ka24et

First off I'd like to say thank you to all the forum members that I have learned so much from by reading, lurking, printing pages, searching, repeat. So, thank you!

This will be my first post, and I look forward to posting more pics/updates if there is interest in my project. It's not exactly most people's cup of tea.

I bought my 88 4runner knowing full well a swap was in it's future. I bought a poorly running V6 (high miles, no rust, no accidents) and after a few simple adjustments/repairs it actually ran... well! Much to my surprise it started and idled well, had good compression, had decent power, and passed smog! Conflicted in throwing away a perfectly running motor, I simply drove it for a few months. A slowly leaking water pump that turned into a fast leaking water pump forced my hand and I had to park it while I decided whether to fix the 3.0 or commit to my swap after all.

I'm not sure if I'm breaking new ground or not, but I am installing the engine and tranny from a 1991 GMC Syclone (~66K miles) into the 4runner! The 4.3 and 700R4 combo is a swap I've read a lot about on this and other forums. I've named the project Tsunami as sort of a joke on Syclone/Typhoon. A "tsunami" decal in the lettering style of Syclone is in the works.

Currently a donor Syclone has been acquired and both motor and tranny sets have been pulled. It was a little heartbreaking to tear into the Syclone because of their rarity, the only consolation being that this particular Syclone had a salvage title and missing cladding. VERY cool, scary fast, badass truck which I debated on simply restoring but I am sticking to the plan. It's going into the 4runner. I'm losing the Syclone's full time 4wd in the swap so it won't be the same 4wd hard launching monster but it should still be a lot of fun to drive.

I understand the relative values of both these vehicles don't compare. I acquired my 4runner for $1500. The Syclone was a steal at $5K but often sell in the teens. I hope to recoup some costs by selling the 3.0 tranny combo along with the Syclone shell (lots of cool rare goodies on that shell - perfect for a V8 swap but I digress).

Sorry for the long first post. Mods if I did something wrong I apologize in advance. Here's a couple of pics... let me see if I remember how to do this...

bump530

Nice project. Im not too far from putting a 4.3 in my 4runner, but mine is a 98 vortec.

Being the GM fan that I am, Im not sure I could tear a clean cyclone/typhoon apart like that, but I understand.

Im looking forward to seeing some updates. Are you planning on leaving the IFS?

88ECToy

iTrader: (1)

That will make for a good swap. Easy and reliable. I ran a TBI 4.3/700R4 for years with good success, including finding all the weak links in the trans. Been done by lots of people here so info shouldn't be a problem. Have fun with it, keep us posted.

88ECToy

iTrader: (1)

Oh and, congrats on the 4Runner score!

ka24et

bump530:

Pulling the motor out of the syclone was always the plan but once I began driving it for a couple of weeks, I began to have my doubts. I think most would have restored it or flipped it for an easy profit. It was running poorly due to an improperly installed performance chip. Fixed that and it ran perfectly fine.

Besides the obvious power and coolness factor, I ended up choosing the Syclone due to it's early 90's vintage. It didn't have OBDII to deal with which in California equates to additional installation hurdles since I am planning on a visit to the BAR to certify the vehicle 100% smog legal. The Syclone 4.3 also has individual injectors.

My plan is to try and keep the IFS. I'm sure the Vortec motor you're planning on swapping would be great. I have a GMC Safari Van of similar vintage and it definitely has some balls.

Hope to have more updates in a week or two...

99ECToy:

The 4runner has been one of my favorite vehicles I've ever owned and I've owned almost 20 different cars/trucks over the years. My desire to make it even more fun is what prompted this project!

Discombobulated

Yes, it will be cool to do but a shame! The cyclone looks really clean and boy are they hard to come by.

Buddy of mine had one for a while and that thing was straight up nasty

Cool project though can't wait to see the finished product.

ka24et

Hammering out more clearance for the 700R4. No body lift in this swap.


Cleaning up the engine bay. Almost an inch thick crust of sand/dirt/grease built up in some spots from various slowly leaking fluids.


Taking some reference measurements using the Advance Adapters engine mounts bolted to the stock mounts. Way too high!


Stock engine mounts cut out and smoothed out in preparation for welding the AA mounts directly...


Test fitting the motor mounts. Shockingly good fit. The mounts welded directly turned out to be the exact correct spacing. Lucky coincidence? By this time the engine was painted with 3 cans of Rustoleum Satin Black.



Dale the Mechanic (and the brains and experience in this whole swap) welding up the oil pan modification to clear the front diff.


Brakes lines spun into the wheel well ares to create more clearance for the exhaust pipe that will run close to the passenger frame rail. The fuel line will be moved to the driver side frame rail.


Syclone motor compression tested and intake manifold resealed. Vacuum hoses to be replaced, basic tune up, and various components replaced for peace of mind.


Draining the 700R4 for a fluid change...


tackwelded the mounts


this mount had to be shaved a bit to give clearance to the starter


finished welding the mount. this isn't going anywhere. there was a slight "tilt" upwards in the rear of the mount which was the optimal angle for my particular install and combo of components (4.3, 700R4, NP241).

dsal_86Yota

Awesome idea. I'd say keep the syclone and swap in a V8 and use it as a street toy and the Runner as a offroad toy. Just a idea.

bump530

Any progress on this project?

bamaboys83

any progress? Would love to see this build