Hello,

Name's Jon, just thought I would post some pictures of a swap I am doing. I am kinda in the middle of it and just realized that maybe some people would like to see what is going on...I've walked away with a whole bushel of bad ideas from build up threads so I hope this lights a fire under somebody...

Here's the skinny...I bought a 1981/2 2wd PU from an older gentleman who needed some cash. The truck didn't run...the motor threw a rod. So I decided to do a little searching, and I found a 1992 3.0 that needed a head gasket...apparently it was 12,000 miles from a rebuild. I have heard bad things about these V6's but I decided to give it a try...It was not only the cheapest, but most interesting option out there.

I also came upon an R150f with VF1A tcase out of a '92 4runner for $100. Probably going to do a gear driven tcase swap down the road...have 2 in my garage...but that will come later. For right now, I just want to get the truck driveable. I am going to try to attach some pics, so we'll see what happens...

Jon

 

Okay...so I just posted an album on the web here...

http://picasaweb.google.com/jwriebe

If you wnat to see the pics just go click the link and then click on the picture of the toyota and you should be able to view my pictures.

I will be updating these as I go...hopefully some people will have questions so I can pretend to know a lot about what I am doing...just kidding.

Well it's late, time to hit the rack.

Later,

Jon

 

A 3.slow? but WHY?!?!?!?!

lol

Lookin good so far!

 

Avoid the V6 that motor is an abortion and half from the wrong end the size of a pringles can

 

What?????

I know the 3.0 is unpopular but I am willing to take the hit. Thus far it has been easy to work on...

Thanks for the heads up anyway though...we'll see what happens.

Jon

 

Alright, so I have been searching around for legitimate information on swapping the 3.0 into my rig. I went to pirate, did a ton of searching and found a few threads about people, most of whom don't own a 3.0, pissing and moaning about it's performance.

as it stands, I am pretty much fed up with Pirate. Most of the individuals that do post on that board think they are part of the "Internet Special Operations Group" or something. They are too busy talking about how bad something is to offer any useful advice. And the rest that do offfer advice suggest ridiculous modifications which would cost exorbitant amounts of money...Iam an enlisted MArine, not a damn CEO.

For my money...Pirate has become a waste of time.


Sorry, just needed to rant a little.

Not a whole lot has gone on with the truck. I am waiting on parts. Going to replace the head gasket with a set from Ted at ENGNBLDR and then slap on some headers and stuff the engine. I did cut and reweld my motor mounts to make the thing fit. It was relatively easy and I am looking forward to driving a soft mounted engine versus the hard mount 4cylinder.

Jon

 

Yea, thats pirate for you. Same as the guys over on TTORA. Not really willing to help unless you have a cage and 39" tires.

For the record, there really isn't much info for swapping a 3.0 into anything, because its such a bad engine. You will find a lot of info on swapping the 3.4L in, but nothing on that 3VZ. You may have to go stand alone, or if you could figure out the wiring, it would make it 100% easier.

You will also have to add all the stuff for fuel injection, such as high presssure lines, and a fuel pump, etc etc.

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/mods-3-0-durring-full-rebuild-35794/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/supercharge-3-0-not-standard-noob-question-35688/

those are some 3.0L build up threads i have come across, incase you havent seen those!

after you get past some of the bashing you might find some useful info, i havent looked at the progress made in the threads in a while, maybe you can find some good info or links?

i have the 3.0L tho it really is under powered for the amont of gas it takes, it has been pretty true to me, lasting just under 200k miles isnt that bad for such a "horrible" engine. The only complaint I ever have is the cold starts i get at times and how quick it burns oil when i do have to drive it alot, but then again its at 200k w/o any rebuilds. have fun w/ your project! ill have to check up as often as i can

 

Thanks for the help guys,

I ordered some non TTY headbolts from ENGNBLDR. In my research about the 3.0 I have read numerous reports of gasket failure due to reuse of TTY headbolts. I really have a hard time faulting an engine for poor choice on the part of the mechanic.

as for the gas mileage, I think that more often than not people tend to have poor gear choice/too tall tires. also, it seems to me that most people complaining about the gas mileage are driving slushboxes, correct me if I am wrong anyone?

I am looking forward to building this project, but it is dis-heartening to hear all this negative crap about the motor. Hopefully i didn't make a big mistake, but we'll just have to see.

Oh, I posted a picture of the reworked motor mount, nothing special but it works real well. You can access it using the link at the top of this thread.


Later,

Jon

 

I had a 1990 v6 5sp that got about 14mpg. Thats 1970 V8 gas mileage, without the power. And that was all on Stock 4.10 gearing with factory 31" tires.

 

Huh...thanks for the info. It seems like this motor is pretty dang picky... I have heard a bunch of wild numbers for gas mileage, rangng from 20+ down to 7-8 in town...

hope i got a good one...in the end, it beats the hell out of walking

Thanks,

Jon

 

Looks like a neat project Jon,
Alot of guys bash the 3.0 but I would be happy if my 22re 4runner was anywhere near as fast as my 3.0 truck. I usually get about 17-19 mpg at 80 to 90 mph on the freeway, 20 or better if I go 75 mph.
Post more pics.
Robb

 

Robb,

I will definitely continue to post pics and write ups about what I am doing. Hopefully my parts get here soon so my wife will be able to park in the garage again and I can stop getting "the look."

Good to hear positives about the motor, I am stoked to see how it will do.

Later,

Jon

 

Well, I had 31's to put on the truck but today I spotted some 35x12.5 for $75 and I couldn't resist. I think it is going to be a little interesting with the 4.10's but maybe it will motivate me to regear in the near future. we'll see.

Got my engine parts from Ted at ENGNBLDR.com, but I am waiting until this weekend to start putting the thing back together. I am getting pretty excited now , can't wait to start putting stuff back ON the truck. (Neither can my wife )

Will post pics,

Later,

Jon

 

alright, I posted some more pictures...after I came home from picking up the tires, I saw a beautiful Trail Gear Package in front of my door. Inside was the hysteer setup. Thanks Joseph!!!!

here is the link... http://picasaweb.google.com/jwriebe/81ToyotaProject


Later,

Jon

 

Posted some new pics.

Mounted up my 35's and got the truck rolling around the other day.


here is the link...

http://picasaweb.google.com/jwriebe/81ToyotaProject


I will be slapping in the 3.0 later this week...

More pics to come...


Jon