel! but I'm transmission limited at this point. Go too much and the W59 might take a dump on me! I won't be going a lot higher until my other vehicle is running (just in case) this is my daily!

Yeah thats always the issue when you start to make power. Im doing auto swap on my dsm. Ive trashed to many manuals and clutches. People running 9's on slightly modded stock autos in dsm's.

 

[JZiggy]

Always nice to see another 3RZ around here. Is the blue dyno curve the naturally aspirated performance?

 

[UnderFire]

W59s are cheap, the RZ on 5 psi munched 1st and 2nd in my first trans in short order. Glad to see a build thread finally, I noticed the new fmic last time i was over at the shop getting my pan welded up.

 

[Alikazam]

Always nice to see another 3RZ around here. Is the blue dyno curve the naturally aspirated performance?

Yep, blue was curve with only a cai installed.

 

[Alikazam]

W59s are cheap, the RZ on 5 psi munched 1st and 2nd in my first trans in short order. Glad to see a build thread finally, I noticed the new fmic last time i was over at the shop getting my pan welded up.

Yeah, I'll probably convert to R150F if my trans ever gets bad or if I decide to do more in the future with power upgrades beyond my present basic setup.

 

[JZiggy]

Yeah, I'll probably convert to R150F if my trans ever gets bad or if I decide to do more in the future with power upgrades beyond my present basic setup.

I've heard the R150F upgrade involves swapping in a different bellhousing. Are there any other adjustments beyond that? Do the shifters and driveshafts all line up?

 

[UnderFire]

I've heard the R150F upgrade involves swapping in a different bellhousing. Are there any other adjustments beyond that? Do the shifters and driveshafts all line up?

Check out COB's build thread for pics, the bellhousing comes from a 2TR powered 5 speed Tacoma with the R155 trans, I don't have an exact parts list, but I believe most of the stock RZ stuff is used, then the input shaft on the trans needs some machining. I'll have to do the swap eventually as well. Shifters and everything should line up, driveshafts may be needed from the V6 powered runner though.

 

[Alikazam]

I've been researching the swap but haven't done it yet. When or if I do I'll document what was needed to do so as well

 

[Alikazam]

Just a little update. Installed the competition sprung 6-puck clutch and have been driving on it for a couple months now. Definitely more grab and a bit jerky from a stop when cold sometimes, but holding 7psi without slipping like the Marlin stock-ish setup did! Also painted the front bumper to clean it up a bit and installed my clear turn signal lenses. Here's a picture of before and after. She's running great still. Averaging about 16-17 mpg around town with AC blowing and over 19 mpg with about 60% hwy driving on a tank. Haven't done and straight highway to see what actual best case economy is yet. Thanks for the interest!