Fadiddy's 5VZFE Build

[Fadiddy]

Ok, so I know I have posted bits of this in a few places...I thought maybe it would be better if I had a separate thread for it for easier reference.

Long story short, I had a misfire on cylinder #4. After troubleshooting the issue, I found that the fuel injector was not working properly, and was actually flooding the cylinder with gas (based on how clean the cylinder was). To my surprise, the tip of the injector had broken off and fell into the cylinder head (on top of the valves). I will post a picture shortly of what that looked like. So, it was neccessary to take the top-end apart, however, in the process I came across some oil leaks, coolant leaks, and frayed timing belt and etc... It was time for a rebuild or another motor.

I decided to rebuild the original motor. The parts are going to the machine shop this weekend, and I will be "reinforcing" the bottem-end to handle boost (TRD supercharger). I started by removing the engine and recently completely disassembled the engine. More pics to come as I progress...

 

[Joelzy]

And so it begins

 

[got556]

Subscribing and good luck

 

[gamefreakgc]

There's not a ton of aftermarket support for the 5VZ-FE but it IS out there. If you haven't, check out LC Engineering and their offering of pistons and bottom end parts. Yet to find someone who sells ported heads though.

Even though I just swapped engines, I think someday I will rebuild mine into a true performance engine similar to what you are doing. That's when my 4Runner is not my daily driver though.

 

[Fadiddy]

And so it begins

Indeed....this will be fun, I think hehe.

Subscribing and good luck

Thanks!

There's not a ton of aftermarket support for the 5VZ-FE but it IS out there. If you haven't, check out LC Engineering and their offering of pistons and bottom end parts. Yet to find someone who sells ported heads though.

Even though I just swapped engines, I think someday I will rebuild mine into a true performance engine similar to what you are doing. That's when my 4Runner is not my daily driver though.

I called ARP and ACL and they do in fact have 5VZFE studs (both main and head) and performance bearings. Kinda pricey, but I think its well worth it. Since I will only be running low boost with the supercharger, I am debating whether to use performance studs and bearings or go ARP and ACL?

 

[gamefreakgc]

I called ARP and ACL and they do in fact have 5VZFE studs (both main and head) and performance bearings. Kinda pricey, but I think its well worth it. Since I will only be running low boost with the supercharger, I am debating whether to use performance studs and bearings or go ARP and ACL?

Check out some of the 5VZ-FE builds on Toyota Tacoma Forum. A general rule of thumb is that stock bottom ends can handle up to 15 PSI of boost. My own experience confirms this, I've run up to 12 PSI with no issues. Unlike other engines, the 5VZ-FE was made to handle forced induction. That also includes using head bolts, not studs. However studs will give an added security and help your head gaskets stay in place.

I'm not an expert on bottom end parts for the 5VZ-FE so it's up to you. If it were me, I'd be spending that cash on some good pistons to increase your torque or stroking the engine to increase displacement. I think the stock piston design could use some improvement. That and some high-lift cams and stiffer valve springs.

 

[weekendclimber]

Sub'd

I'm also waiting to see how this pans out (I know it's a Tacoma, but it should translate over almost to the bolt to our 4Runners):

LSX V8 Turbo Tacoma

 

[Fadiddy]

Sub'd

I'm also waiting to see how this pans out (I know it's a Tacoma, but it should translate over almost to the bolt to our 4Runners):

LSX V8 Turbo Tacoma

I was watching this a few days ago....so sick! Tom does some incredible things with his cars. Check out his V8 Mazda Miata project, so nasty!

I too am curious about his project as I am not sure who makes an A340(x) bellhousing to an LS engine.

My buddy owns a wrecking yard and told me if I ever needed an LS, just ask. If Tom pulls this off with the LS Tacoma before I finish, then LS it is ;-p.

 

[weekendclimber]

I was watching this a few days ago....so sick! Tom does some incredible things with his cars. Check out his V8 Mazda Miata project, so nasty!

I too am curious about his project as I am not sure who makes an A340(x) bellhousing to an LS engine.

