Matt Starr
Banned
So back in December I decided to do a motor swap in my 4runner and I had no idea what I was doing. I bought a 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) for my runner then later decided to sell it and just beef up my 3.4L (5VZ-FE). Well I ended up dumping a ton of money, as a matter of fact more than half of what my 4runners worth, into my engine and even though what has been done was all built around a supercharger, which is already paid for and ordered, Im not to happy with it. Even though I shouldnt jump to any conclusions yet since the supercharger hasnt even come yet, I still feel like this is turning out to be more work than its worth.
Well, ever since I had the idea of doing a motor swap, Ive been researching other Toyota motors just for fun and recently I stumbled across a motor called the 1UZ-FE which is a 4.0L V8 used in the Lexus SC, LS and GS series. It is probably one of the best motors Toyota has ever built and not only is it cheap but they're pretty easy to find. As a matter of fact, swapping out the 3.4L in the 3rd gens with the 1UZ is actually a pretty common swap.
For those of you who don't know I recently sold my Camry and bought an Audi A6 cause I got an insanly killer deal on it and I dont really like it very much so I've been thinking of selling it.
Yesterday I came across a 98 Lexus SC400 (which has the 1UZ) for $1800 cause it was a project car and the guy tore it apart then decided to sell it. So Im going to go take a look at it on Monday and I might be bringing it home with me.
I haven't really kept anyone updated on the progress on my 4runner cause it always seems to start an argument, but I figured this might be something worth letting everyone know about.
I'm pretty serious about this build, actually to be honest I'm about 90% sure Im gonna actually go through with this. Oh and p.s. I am gonna keep my V6 and I think Im gonna throw it in the Lexus and keep building it once my 4runner is done.
Now I know a lot of you are gonna tell me that I should just build the Lexus but because Im stubborn and hard headed, Im still sticking true to my plan to have a 13 second 4runner that can still be taken offroad.
So as for all the recent modifications I haven't really done much. I've been doing a lot of planning and preparation for up-coming mods. So here's a list of what I've got coming up and what I've already started on.
New, blue LED's for the interior, I am doing a manual swap and I already have the transmission but I'm waiting to sell my auto to buy the rest of the stuff for the manual (clutch, clutch pedal, flywheel, master cylinder, ect) I am doing something really cool with the exhaust but I'm running into snags left and right. Im cutting holes in my rear bumper and running dual exhaust into them, kinda like the Corvettes. and yes im using my Jardine exhaust so no you cant have it
Im looking into reupholstering my interior, getting black leather for my seats and making parts of the dash and door panel trim black too. I just ordered hella fog lights a few days ago so those should be ariving soon. I just got clear corners and blinkers and chome blinker bulbs from Mr. Burtman (the man, the myth, the 4runner god ) I am custom fabricating brake cooling intakes on the sides of my lower valance just in front of the fender flares, which was turning out pretty well until I melted the plastic on one side so I just had to order a new lower valance :bash: and last but not least, Im still looking into a coil and shock system that will allow me to raise my runner 3" above stock and and lower 2"below stock at the push of a button. I do have a lot of leads but Im just having a hard time trying to decide on which system I want.
So there you have it. Ill post pictures in this thread when I finish each project so keep checking back :biggrin2:
Thanks,
Matthew Starr
Well, ever since I had the idea of doing a motor swap, Ive been researching other Toyota motors just for fun and recently I stumbled across a motor called the 1UZ-FE which is a 4.0L V8 used in the Lexus SC, LS and GS series. It is probably one of the best motors Toyota has ever built and not only is it cheap but they're pretty easy to find. As a matter of fact, swapping out the 3.4L in the 3rd gens with the 1UZ is actually a pretty common swap.
For those of you who don't know I recently sold my Camry and bought an Audi A6 cause I got an insanly killer deal on it and I dont really like it very much so I've been thinking of selling it.
Yesterday I came across a 98 Lexus SC400 (which has the 1UZ) for $1800 cause it was a project car and the guy tore it apart then decided to sell it. So Im going to go take a look at it on Monday and I might be bringing it home with me.
I haven't really kept anyone updated on the progress on my 4runner cause it always seems to start an argument, but I figured this might be something worth letting everyone know about.
I'm pretty serious about this build, actually to be honest I'm about 90% sure Im gonna actually go through with this. Oh and p.s. I am gonna keep my V6 and I think Im gonna throw it in the Lexus and keep building it once my 4runner is done.
Now I know a lot of you are gonna tell me that I should just build the Lexus but because Im stubborn and hard headed, Im still sticking true to my plan to have a 13 second 4runner that can still be taken offroad.
So as for all the recent modifications I haven't really done much. I've been doing a lot of planning and preparation for up-coming mods. So here's a list of what I've got coming up and what I've already started on.
New, blue LED's for the interior, I am doing a manual swap and I already have the transmission but I'm waiting to sell my auto to buy the rest of the stuff for the manual (clutch, clutch pedal, flywheel, master cylinder, ect) I am doing something really cool with the exhaust but I'm running into snags left and right. Im cutting holes in my rear bumper and running dual exhaust into them, kinda like the Corvettes. and yes im using my Jardine exhaust so no you cant have it
Im looking into reupholstering my interior, getting black leather for my seats and making parts of the dash and door panel trim black too. I just ordered hella fog lights a few days ago so those should be ariving soon. I just got clear corners and blinkers and chome blinker bulbs from Mr. Burtman (the man, the myth, the 4runner god ) I am custom fabricating brake cooling intakes on the sides of my lower valance just in front of the fender flares, which was turning out pretty well until I melted the plastic on one side so I just had to order a new lower valance :bash: and last but not least, Im still looking into a coil and shock system that will allow me to raise my runner 3" above stock and and lower 2"below stock at the push of a button. I do have a lot of leads but Im just having a hard time trying to decide on which system I want.So there you have it. Ill post pictures in this thread when I finish each project so keep checking back :biggrin2:
Thanks,
Matthew Starr
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