Elvota's 3.4 swap

**Elvota** · 10-28-2007, 12:53 AM

Well, it has begun. Even though my 3.0 has never failed me... it has let me down in terms of power and MPG. I did a lot to it, and plan to transfer what is compatible to the 3.4 accessory wise. I am looking forward to being able to complete some road trips with a little more authority in the passing lane.

Donor motor: 3.4 out of a 96 4Runner, 5spd.

There are some mighty good writeups already here on YT with plenty of detail. Mt. Goat (link) and Breknraj (link) are just a couple of shining examples that I plan to have guide me.

There will be a few things different with my swap however that may help others.

1. I have an SAS
2. I have dual cases courtesy of Marlin and their various adapters (23 spline throughout)
3. I plan to use headers
4. I plan to wire it myself (but have ORS bookmarked should I fail

)
5. I plan to do a custom filter/ intake similar to what I built for my 3.0
6. No supercharger
7. No bodylift (hood, meet cut off wheel... cut off wheel, meet hood

)

I'll keep this thread updated... but my progress will be slow. Just starting to tackle the wiring at this point. I will then do some maintainence on the 3.4 such as timing belt, water pump and anything else that's easier to do with the motor out of the 4Runner.

On with some pics. Current 3.0 that is now in the way

Donor motor:

Electrical spaghetti

I have dowloaded basically the entire manual for the 96 4Runner from TIS (link) and have already found the $10 a day charge more than worthwhile.

So... wish me luck...

I am also looking for suggestions on sparkplugs, wires, air filter (cone type, not stock), oil filter, additional mods or anything that I might be missing. By the way, I have no plans to tear down the motor and do internal upgrades at this time. I will run it stock for a year or so, and then think about getting some more performance if I feel the need.

I did already have one wiring question... but didn't want it to get buried here. (link)

ocdropzone · 10-28-2007, 01:06 AM

Steve: Looks like you have got your work cut out for you. Good luck with it. After seeing some similar threads it makes me wonder if it would be possible to swap a 3.4 in my '81..probably more work than I am ready for, maybe a 2.7.

How many miles on the Donor engine and were you able to get the ECU etc from donor vehicle? The Spaghetti looks colorful...

**Elvota** · 10-28-2007, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocdropzone

How many miles on the Donor engine and were you able to get the ECU etc from donor vehicle?

I do not have an exact mileage on the motor... guessing over 100,00 though. But with 235,000 on the current 3.0, I can't complain. Funny, some non-Toyota people I meet don't know why I am so stoked to put a motor with 100,000 miles on it in my truck.

I did get the ECU and all the accessories with the motor. Majority of related components as well.

neoworm0 · 10-28-2007, 08:34 AM

subscribing. Good Luck with the swap!

mt_goat · 10-28-2007, 09:44 AM

Subscribed and may the force be with you.

In answer your question about air filtering, I'd try to find one of these to fit your cone holder:
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaau.aspx

I wonder if since you have an SAS if you couldn't just keep the 5VZFE oil pan and dip stick?

fillsrunner4 · 10-28-2007, 12:06 PM

Looks good however was the harness cut? the pic of the 3.4 looks like you had to lable all the wires yourself. I know how that must have been if you did that. I used a AEM dryforce intake cone on mine. I also added a oil filter relocation kit so i could add a bit more oil just a thought.

MT goat i think i even with the sas it would be wise to add a 2wd t100 pan. the best place i have found for this was Sky Manufacturing. comes with pan, dipstick, and pickup tube. I can tell if i kept the stock pan it would hit.

Good luck and cant wait to see some more pics.

**Elvota** · 10-28-2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fillsrunner4

Looks good however was the harness cut? the pic of the 3.4 looks like you had to label all the wires yourself. I know how that must have been if you did that.

It was cut. I had no luck finding a 3.4 in my area, I must be a bad detective. It really hasn't been that hard putting things back together... and I have learned a lot about automotive wiring in the process. Electrical has always been a mystery to me, so I am using this as a learning experience. This is of course assuming I did everything right. Guess I won't know that for sure until I turn the key.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fillsrunner4

MT goat i think i even with the sas it would be wise to add a 2wd t100 pan. the best place i have found for this was Sky Manufacturing. comes with pan, dipstick, and pickup tube. I can tell if i kept the stock pan it would hit.

I will most likely use the pan and related from my current 3.0 as that clears all the SAS stuff without issue... and is much cheaper than Sky.

