My JDM engine experience..

[4Runnermex]

Dk if anyone has done a thread or run down on converting a JDM engine for a 3rd Gen 4Runner.

First I bought a JDM engine in Dallas and specifically asked if it was ready for a 4Runner. I did not one that was for a T100 set up. Did not know this is he only way they came, at least from this folks..paid 866 plus 75.00 delivery. I called and worked out a discount for not disclosing the amount of work going into this. So here is my run down.

Switch oil pan
Oil filter, oil cooler
Oil dip stick
Water pump and timing belt(most expensive)
Crank shaft pulley
Water pump pulley
Fan clutch and pulleys
Exhaust manifolds
Ps Pump mount
Alternator mount
Both Motor mounts
AC mount
Fuel lines
Engine Harness
Upper and lower air intake

All in all took about 4 hours of work which is why I was a little ticked off on not disclosing the amount of work converting this JDM engine.

So once I drop this in the 4x4 98 I'm working on I'll get back to you on running condition. Heads look extremely clean on the plus side.

 

[T4R2014]

All in all took about 4 hours of work which is why I was a little ticked off on not disclosing the amount of work converting this JDM engine.

They shouldn't have to disclose that. These things usually do not even come out of anything Hilux or 4Runner related. JDM engines are sometimes not OBD2 either despite being newer than 1996. Lots of people that buy engines from these places may not even be swapping into a 4Runner. Think 5VZ swap into an MR2.

 

[68dave]

I've gotten two 3.4's from a salvage yard in AZ. They specialize in low mile wrecks. Just received this 3.4 out of a wrecked 2002 4runner for my 1996 project 4runner today. 109k miles on it, cost me $700+$275 shipping. I considered buying a JDM but this salvage yard treated me so good on my tacoma motor i called them for this one too. I've read good things about JDM, i may have to use one on a future project.

 

[4Runnermex]

They shouldn't have to disclose that. These things usually do not even come out of anything Hilux or 4Runner related. JDM engines are sometimes not OBD2 either despite being newer than 1996. Lots of people that buy engines from these places may not even be swapping into a 4Runner. Think 5VZ swap into an MR2.

Well to cover my booty I asked they question and they told me what I want it to hear. So I held them accountable. I would of walked if they would have told me what it took to convert it.


Since I've been wanting to get my hands on a JDM engine and I normally get my engines for less than 700 I figured I would take a gamble. I learned quite a bit on JDM engines. Would I do it again? I'll let you know when I fire up the truck.

 

[littlehandegan]

Any benefits to a JDM spec engine?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Dang, that's a bummer. I've seen plenty of people complain about JDM engines so I never even considered that route.

 

[4Runnermex]

Any benefits to a JDM spec engine?

Won't know until I fire it up..

 

[stir_fry_boy]

[MENTION=80413]68dave[/MENTION] - that engine sure looks clean.

 

[4Runnermex]

[MENTION=80413]68dave[/MENTION] - that engine sure looks clean.

This is normally what I get from Guy.. Can someone answer me why the color difference in the head..
[MENTION=80413]68dave[/MENTION] Dk why there's a color difference..

 

[68dave]

Color?

 

[68dave]

Mine pictured above still has the factory paint marks on the cams. My pics were taken with my cell phone, color of mine is similar to yours in person.

 

[kolelt]

Did you try cleaning a little of? Maybe it's just from oil? No sludge so its still clean

 

[solsnowbarger]

Yeah, my heads look very similar to those in the first picture. I don't think you have anything to worry aboit

 

[4Runnermex]

QUOTE=68dave;2269298]Mine pictured above still has the factory paint marks on the cams. My pics were taken with my cell phone, color of mine is similar to yours in person.[/QUOTE]

Man I hate to tell you this. But this aren't factory cam marks. That head has had work done to it. when you you do the heads its good to mark the Cams for TDC.

You might want to fire that engine up quick. cause if it wasn't done right you have the warranty. Ive done plenty of factory engine heads and never seen the cams internally marked. Ive seen the other external timing marks.

Ive done over 50 engine purchased on this 3rd gen engines and have learned to work on them myself.Although I'm a big customer to my only junk yard I deal with.
Very seldom do you find a yard that's honest. I work with one only and I still doubt what they tell me. Ive walked on engines before no matter how good he has treated me in the past. His job is to sell parts and 9/10 times they really conceal true mileage of truck. They wont even know if its had any major work done.

I purchased this JDM engine to learn what the Big Deal was... so I'm just giving my feedback to help anyone that's thinking on a JDM purchase.

Ive done the work to this engine without issue and glad the seller just helped me to cover the most expensive conversion.(WP & Tbelt)

Ill check back when I fire it up to see how it went.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

[MENTION=127012]4Runnermex[/MENTION] - what do you mean by WP and Tbelt conversion? What is involved with that?

 

[4Runnermex]

[MENTION=127012]4Runnermex[/MENTION] - what do you mean by WP and Tbelt conversion? What is involved with that?

The JDM water pump doesn't come with the outlet for the oil cooler line. It's mounted on the back of the block. On a JDM engine or t100 the oil filter is in that spot.

So you have to transfer oil cooler and lines over and start with new water pump and timing belt.

 

[68dave]

That's why i always locate US domestic used engines with decent mileage. Like i previously mentioned i get my motors from a Arizona wrecking yard, not rusty like here in the rustbelt. Just replace the maintenance items while it's on the engine stand then drop it in.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

The JDM water pump doesn't come with the outlet for the oil cooler line. It's mounted on the back of the block. On a JDM engine or t100 the oil filter is in that spot.

So you have to transfer oil cooler and lines over and start with new water pump and timing belt.

The oil cooler is way more than the water pump. I guess I was confused as to why that was the most expensive part of the swap. With the oil cooler, it makes sense.

 

[csp]

OP did you not move the parts from your existing engine over to the JDM?

Keep that JDM oil pan. It's the one to use if you ever go to a solid front axle.

 

[NegroTundra]

So, whats the update on your swap? Think i may have blown head gasket or cracked head so now thinking engine swap