My buddy owns a wrecking yard and told me if I ever needed an LS, just ask. If Tom pulls this off with the LS Tacoma before I finish, then LS it is ;-p.

When I found that Tacoma video I went through and immediately watch the V8 Miata series. So sick. I bet he tries to mount a different transmission in the thing. Anyway, didn't mean to highjack your thread. Am looking forward to seeing you getting this together. [MENTION=221666]Joelzy[/MENTION]'s build thread is a blast too if you haven't already seen it.

 

[Fadiddy]

When I found that Tacoma video I went through and immediately watch the V8 Miata series. So sick. I bet he tries to mount a different transmission in the thing. Anyway, didn't mean to highjack your thread. Am looking forward to seeing you getting this together. [MENTION=221666]Joelzy[/MENTION]'s build thread is a blast too if you haven't already seen it.

Yup, I hope he goes T56...but he'll probably use a 4Lxx in it. There was one guy I spoke to in Tennessee that said he can fabricate a custom bellhousing for the Tacoma/4Runner. Same guy who did the bellhousing for the K24 Turbo Tacoma on YouTube.

Joelzy's build is badass! I will probably be reaching out to him quite a bit when I start putting the motor back together. Good times!

 

[Fadiddy]

Engine comes back from machine shop tomorrow. I got some new OEM goodies this morning. Waiting on starter, alternator, and AC compressor. Soon the rebuild will begin ;-)

Cleaned some parts:

 

[Kyngfish]

Subscribed to this thread. My rebuild is more than likely a long way off, but coming from the Porsche and CRX world, I always thought this was my more likely path rather than just buying a JDM replacement. I'd be interested in a couple of things:

- Would you consider adding an aftermarket turbo instead of the supercharger system? I think you can get similar performance but at a much lower cost, but you'd have to have piping to fit everything and you'd need someone to tune it, or tune it yourself.

- While you're in there, did you consider upping the displacement slightly instead of going forced induction? Upping the bore diameter slightly was something I thought about. One of the things I love about the 4Runner is its overall cheap cost of operation - being tied to premium gas changes that equation.

Looking forward to following this thread.

 

[Kyngfish]

If it were me, I'd be spending that cash on some good pistons to increase your torque or stroking the engine to increase displacement. I think the stock piston design could use some improvement. That and some high-lift cams and stiffer valve springs.

My knowledge is fairly limited, I just rebuilt my first engine - but I thought that stroking an engine is much harder than boring. Since you're basically changing the characteristics of the crank in order to stroke.

I wonder what the optimal bore would be on that block. I'd love a bit more torque while keeping the cheap gas option.

 

[gamefreakgc]

My knowledge is fairly limited, I just rebuilt my first engine - but I thought that stroking an engine is much harder than boring. Since you're basically changing the characteristics of the crank in order to stroke.

I wonder what the optimal bore would be on that block. I'd love a bit more torque while keeping the cheap gas option.

Because of the oil and coolant passageways you can't really bore it out all that much. Not even to 3.5L without risking it cracking. But you are right, stroking is more difficult but the only real way to increase displacement.

If you want crazy power, a turbo setup will get you there. I've pretty much at the limits of the TRD supercharger now. It builds boost but just is so small that it doesn't flow a ton of air unless it's spinning at insane RPM's, which at that case heat really becomes an issue. I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve though like changing the final drive ratio to 4.88 and re-doing the exhaust and we'll see how it drives then. If I could go standalone that would really change things though, the ability to advance timing would gain a lot of power too.

 

[Kyngfish]

If I could go standalone that would really change things though, the ability to advance timing would gain a lot of power too.

Tricky - though, right, because when you start advancing timing you're messing with the power delivery, and in a truck you really want it low in the RPM range, and early, but with a sports car - getting it higher in the rev range is better.

Someone on here was doing a turbo build. As these trucks age, I can't wait to see some of the more creative ways people get power out of their 3.4s. The 3rd gen weighs less than a lot of modern sedans, so it's not like it would need a ton of power to really transform it.

Glad to see Faddidy here chronicling his rebuild though.

 

[Fadiddy]

Sorry for the late response, I have a bit busy with work and relocating stuff from one house in Chicago to another house in Phoenix.