My goal is to keep the entire project under $2000, and then reduce that a bit by selling the 3.0 after I am done. Guess we will see.

fillsrunner4 · 10-28-2007, 12:24 PM

Have you found the plugs to match that ecu? this was my problem but theres a guy here who helped me track down the part number if you need some ill send you his info if you want.

Its alot of wires but its actualy pretty easy once you start diy.

**Elvota** · 10-28-2007, 12:28 PM

Even though the harness was cut, I made sure to grab all the related wires and plugs. So, I have everything... just need to get it all back together.

I think I have the harness about 95% reconstructed... so next step will be mechanical. I am hoping to start tearing things apart within the next few weeks.

fillsrunner4 · 10-28-2007, 12:31 PM

sweet thats good you were able to get the plugs.

Keep us informed on your progress and good luck

ocdropzone · 10-29-2007, 09:50 AM

Under $2k...that will be much better than the 3.0

breknraj · 10-29-2007, 01:45 PM

Welcome aboard, Elvota!

It sounds as though you will have a seriously bada$$ set up, once you're done!

If your 3.0 oil pan fits well around your SAS, then you should be golden using that on the 3.4 - it will end up in exactly the same place. My donor had a K&N intake system on it, when I got it. I re-used the intake pipe and related hose hook ups, but I swapped the filter for a TrueFlow. It has been a great set up, for me (and getting about time to clean it - I've put about 10,000 miles on the beast, since the swap!)

Feel free to PM me, if there is anything that I might be able to help you with!

**Elvota** · 10-29-2007, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the votes of support.

It is my understanding that the 3.0 and 3.4 blocks are the same. Thus tranny, oil pan, accessory and engine mount compatibility.

What reasons (if any) would there be for my current 3.0 headers not to work/ fit on the new 3.4?

My hope is that they will, and save me some coin... but I know Downey and others list headers specifically for 3.0 and 3.4 applications. If just a difference in routing, my SAS may rescue me again with some additional clearances where the IFS wouldn't have them. Guess we will see.

fillsrunner4 · 10-29-2007, 02:40 PM

they are completly different heads so the headers will not work

mt_goat · 10-29-2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fillsrunner4

they are completly different heads so the headers will not work

X2, not even close to fitting.

**Elvota** · 10-29-2007, 07:49 PM

Have you ever had one of those days where your brain just let's you down? Why oh why did I think the headers had anything to do with the blocks being the same.

Sure hope my gray matter starts firing on all cylinders soon or this swap is surely doomed.

fillsrunner4 · 10-29-2007, 08:14 PM

you can do it. trust me we all see those days. the blocks are very similar but not exactly the same. Keep researching and gather as much info as you can. its not a hard swap to do and theres plenty of help on this forum and others.

RobD · 10-29-2007, 08:20 PM

I had a cross-over custom made for mine that comes right off the factory exhaust manifolds. They used 2 1/4" pipe (if memory serves) because anything larger, in their opinion, probably wouldn't make much difference on a V6. Except take up more space behind the block, that is. If you're getting one built, have them build it as tight to the back of the block as you can, following the curve of the bellhousing. They did this with mine and it came down darn near dead perfectly centered between the frame rail and the transmission. Looks almost stock.

I've got tons of power, too, with it. It turns 33's at highway speed with no problem. I can maintain speed on 8% grades. I can pick up speed if I downshift. Stuff that was only fantasy with the 3.0.

Another good site is www.andrewzook.com

10-28-2007, 12:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Elvota Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,442	Elvota's 3.4 swap Well, it has begun. Even though my 3.0 has never failed me... it has let me down in terms of power and MPG. I did a lot to it, and plan to transfer what is compatible to the 3.4 accessory wise. I am looking forward to being able to complete some road trips with a little more authority in the passing lane. Donor motor: 3.4 out of a 96 4Runner, 5spd. There are some mighty good writeups already here on YT with plenty of detail. Mt. Goat (link) and Breknraj (link) are just a couple of shining examples that I plan to have guide me. There will be a few things different with my swap however that may help others. 1. I have an SAS 2. I have dual cases courtesy of Marlin and their various adapters (23 spline throughout) 3. I plan to use headers 4. I plan to wire it myself (but have ORS bookmarked should I fail ) 5. I plan to do a custom filter/ intake similar to what I built for my 3.0 6. No supercharger 7. No bodylift (hood, meet cut off wheel... cut off wheel, meet hood ) I'll keep this thread updated... but my progress will be slow. Just starting to tackle the wiring at this point. I will then do some maintainence on the 3.4 such as timing belt, water pump and anything else that's easier to do with the motor out of the 4Runner. On with some pics. Current 3.0 that is now in the way Donor motor: Electrical spaghetti I have dowloaded basically the entire manual for the 96 4Runner from TIS (link) and have already found the $10 a day charge more than worthwhile. So... wish me luck... I am also looking for suggestions on sparkplugs, wires, air filter (cone type, not stock), oil filter, additional mods or anything that I might be missing. By the way, I have no plans to tear down the motor and do internal upgrades at this time. I will run it stock for a year or so, and then think about getting some more performance if I feel the need. I did already have one wiring question... but didn't want it to get buried here. (link) __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY

