Sweet 2nd gen FS in MN

[MN4runnerman]

This looks like a good build that someone did. I really want to drive this thing and make some tires squeal. I wheel with a guy who put a 5.3l in his first gen and man that thing goes.

I'm not affliliated with this in any way and hope I'm not breaking any Classics unwritten rules.

Here's what he posted

1990 Toyota 4Runner SR5, 4X4, low miles, solid body, hauled up here from AZ before the custom work was done. Over $30,000. Cost to build on the V8 conversion. Way to much to list call for details...
The motor is a port injected 350 from a corvette with aluminum heads, headders, true dual exhaust with flowmasters, cold air intake and a custom built aluminum radiator. Interior is in excellent condition and the paint still shines nice. There is a little sun fade in a few spots but it's not bad..
Runs and drives excellent! Very quick little SUV.
It's kind of like having 4 seater sides by side or RZR but way more power and street legal everywhere..
Asking $9,500. Best offer or trade?
1990 Toyota 4Runner, 400hp V8 conversion! Fun SUV!!

 

[CentCalKid]

Tires Don't Squeal in Dirt

To each their own....but if you want V-8 power and squealing tires the Corvette engine should have been left in a Corvette.
Personally, I think one of the most beautiful characteristics of the early gen 4Runners is their reliability in unmodified, un-abused and well maintained form. I would be reluctant to take that (most any 4x4) outback solo...my bone-ass stock 2nd Gen has performed well far, far from the nearest paved road. The only time a Toyota 4x4 left us dying in 100+ degree (F) desert heat was when an aftermarket modification failed.

Sure 4Runners have a reputation for high G-Force cornering and...oh...wait...my buddy is telling me they don't have a reputation for high G-Force cornering. On the contrary, my buddy says these things roll with very little prompting...so forget the Ferrari-like handling you would hope for with a 400hp engine.

This modified 4Runner (doesn't matter how much THEY spent on it) is currently somebody else's problem and you should leave it that way.

ps: 350 cu.in is approximately equal to 5.7 liter.

 

[MN4runnerman]

ps: 350 cu.in is approximately equal to 5.7 liter.

P.S. I know the difference between a 5.7L 350 cu. in. and a 5.3L 327 cu. in. engine.

To each their own though if this was a Toyota V8 it might've garnered a bit more attention. But if this engine is an early 90's v8 out of those crappy corvettes of that time then I agree with you. The reliability of those engines kind of suck. Just thought it was cool enough to pass along. Would I buy this? No. Would I go test drive it? Hell yeah!

 

[Kean]

To each their own though if this was a Toyota V8 it might've garnered a bit more attention. But if this engine is an early 90's v8 out of those crappy corvettes of that time then I agree with you. The reliability of those engines kind of suck. Just thought it was cool enough to pass along. Would I buy this? No. Would I go test drive it? Hell yeah!

I’ll be the one to say that I get it and yeah, it wouldn’t mind a test drive in that thing just out of curiosity. It sounds cool assuming it doesn’t have issues and is a quality build. Having said that (and looking at the pictures), I have doubts on the latter. With low miles and considering all the money spent, I would have put some time into making it look better than it appears. Kinda looks like they just threw a used engine from a wrecking yard in there. ….is that rust on the valve covers?

As for power, it might be overkill to some but (as mentioned) to each their own. Personally, I was never impressed with the stock powerplants in these 1st gens regardless of their overall reliability (even when new). ….the one in mine actually had a crack in the block after ~70k miles (defect). If I had to DD my ’86 I would seriously entertain swapping the 22RE (using one of the more popular solutions).

 

[MN4runnerman]

Kinda looks like they just threw a used engine from a wrecking yard in there. ….is that rust on the valve covers?

It is Minnesota after all....

 

[Kean]

It is Minnesota after all....

...true, but I could have made that engine compartment look a heck of a lot better than it does with just a couple of hours labor. It is basically the main feature in this case.

 

[MN4runnerman]

...true, but I could have made that engine compartment look a heck of a lot better than it does with just a couple of hours labor. It is basically the main feature in this case.

I get what you mean I would've cleaned it up a bit maybe paint the valve covers. I wish he had some more and better pics of the engine bay.

 

[Kean]

I get what you mean I would've cleaned it up a bit maybe paint the valve covers. I wish he had some more and better pics of the engine bay.

Yeah... Wouldn't mind seeing some of the work that went into that. You sure wouldn't want for more power with that thing.