LIVES4CRAWLIN91

hey i have a 91 toyota p/u reg cab with a 3.0 5spd. im looking to rebuild my 3.0 and am wanting to get some more power out of it. Im sticking with the 3.0 b/c i like staying toyota and don't want to do a 3.4 swap, so basically what are my choices without getting to crazy. I was thinking of camming it boring it .30 over port and polish heads, lce intake upgrade. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

headers!!!! the factory cross over was a major week point for these motors. Also go to the dealer for head gaskets.

RMA

x2 on the headers!!!
Good Luck !!!

BlackedOut90

im actualy interested in how to get more power out of the 3.0's. the only preformance parts i have found were like headers, a bigger throttle body, and stuff like that.

isaac338

From what I've read the 3.0's major flaw is the small valves and the small number of valves per cylinder. You can do all kinds of work but the thing can't breathe.

Talk to a machine shop about getting oversized valves installed if you want to see some power, but don't expect it to be cheap, I'd imagine.

BlackedOut90

hua.. would a cam help? opening the valves wider and longer?

Dan.3

for the cost of upgrading the 3.0 you could probably get a 3.4 and still come out on top with more power. With all those upgrades you are talking about performing, I have yet to see a dyno of the hp. People claim that it adds hp but then drop off the forum

Since you already have the 5 speed the 3.4 is actually a very simple swap. Wiring is easy. Just needs a little patience. And working on it is alot easier too. Its so nice

If you follow through with the mods please post a dyno so this debate can be put to rest. Good luck

P.S. Butt dyno doesnt count. If it does my 3.4 swap has 300hp stock compared to the 3.0

buckz6319

x2......I have a 3.0 in my 95 4runner and the thing is soooo slowwwww but adding modifications may help some, but I believe that a 3.4 swap would be a much better choice given the short commings of the much talked about 3.0.
If I had known about this site and read all the stuff about the 3.slow I would have purchased a 4runner with the GREAT 3.4!
just my 2cents

BlackedOut90

how much should i spend on a 3.4 engine swap?? i assume i can get the engine in the marketplace from guy that are doing part outs?

RobD

How high is up?

You can spend anywhere from $800 if you find a real cheap engine, wiring harness, and ECU and can do all the fab work, including exhaust, by yourself.

You can spend over $5000 if you have the engine swapped and everything done by someone else.

Mine cost around $3000, after selling my old engine.

I have zero regrets. It was a great learning experience and the truck is way, way more fun to drive.

Lumpy

3k did you do most of the work yourself?

buckz6319

BlackedOut90
If you decide to do a 3.4 swap....please do your self a favor and read,read,and read about what you will need to do the swap.I think you can purchase kits that will have most of the parts you will need(and the kits are not cheap), but some parts you will have to locate on your own.
If it were me and I'm in the same boat as you with having a 3.0...I would and I am going to drive the BEAST until she blows beautyful blue smoke out the rear pipe then I will consider buying a 4runner with a 3.4
Good Luck and Welcome to yotatech!

BlackedOut90

thanks, im actualy debating my next engine now. so i have alot more reading to do.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

i did mine for 2100 in just parts

Dan.3

Odds are the smoke is going to be white and then the engine might possibly sieze before the smoke is blue

buckz6319

Actually I didn't have a head gasket recall on my 95 4runner so I may get lucky and just have the BLUE smoke or a rod thrown through the block...
but the 3.0 is still running well despite the timing belt issue I'm dealing with at the moment so I can't complain about it

RobD

I did. It's the only way to keep the costs reasonable. It's unlikely you'll ever recoup your money doing this swap, especially if you're paying someone else to do it. It wouldn't be economical.

LIVES4CRAWLIN91

thanks guys for the responses. I still think I'm going to try and build this 3.0 just to be able to stick out in the crowd ya know. I'm friends with a good machinist so maybe i can rade head work for beer lol. but anyhow whenever i finally do source everything i possibly can I'll try to get her to a dyno to see if the power gains were substantial

904_runner

I ended up finding my motor for $800 with the ecu, harness, etc..

I pulled the motor myself so i got to verify the motor was in good condition before i bought it.

I have just about or less than $1500 into my swap. I did all the work myself with a lot of help from vital22re on the wiring (over the phone).

its a pretty easy swap you might want to think about some more.

LIVES4CRAWLIN91

I have been considering it as i am finding next to nothing for any parts. "already knew this." and considering what my rebuild is going to cost me I may just do a 3.4 swap,