10-28-2007, 01:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX Posts: 2,749	Steve: Looks like you have got your work cut out for you. Good luck with it. After seeing some similar threads it makes me wonder if it would be possible to swap a 3.4 in my '81..probably more work than I am ready for, maybe a 2.7. How many miles on the Donor engine and were you able to get the ECU etc from donor vehicle? The Spaghetti looks colorful... __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker SR5 B4Runner Build '89 Tercel Project POS Gas Saver '05 Camry 'Wife's curb destroyer' '03 Tahoe Family Truckster/Tow Rig TREKKER Forum LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS All Toyota Website Search Engine Wheel Responsibly, Don't screw it up for others...

10-28-2007, 08:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
neoworm0 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 342	subscribing. Good Luck with the swap! __________________ 1995 Toyota PU SR5 V6, A few mods.

10-28-2007, 09:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
mt_goat Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oklahoma State Posts: 7,433	Subscribed and may the force be with you. In answer your question about air filtering, I'd try to find one of these to fit your cone holder: https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaau.aspx I wonder if since you have an SAS if you couldn't just keep the 5VZFE oil pan and dip stick? __________________ Dale "America is in a hole and it's getting deeper every day. We import 70% of our oil at a cost of $700 billion a year - four times the annual cost of the Iraq war." T. Boone Pickens Check out the plan: http://www.pickensplan.com/index.php and http://www.cngnow.com/EN-US/Pages/default.aspx

10-28-2007, 12:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
fillsrunner4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sammamish, wa Posts: 2,363	Looks good however was the harness cut? the pic of the 3.4 looks like you had to lable all the wires yourself. I know how that must have been if you did that. I used a AEM dryforce intake cone on mine. I also added a oil filter relocation kit so i could add a bit more oil just a thought. MT goat i think i even with the sas it would be wise to add a 2wd t100 pan. the best place i have found for this was Sky Manufacturing. comes with pan, dipstick, and pickup tube. I can tell if i kept the stock pan it would hit. Good luck and cant wait to see some more pics. __________________ 94' toyota 4runner (Many a change!) purchased bone stock, NOW... SAS, 37x14" Iroks, Rear Leafs, 5.29's , Air locked front, Welded rear, 4.3L, Chevy V6 , 5spd swapped, dual T/C's MC10R10, flatbelly with custom skids, sliders, and so much more. Might as well start reading this if ya want know more Fillsrunner4 3.4crawler Build Thread Fillsrunner4.3 crawler (Part Two) build thread

10-28-2007, 12:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
fillsrunner4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sammamish, wa Posts: 2,363	Have you found the plugs to match that ecu? this was my problem but theres a guy here who helped me track down the part number if you need some ill send you his info if you want. Its alot of wires but its actualy pretty easy once you start diy. __________________ 94' toyota 4runner (Many a change!) purchased bone stock, NOW... SAS, 37x14" Iroks, Rear Leafs, 5.29's , Air locked front, Welded rear, 4.3L, Chevy V6 , 5spd swapped, dual T/C's MC10R10, flatbelly with custom skids, sliders, and so much more. Might as well start reading this if ya want know more Fillsrunner4 3.4crawler Build Thread Fillsrunner4.3 crawler (Part Two) build thread

10-28-2007, 12:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
Elvota Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,442	Even though the harness was cut, I made sure to grab all the related wires and plugs. So, I have everything... just need to get it all back together. I think I have the harness about 95% reconstructed... so next step will be mechanical. I am hoping to start tearing things apart within the next few weeks. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY

10-28-2007, 12:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
fillsrunner4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sammamish, wa Posts: 2,363	sweet thats good you were able to get the plugs. Keep us informed on your progress and good luck __________________ 94' toyota 4runner (Many a change!) purchased bone stock, NOW... SAS, 37x14" Iroks, Rear Leafs, 5.29's , Air locked front, Welded rear, 4.3L, Chevy V6 , 5spd swapped, dual T/C's MC10R10, flatbelly with custom skids, sliders, and so much more. Might as well start reading this if ya want know more Fillsrunner4 3.4crawler Build Thread Fillsrunner4.3 crawler (Part Two) build thread

10-29-2007, 09:50 AM	#11 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX Posts: 2,749	Under $2k...that will be much better than the 3.0 __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker SR5 B4Runner Build '89 Tercel Project POS Gas Saver '05 Camry 'Wife's curb destroyer' '03 Tahoe Family Truckster/Tow Rig TREKKER Forum LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS All Toyota Website Search Engine Wheel Responsibly, Don't screw it up for others...

