pondering the idea of a v8 3rd gen swap

Wow, talk about bringing a thread back from the dead!

FWIW, if I still had my 3rd gen and was looking to do an engine swap, I'd probably just do a 4.0L V6 swap. The power increase would still be very good and the swap would probably be a bit easier to pull off.

are you talking the 4.0 v6 from like a jeep
 
diesel!

what a about a diesel swap? i have been podering that idea since i got my 4runner. is this possible at all? are there any diesel engines in the U.S that would work?
 
i have been thinking about doing the same thing to my 99, puting a trd super on it is at most 75 hp, v-8 is 100hp more at stock then super that and you got a beast
 
The smart thing to do would be to sell the 3rd gen and buy a 4th gen with a V8. Second choice, install the SC. I would definitely get the 4th gen V8 though because there's nothing quite like the throaty sound of a V8.
 
If you want to add more power per dollar, you need to go turbo route. The factory ecm is adaptable for a supercharger then a turbo mod should be the same to the ecm.

You can even utilize the hood scoop for an intercooler.

If you can cut and weld, you should be able to do a retrofit quite painlessly.

Mind you, a turbo takes wasted energy and converts it to power. A SC takes energy to make power.

Toyota Tacoma Turbo System - Photo Gallery - Off-Road Magazine

304 rear wheel horsepower running 9psi.

Not when you consider R&D costs to build a real turbo system. The TRD super charger is a straight bolt on. That STS system sucks since it will have major turbo lag and will only produce power in high RPM. The supercharger is a much better bet since it starts boosting at low RPM.
 
Look on Youtube, there are a lot of Lexus V8 powered 4 Runners.

YouTube - Lexus V8 4Runner - Glasshouse Mud Hole.

Ok just some base numbers for you from research I have done.
Stock 3.4L = 183-187 HP
SC 3.4L= 240-260hp get the ECM reflashed(JET performance) and head work you can get over 300HP
Stock 4.0L V6 = 240-260hp depending on year
Stock 4.7L V8= 260hp
 
For those talking an engine swap you have to remember that you need to meet the emission requirements. When doing an engine swap you must use an engine, and emissions, from a vehicle newer than the vehicle receiving the engine. That can rule out some of the cheap choices. It sure sounds like dropping an SC on the 3.4L is the easiest and least expensive option.
 
The smart thing to do would be to sell the 3rd gen and buy a 4th gen with a V8. Second choice, install the SC. I would definitely get the 4th gen V8 though because there's nothing quite like the throaty sound of a V8.

boo...

3rd gens are more capable offroad and I can drop a supercharged v8 in the 3rd gen that would blow the doors off the 4th gen minivans they call 4runners.
 
For those talking an engine swap you have to remember that you need to meet the emission requirements. When doing an engine swap you must use an engine, and emissions, from a vehicle newer than the vehicle receiving the engine. That can rule out some of the cheap choices. It sure sounds like dropping an SC on the 3.4L is the easiest and least expensive option.

Not in KY or the outskirts of TN you don't lol.
 
Not in KY or the outskirts of TN you don't lol.

Well anyone in California knows what a nightmare the emissions control is. I had one guy tell me he would fail me if I came in with my ISR mod on.
I feel if you want the torque with the hp, then the v8 swap is your best bet. To me the torque is what will really help you when crawling, but the hp is nice for a DD. I would go for the supercharger because it will most likely be cheaper, easier and less of a headache, especially if it is your daily driver. Now if it is just a trail rig then go with the v8. :thumb3:
 
. About your hp numbers. Just remember torque is the more important specification for this application. If you were going for quarter mile then go for hp.

Torque= ability to accelerate/pull/climb
HP= ability to sustain

I know this general rule of HP to TQ relationship. Has been over a year since I looked at those numbers. I believe the 4.0L V6 and the 3.4L SC are close in TQ and the 4.7 V8 while close in HP has about 70 more lbft of torque.
 
I've had the same thoughts about putting a V8 in the 4runner. I'm sure it wouldn't be horribly practical, but it would definitely be cool. Plus it's always fun to build stuff like that. Personally I think it's more fun to work on engine bits than suspensions.

Supercharging the 3.4L would certainly be easier, because it's all bolt on parts. But it might not be cheaper for the power you'd get. A 3.4L SC is like $1.5k - $2k if you can find a good used one or $3k if you buy new. Plus $1k for the URD fuel kit. So that's potentially upwards of $4k without even touching the engine. And you're still only at 260 - 270 horsepower. (with engine work and a smaller pulley you could get to 300 hp, but that's just more money you have to spend to get there.)

The Lexus GS400 4.0L V8 (1997+ w/ VVT-i) is rated at 300 hp and 310 tq. You could buy a GS400 for $3k - $4K or less if you can find a wrecked one with a good engine. Or the engine alone from a GS400 could be had for less than $1k with wiring harness and ECM.

So as far as hp/$ goes you'll definitely come out ahead with the V8, but there would just be a lot more fab work involved. (That's not taking into account that time=money. So, depending on how much you value your time it may, on the other hand, be cheaper to go with the SC.)

I still like the V8 idea.

My personal favorite combo: 3UR-FE with TRD supercharger = 500 hp & 550 tq
 
what a about a diesel swap? i have been podering that idea since i got my 4runner. is this possible at all? are there any diesel engines in the U.S that would work?

Yeah obkook put a diesel in his 3rd gen. I can't find the exact link to his details because it is buried in the 3rd gen picture gallery. He even did it in California.
 
If you were going to spend the time and money for a swap id say a LS1.

Awsome hp per $

And they have a ton of aftermarket, plus I think that motor has been swapped into just about everything .

Why not a T4R :bigok:
 

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