obkook
Member
Selling my longtime 1997 Toyota 4Runner adventure/off-road build, 1KZ-TE 3.0L turbo-diesel conversion that is legally registered in California as a diesel and smog exempt — a California-registered 4Runner, not an imported Hilux Surf or an out-of-state registration workaround.
Drivetrain & mechanical
Adventure/off-road setup
I commissioned this diesel conversion in 2010. It's a genuinely unusual 3rd-gen 4Runner, particularly for a California buyer who wants the 1KZ-TE without having to figure out how to register a diesel conversion. Because it is a '97, it is smog exempt.
Known items — being transparent about what it needs
After all the work and changes to the exhaust, Intercooler, and turbo, it needs to be tuned. It's currently making a conservative 9psi boost, although I've confirmed it will make 18 psi with the current spring. EGTs run a bit hot while pulling up hills, and I have an EGT gauge installed at the exhaust manifold pre-turbo. You can easily tune this for the way your usage style suits you - optimize for power, economy etc.
Driver seat needs a new cover. I'd also replace the foam if I were keeping it.
Driver mirror interior cable just broke. I haven't had the chance to diagnose it.
A couple of areas have paint oxidation. The hood was recently re-pained along with the driver side passenger door and rear quarter panel. Front quarter panel and the area above the rear passenger door needs it too.
This is a 30 year-old truck and not represented as a restoration. It's an ongoing project for someone who knows what they are buying - a great platform with strong engine that is in its prime.
I will take additional pics and post them in this thread soon!
Drivetrain & mechanical
- Toyota 1KZ-TE 3.0L turbo-diesel (~100k miles on the swapped engine; chassis ~384k)
- Mamba CT12B-style upgraded turbo
- Upgraded front-mount intercooler
- 3" turbo-back exhaust
- Replacement cylinder head, new valves and injectors at time of head work (2025)
- Oil catch can
- Automatic transmission
- 4.30 gears
- Electronic rear locker
- EGT and boost gauges (pre-turbo probe)
- dual LED projector headlights - super bright
- The original cylinder head developed a crack that allowed coolant into the cylinders. It was diagnosed and replaced, along with the related valve and injector work. Fully resolved in May, 2025.
Adventure/off-road setup
- Sonoran Steel 7.2 lift kit
- Schrockworks plate front bumper and rock sliders
- Ivan Stewart TRD wheels, powdercoated black — ~31.5" BFG KO2 all-terrain tires
- Sherpa Matterhorn full-length roof rack, with rear ladder
I commissioned this diesel conversion in 2010. It's a genuinely unusual 3rd-gen 4Runner, particularly for a California buyer who wants the 1KZ-TE without having to figure out how to register a diesel conversion. Because it is a '97, it is smog exempt.
Known items — being transparent about what it needs
After all the work and changes to the exhaust, Intercooler, and turbo, it needs to be tuned. It's currently making a conservative 9psi boost, although I've confirmed it will make 18 psi with the current spring. EGTs run a bit hot while pulling up hills, and I have an EGT gauge installed at the exhaust manifold pre-turbo. You can easily tune this for the way your usage style suits you - optimize for power, economy etc.
Driver seat needs a new cover. I'd also replace the foam if I were keeping it.
Driver mirror interior cable just broke. I haven't had the chance to diagnose it.
A couple of areas have paint oxidation. The hood was recently re-pained along with the driver side passenger door and rear quarter panel. Front quarter panel and the area above the rear passenger door needs it too.
This is a 30 year-old truck and not represented as a restoration. It's an ongoing project for someone who knows what they are buying - a great platform with strong engine that is in its prime.
I will take additional pics and post them in this thread soon!