10-29-2007, 01:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
breknraj Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Summit County, Colorado Posts: 862	Welcome aboard, Elvota! It sounds as though you will have a seriously bada$$ set up, once you're done! If your 3.0 oil pan fits well around your SAS, then you should be golden using that on the 3.4 - it will end up in exactly the same place. My donor had a K&N intake system on it, when I got it. I re-used the intake pipe and related hose hook ups, but I swapped the filter for a TrueFlow. It has been a great set up, for me (and getting about time to clean it - I've put about 10,000 miles on the beast, since the swap!) Feel free to PM me, if there is anything that I might be able to help you with! __________________ Raj : 1960 Homo Sapien. 192cm, Blonde, Blue. Soon to lose spare tire. Worf : 1990 SR5 Xtracab 4x4 5 speed, Inca Red Metallic. 3.4 converted, with Taco 5 spoke alloys, 275/65R16 BFG AT K/Os. Soon to add rear e-locker.

10-29-2007, 02:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
Elvota Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,442	Thanks for the votes of support. It is my understanding that the 3.0 and 3.4 blocks are the same. Thus tranny, oil pan, accessory and engine mount compatibility. What reasons (if any) would there be for my current 3.0 headers not to work/ fit on the new 3.4? My hope is that they will, and save me some coin... but I know Downey and others list headers specifically for 3.0 and 3.4 applications. If just a difference in routing, my SAS may rescue me again with some additional clearances where the IFS wouldn't have them. Guess we will see. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY

10-29-2007, 02:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
fillsrunner4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sammamish, wa Posts: 2,363	they are completly different heads so the headers will not work __________________ 94' toyota 4runner (Many a change!) purchased bone stock, NOW... SAS, 37x14" Iroks, Rear Leafs, 5.29's , Air locked front, Welded rear, 4.3L, Chevy V6 , 5spd swapped, dual T/C's MC10R10, flatbelly with custom skids, sliders, and so much more. Might as well start reading this if ya want know more Fillsrunner4 3.4crawler Build Thread Fillsrunner4.3 crawler (Part Two) build thread

10-29-2007, 07:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
Elvota Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,442	Have you ever had one of those days where your brain just let's you down? Why oh why did I think the headers had anything to do with the blocks being the same. Sure hope my gray matter starts firing on all cylinders soon or this swap is surely doomed. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY

10-29-2007, 08:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
fillsrunner4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sammamish, wa Posts: 2,363	you can do it. trust me we all see those days. the blocks are very similar but not exactly the same. Keep researching and gather as much info as you can. its not a hard swap to do and theres plenty of help on this forum and others. __________________ 94' toyota 4runner (Many a change!) purchased bone stock, NOW... SAS, 37x14" Iroks, Rear Leafs, 5.29's , Air locked front, Welded rear, 4.3L, Chevy V6 , 5spd swapped, dual T/C's MC10R10, flatbelly with custom skids, sliders, and so much more. Might as well start reading this if ya want know more Fillsrunner4 3.4crawler Build Thread Fillsrunner4.3 crawler (Part Two) build thread

10-29-2007, 08:20 PM	#18 (permalink)
RobD Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,073	I had a cross-over custom made for mine that comes right off the factory exhaust manifolds. They used 2 1/4" pipe (if memory serves) because anything larger, in their opinion, probably wouldn't make much difference on a V6. Except take up more space behind the block, that is. If you're getting one built, have them build it as tight to the back of the block as you can, following the curve of the bellhousing. They did this with mine and it came down darn near dead perfectly centered between the frame rail and the transmission. Looks almost stock. I've got tons of power, too, with it. It turns 33's at highway speed with no problem. I can maintain speed on 8% grades. I can pick up speed if I downshift. Stuff that was only fantasy with the 3.0. Another good site is www.andrewzook.com __________________ 1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio Last edited by RobD : 10-29-2007 at 08:26 PM.