Rob2thec

Hey guys,

I have recently acquired a 2009 Tacoma TRD that had a blow motor. The P.O. pulled the blown motor and pulled it apart. I have all of the parts in the bed of the truck now.

The goal is to buy a Toyota sealed used motor and drop it in. My question to all of you Tacoma gurus is what should I do to the motor before I drop it back in? Any baseline or basic mods that must be done? I am a 3rd gen 4-runner convert so I do not know a lot about these awesome trucks.

I plan on doing:

Timing, water pump, plugs, coils, wires, Starter, alternator, and belts.

Are the valve cover gaskets an issue on these motors?

I would replace everything with Toyota OEM parts.

Any Mods (headers throttle body spacer ect..) that are a must have? It is a 6 speed model so I can run gears out. But do any of these mods really help?


Oh and I am going to do a clutch. I would love some advice on a clutch that is good for daily driving but maybe adds a little for off road. The plan is Total chaos +2 kit, Atlas springs, and 35 inc BFG AT 2's 4.88 rear gears. (being done now)


Thank you all in advance for the advice!! -R