Most economical (initial cost & mpg) 1989 4Runner swap?

Joey Link · 09-14-2009, 01:08 PM

The 1989 4Runner 3.0 I just bought seems to have a knock in the bottom end. Looking around, it seems like it'd be cheaper to swap in a better engine than fix or replace the 3.0. Around here used 3vze's go for around $1000, or I could get a rebuilt 3vze for $1600 with a 7 year/70,000 warranty. The 3.4's look like they're going for about the same price, but then I'd have to buy anything else needed for the swap, pay someone to fab up the exhaust system, etc. I'd have to do this with the 4.3L vortec as well, but I see those going for around $400-$700 with fairly low miles. I've also considered a Supra engine, but haven't looked into the specifics yet. I heard one guy was getting 27mpg on the freeway with his Supra swapped 4runner.

Out of these four options (or others if I haven't mentioned them), what's the most economical route I can take to get this $1100 4Runner back on the road?

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

Buhundred · 09-14-2009, 01:19 PM

I'd go for a 3.4 if you want a good upgrade in power. The engine mounts are already there if you choose to swap in a 3.4.

Joey Link · 09-14-2009, 01:30 PM

Thanks for the reply Buhundred. I really don't need more power, but I would like increased reliability and fuel mileage. I just don't want to be into this 4Runner too much as the whole idea of it was a cheap rig I wouldn't mind trashing on the trail

Adam F · 09-15-2009, 08:56 PM

Another 3.0 will be the cheapest and easiest

malteserunner · 09-15-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam F

Another 3.0 will be the cheapest and easiest

X2. My first two 4Runners had newly rebuilt 3.0's in them when I got them. Never had any problems with either one, and they had plenty of power.

StangBanger · 09-15-2009, 09:10 PM

I hydrolocked my 3.0. I was going to swap a 5.3L into it but decided that rebuilding my 3.0 would be the "cheapest and easiest" option. If you wanted to you could drop a used 22re into there but i dont know if the fuel savings would be beneficial to the power loss. Ive found plenty 22re's going for $900. Im kinda mad right now because im trying to go on http://www.engnbldr.com for a rebuild kit but the damn site wont open for me?!?!

Adam F · 09-16-2009, 10:26 PM

Works for me bro

vital22re · 09-17-2009, 05:06 AM

i completed my 3.4 swap for 2100 bucks doin it my self ... most places i looked at for a rebuilt 3.0 wanted 1800-2800 for a long block!! And i have some extra umphf, better gas mileage, and the thing just feels more reliable than the 3.0. the only part that will give you trouble is the crossover and the wiring... but its very doable.

09-15-2009, 08:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,398	Another 3.0 will be the cheapest and easiest __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear

09-15-2009, 09:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
StangBanger Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: PM me if ur in MIAMI Posts: 332	I hydrolocked my 3.0. I was going to swap a 5.3L into it but decided that rebuilding my 3.0 would be the "cheapest and easiest" option. If you wanted to you could drop a used 22re into there but i dont know if the fuel savings would be beneficial to the power loss. Ive found plenty 22re's going for $900. Im kinda mad right now because im trying to go on http://www.engnbldr.com for a rebuild kit but the damn site wont open for me?!?! __________________ 1989 4RUNNER 3.0 AddictedOffroad front winch bumper SB 8,000lb Lifesaver Parked for now..Intake decided to take a big gulp of the good ole h2o

09-16-2009, 10:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,398	Works for me bro __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear

09-17-2009, 05:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
vital22re Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: kirkland washington Posts: 682	i completed my 3.4 swap for 2100 bucks doin it my self ... most places i looked at for a rebuilt 3.0 wanted 1800-2800 for a long block!! And i have some extra umphf, better gas mileage, and the thing just feels more reliable than the 3.0. the only part that will give you trouble is the crossover and the wiring... but its very doable. __________________ 92 toyota truck 3.4 5spd 4.56 gears magna flow cat and muffler2 1/4 piping isr mod to intake 1.5 bjsfront add a leafs and 2inch lift shackles rear rancho shocks all around sitting on 265/75/r16 nitto terra grapplers

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

09-14-2009, 01:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Joey Link Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 82	Thanks for the reply Buhundred. I really don't need more power, but I would like increased reliability and fuel mileage. I just don't want to be into this 4Runner too much as the whole idea of it was a cheap rig I wouldn't mind trashing on the trail