MAJOR What-if

[Synister]

Swapping a V8 into a V6 T4r has been discussed and the verdict is that its a very expensive and difficult proposition due to the electronic wizardry of todays vehicles. Im wondering if it would be possible to swap a V6 drive train into a V8? Assume for a moment you had two identical Sport Editions or Limiteds, one a V6 and one V8. Front and rear axles (is the V8 an 8.4 or an 8.0 inch? Can a V6 axle, if different, handle the V8?), center diff, 4wd and abs controllers with associated multi-mode switches...what else would there be? The tranny is the same across both platforms, everything else should bolt right up correct? What is the missing link here, aside from the fact that this makes almost no fiscal sense...What if?

 

[DC runner]

The issues are almost the same. The v8 doesn't have to be full time, toyota just made it that way. You could put a v8 into a v6 shell and make it work... but, as noted, it is going to be complex and unless you do it yourself, very expensive.

It is the same the other way around. I think the reason most people consider it to be a major not worth it, is because for the multi thousand dollars you would have to pay someone to do it; you could easily trade in your car and upgrade or move horizontally to that version.


As far as I know... the actual drive line is identical rear back. The ABS system is identical. The issue of the multi/full time 4wd is a difference, but it isn't impossible to do... I just think it is probably not worth it.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Up until 2005, the V6 models used a different transmission than the V8 models. The transfercase I believe (if I remember correctly) is actually the same. For the majority of teh drive train you should be okay, but mounting points/mounts, crossmembers may actually be different (I never really bothered to check in all honesty). The wiring harness may have to be replaced almost entirely depending on what changes from a V6 to V8 as well as what transmission and engien type you put in (VVTi or Non-VVTi V8) I believe that in '06-'07 there were some slight changes to how the ABS and SRS system was set up.

Another issue you may come up against, though I haven't tried so I don't know for sure; is that swapping in new ECUs might confused the CAN because those ECUs might be programmed for a different VIN and thus the vehicle becomes confused and may have issues.

If you do plan to do this type of swap (I believe for it to be any where close to cost effective you'd best do it all yourself if you have the tools and experience) you will need to do a lot of research into what you are taking out and putting into your vehicle.