ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Hello T4R forum goers. Any familiar faces still around?
It's been a long time and I have a lot of thoughts to get out. Skip down to the pics if you prefer.
I still have my 87 4Runner turbo and 3rd gen. For years, I dove off into the deep end of Supras and got a 1989 MK3 Turbo and a 1994 MK4 Twin Turbo. My last purchase was a 1989 Pickup DLX 2WD 22RE 5 speed.
Recently, a friend of mine who works at a local auto shop mentioned that there was a 5VZ-FE sitting on the side yard of the shop.
As any 4Runner hoarder would, I scooped it up just on the off chance that it might be useful someday. It looks to be in good enough condition to rebuild. Worst case, I might end up buying some heads.
Back at home base
Shortly after that, another deal landed in my lap, a gray top supercharger for $200. Was still in a 2000 SR5 and in working condition, but was making a nosecone bearing noise. The guy didn't want to deal with it and instead opted to sell it.
So for $280, all of the main ingredients for a supercharged 3.4L are just laying around... but what to do with it?
Idea 1 was floated by the friend who provided the motor. He says to swap into my 3rd gen. My 3rd gen is a mishmash of different drivetrain components - 3RZ-FE with an R150F, relocated transmission crossmember, custom length driveshafts, etc... so there's no way to do a 5VZ swap without basically redoing the entire driveline setup. IMO the 5VZ engine is not worth rearranging my driveline. It'd be more worthwhile to swap in a 2JZ-GTE or a 2UZ-FE, which would make way more power and will fit without modifying my existing driveline setup.
Idea 2 was to sell it all, but what fun is that? Then I have less toys to play with. They have such a good story too.
Idea 3 was to supercharge my 98 SR5, the motor in it is very good.
Idea 4 was to get another 3rd gen 4Runner or a 2nd gen Tacoma to swap it into, perhaps one with a blown engine. Then, flip it for profit. The smart person's choice.
Idea 5 is to swap them into a unicorn that has the miserable excuse of a 3.0 V6 under the hood, something like a dually 1-ton 89-95 U-haul box truck, Dolphin motorhome, or a 2-door 2nd gen 4Runner.
Box trucks are great and all, but I'm sure my neighbors won't appreciate seeing it. The motorhome would be even worse. Like hell I'm paying $250+ for monthly storage.
After much deliberation, it has been settled. The motor and supercharger must go into a 2nd gen 2-door. I started searching the same week.
It's been a long time and I have a lot of thoughts to get out. Skip down to the pics if you prefer.
I still have my 87 4Runner turbo and 3rd gen. For years, I dove off into the deep end of Supras and got a 1989 MK3 Turbo and a 1994 MK4 Twin Turbo. My last purchase was a 1989 Pickup DLX 2WD 22RE 5 speed.
Recently, a friend of mine who works at a local auto shop mentioned that there was a 5VZ-FE sitting on the side yard of the shop.
As any 4Runner hoarder would, I scooped it up just on the off chance that it might be useful someday. It looks to be in good enough condition to rebuild. Worst case, I might end up buying some heads.
Back at home base
Shortly after that, another deal landed in my lap, a gray top supercharger for $200. Was still in a 2000 SR5 and in working condition, but was making a nosecone bearing noise. The guy didn't want to deal with it and instead opted to sell it.
So for $280, all of the main ingredients for a supercharged 3.4L are just laying around... but what to do with it?
Idea 1 was floated by the friend who provided the motor. He says to swap into my 3rd gen. My 3rd gen is a mishmash of different drivetrain components - 3RZ-FE with an R150F, relocated transmission crossmember, custom length driveshafts, etc... so there's no way to do a 5VZ swap without basically redoing the entire driveline setup. IMO the 5VZ engine is not worth rearranging my driveline. It'd be more worthwhile to swap in a 2JZ-GTE or a 2UZ-FE, which would make way more power and will fit without modifying my existing driveline setup.
Idea 2 was to sell it all, but what fun is that? Then I have less toys to play with. They have such a good story too.
Idea 3 was to supercharge my 98 SR5, the motor in it is very good.
Idea 4 was to get another 3rd gen 4Runner or a 2nd gen Tacoma to swap it into, perhaps one with a blown engine. Then, flip it for profit. The smart person's choice.
Idea 5 is to swap them into a unicorn that has the miserable excuse of a 3.0 V6 under the hood, something like a dually 1-ton 89-95 U-haul box truck, Dolphin motorhome, or a 2-door 2nd gen 4Runner.
Box trucks are great and all, but I'm sure my neighbors won't appreciate seeing it. The motorhome would be even worse. Like hell I'm paying $250+ for monthly storage.
After much deliberation, it has been settled. The motor and supercharger must go into a 2nd gen 2-door. I started searching the same week.
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