I have a 1987 4runner 4WD with a newly rebuilt 22re. I love the 22r for it's reliability and simplicity, it's an iconic engine and I'm going to use it for the foreseeable future.

With that being said, I've seen a few 1st gens with a 2JZ swap and I was very impressed. Got me thinking that I'd like to do that myself someday. More than 100hp would definitely make it more fun to drive, and its such a cool truck I feel like it deserves to make cool sounds too. I don't necessarily need a ton of crazy horse power, like 200-300 would be just fine. Don't need that much power for off-roading. So a pretty much stock 2jz would be pretty reliable right?

I guess my question is, what's your opinion on a 1j or 2j swap in a first gen? Is it particularly difficult? Is it reliable? Is there a better option in terms of power and reliability?

​​​​​Ive also heard of 1UZ swaps but I'm not sure I want a big v8, I feel like a I6 swap would be easier and lighter at the end of the day.
​​​​​​

 

You are better off with a 3RZ or 5VZE swap unless you want something "exclusive". If you want A LOT of power, bolt on a supercharger to the 5VZE. The 2JZ is going to be a custom project and very expensive.