Subscribed to this thread. My rebuild is more than likely a long way off, but coming from the Porsche and CRX world, I always thought this was my more likely path rather than just buying a JDM replacement. I'd be interested in a couple of things:

- Would you consider adding an aftermarket turbo instead of the supercharger system? I think you can get similar performance but at a much lower cost, but you'd have to have piping to fit everything and you'd need someone to tune it, or tune it yourself.

- While you're in there, did you consider upping the displacement slightly instead of going forced induction? Upping the bore diameter slightly was something I thought about. One of the things I love about the 4Runner is its overall cheap cost of operation - being tied to premium gas changes that equation.

Looking forward to following this thread.

I was considering a turbo earlier on before the engine was pulled out, however, I purchased another car (2019 STI) to build into a fast street car and so my budgeting for performance parts are more focused on the STI than on the T4R. I do, however, plan on sourcing a TRD/Magnuson Supercharger after the build....but nothing extreme.

My knowledge is fairly limited, I just rebuilt my first engine - but I thought that stroking an engine is much harder than boring. Since you're basically changing the characteristics of the crank in order to stroke.

I wonder what the optimal bore would be on that block. I'd love a bit more torque while keeping the cheap gas option.

On a 4x4, it's always best to leave as much meat on the block as possible. "Torquey" engines need solid blocks, and removing material from cylinders is generally not recommended. For racing and high performance motors, sure...but low revving "torquey" motors, not so good.

Because of the oil and coolant passageways you can't really bore it out all that much. Not even to 3.5L without risking it cracking. But you are right, stroking is more difficult but the only real way to increase displacement.

If you want crazy power, a turbo setup will get you there. I've pretty much at the limits of the TRD supercharger now. It builds boost but just is so small that it doesn't flow a ton of air unless it's spinning at insane RPM's, which at that case heat really becomes an issue. I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve though like changing the final drive ratio to 4.88 and re-doing the exhaust and we'll see how it drives then. If I could go standalone that would really change things though, the ability to advance timing would gain a lot of power too.

^This.

Tricky - though, right, because when you start advancing timing you're messing with the power delivery, and in a truck you really want it low in the RPM range, and early, but with a sports car - getting it higher in the rev range is better.

Someone on here was doing a turbo build. As these trucks age, I can't wait to see some of the more creative ways people get power out of their 3.4s. The 3rd gen weighs less than a lot of modern sedans, so it's not like it would need a ton of power to really transform it.

Glad to see Faddidy here chronicling his rebuild though.

I have built a few Toyota motors in the past, most recently my 4th 2JZ that I sold a few months ago. One thing I will say about Toyota engines, no matter what mileage or condition the motor is in on the outside, they are like new internally. VERY well built engines, and the over-engineering from the 90's makes newer engines look like child's play. If forced-induction is your goal, leave as much material on the motor and go turbo. Good luck bud!

 

[White Stripe]

Not much to "build" for a TRD supercharger. They don't add that much power. I would spend most money and time on a good piggyback system. Maybe something that allows for bigger injectors rather than a 7th injector. Doug Thorley headers, high flow cat, smaller pulley, water meth injection to help cool-thats about it.

 

[Fadiddy]

Not much to "build" for a TRD supercharger. They don't add that much power. I would spend most money and time on a good piggyback system. Maybe something that allows for bigger injectors rather than a 7th injector. Doug Thorley headers, high flow cat, smaller pulley, water meth injection to help cool-thats about it.

I should have titled this thread "rebuild" lol. After seeing just how beefy the 5VZFE is internally, there really isn't much to "build" for boost.

 

[Fadiddy]

Got the engine and all parts back from machine shop. Everything looks good, and I decided to paint the engine block.

Engine honed and cleaned...no decking as the block was straight:

Taped up the engine to prep for paint:

Heads decked and crank micro-polished:

Pistons cleaned and new OEM rings measured and installed:

Engine painted:

 

[fightman80]

Cool! I've been daydreaming of building an engine for mine.... LS swap was on the list of possible engines.

Sub'd to see what you do with this block....