colsoncj

I'm pickin up a cheapo 85 p/u. my mom needs the motor/tranny. I have a spare buick 350 layin around and a spare TH350 that bolts to it. I'm lookin at an el-cheapo quicky engine conversion. I've read a bunch of posts, and looked at a lot of prices, and I'm needing some advice.

The buick motor needs a head job and its good to go. The TH350 I got is in excellent shape, however to bolt it to the toy t-case we're lookin at 500 bucks (no good). I could get a adapter to bolt the engine to a chevy trans, but would need to pick up a chevy trans and t-case (cost?). In doing so, odds are im probably going to need a trans rebuild which would cost the same as the adapter for my tranny, and I don't know if the chevy t-case lines up with the toy diffs.

So... what would you do on a super limited budget. This is not a daily driver, doesn't need to be reliable, just needs to get the job done (I want another play toy). Should I fork over the 500 to get the adapter, and not worry about a trans/t-case in the future, or skimp and get the bellhousing adapter and go with a boneyard tranny and t-case. Or is there another cheap option I've forgotten about?

epic37311

" Toyota trucks earned a reputation for reliability long ago, but they also have a reputation for being grossly underpowerd. The four- and six-cylinder engines in these trucks will run forever, but dont askthem to run anywhere quickly. So when the stock engine finally gives up the ghost or you've simply had it with 45-mph assaults on mountin grades, it's time to consider swapping the stocker for a domestic V-6 or V8.
There are several possible engine candidates for Toyotas. Early engine swaps used Buick V-6 engines, but these days the Chevy 4.3L V-6 is used for most swaps. Both of these V-6 engines offer greater power than all but the most recent six-cylinder Toyota engines, excellent fitment in the tight engine compartment of Toy trucks, and less strain on the rest of the Toyota drivetrain. Both Ford and Chevy V-8 conversions are also possible, and according to Advance, the Ford 302 fits better in these engine compartments because it is slightly narrower than the Chevy V-8's. Regardless, fitment becomes a critical issue with any V-8 swap, and more parts and modifications are required to work properly.
Many of the factors for both a V-6 and a V-8 swap depend on whether the truck is equipped with a solid axle ( 85 or earlier) or IFS ( 86 or later). For example, oilpan modificationsare required for IFS trucks in many situations, but a solid axle Toy normally doesn't require modifications. Engine mount type and location also depends on the front suspension. In any case, a minimum 2 inch suspension lift is strongly recomended, as is a 2inch body lift for maximum clearance. Other engine compartment fitment concerns include slight firewall clearance for HEI ignition systems, obtaining a combination of ram's horn and log-style exhast manifolds if headers aren't used, and using a oil filter relocation kit on certain applications.
Some original engine accessories can be retained, but using all the accessories from the transplanted engine is recomended when using a late model engine with serpintine belt. These accessories, along with gauges and sensors, can be adapted to work with the Toyota caponents. Fuel Injection swaps can be accomplished with the help of Howell, wich manufactors the neccasary componants for TBI, TPI, and even Vortec applications. Cooling modifications include a three or four core radiator as well as a quality flex fan.
The changes needed for the rest of the drivetrain depend on what engine, transmission, and transfercase combination is used.The stock five-speed manuals in '85-and-later vehicles have proven to hold up well with V-6 applications, and according to Advance, they can also survive behind a V-8 as long as the driver is conservative. Adaptors are also available to mate a TH350, TH700R4, a C4, an NV4500,a T18, and Muncie car four speeds to the existing Toyota transfer cases and all these are much more capable of handling the grunt of a V-8 engine. Several adapter lenghts are avalible for most of of these applications, eliminating the need for driveshaft modifications. Advance claims these the transfer cases and axles have proven to be strong enough for all the V-8s, but we've seen people devolop axle problems in severe duty applications, especially with the IFS front ends."
4+4 Garage

Here is a of thread on motor swapping. It might help and might not.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ighlight=crash

Quote:
Originally Posted by kris
if you enjoy working on your rig, then do a V8 swap. If you have lots of money to pay someone to work on your rig, then do a V8 swap. If you have a hard time changing your oil, or pinch pennies, I would stay away from it.

V8 swaps require a lot of fabrication. Fabrication costs $$$, so unless you dont have the skills, have the money.

But, let me say this. V8 swaps are fun, unique, and the power is great. You should also consider the SAS, as the V8's fit better with that, than the IFS. But, you will break things, and again. Broken things require skills, or money to fix.

See a pattern here?

epic37311

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ighlight=crash

Be sure to check this rig out.

colsoncj

epic, thanks for the posts, i've already gone through and read that thread to the T. I'm tryin to figure out what to do for my application.... maybe i should let the thing sit until i got more money to put into it.

colsoncj

Heres another question, does the front output of a chevy NP208 or 241 line up with the front diff of a toyota?

DudeBud

i think most cheby t-cases dump out on the right side

colsoncj

Dude, does your toy t-case hold up well to the V8?

Cebby

That's a good thing...

DudeBud

yes it is a good thing... yeah the yota t-case holds up fine

colsoncj

Well i guess i don't have to worry about it anymore, i sold the truck, someone offered me a good deal.... maybe next time.

fravelk90

even though you sold the truck id just like to point something out. the buick motors for these swaps have alot of overheat issues even with 4 core radiator... my old neighbor did it to his yota. and ive heard of it happening to quite a few others... my neighbor wound up using a cryo2 injection kit to keep it cool....(wasnt bright enough just to swap for another motor)