cornfed69

First of all this is my first time here. Yes I am a newbie at this. My problem. I recently acquired a 1991 ext cab 4x4 with a 3.0 engine. The engine is now inop. (hole in block) My question to you professionals is which in your expert opinion would be my best option. Can a 22r engine be put in it's place? And if so will the transmission hook up or do I need to change it as well? I have been told the 22r is a better engine? What do you think? Any advice would certainly be appreciated. Thank you in advance for any advice given.

thefishguy77

iTrader: (1)

To put a 22re in there would probably be more work than putting a newer 3.4v6 in there. The 22re and 3 ltr have different motor mounts. Vs the 3.0 and 3.4 share the same mounts. Also if you going through the trouble of an engine swap its better to go up in horse power than down. I love my 22re don't get me wrong but no matter how you go it still new ecu and such so might as well to bigger. A lot of people ty and find a complete parts truck. One that been lightly totaled. That way all the wiring and such is there. Also check out the engine swap section. Lots of advise and experience is there

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Welcome to Yotatech!! We help when we can.

There are many options.

What kind of real money is in the budget??

Can you do the mechanical work involved with swapping an engine??

What is wrong with going with another 3.0 it would be the most simple labor wise.

Can you sit down and figure out the electrical work if going for anything other then the 3.0 because there is always things that need repined or complete new plugs installed

It comes down to what you can do and what you can afford

RJR

Whether or not the 22re is a "better" engine than the 3vz is pretty much an emotional debate, not a scientific one. Both have had head gasket issues, and both will eventually wear out and fail, although most of either model will run well past 200K miles. Realistically, they're both Toyota engines with 25 year old technology, which means they're very well built but not particularly powerful or fuel efficient compared to more modern engines.

I really can't imagine a rebuilt 22re is enough "better" than a rebuilt 3vz to justify the custom fitting required and the loss of power. I would agree that the easiest would be to install another properly rebuilt 3.0 as a drop-in, and that's what I would do. The 3.4 seems to be the next best choice, but requires a lot more custom work. Plenty of info in the swap threads about how to do it, but if I wanted the extra power of a 3.4 I'd just go find a 3rd gen 4runner in good shape.

cornfed69

Thanks folks for all of your input. I am thinking that the best thing is to either find a decent 3.0 or find a wrecked one that has the engine intact and go from there. The body on mine is good as well as axles, gears etc. Interior if in good shape as wel with brand new tires. Once again thank you for all of your advice.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

At the very least you would need to have new motor mounts welded in on the frame and then to swap out all of the wiring. To swap out all of the wiring is a big job https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...4-88-a-278925/ and this for the previous generation to yours and not much complete info for the 89-95 trucks even though alot of it is similar.

Do you have the skills, tools, place, time, and funds for a 3.4 swap. That is going to involve welding, and repinning and some other things I am sure I have missed. A replacement 3.0 would be the cheapest and quickest fix in my opinion and by the questions you are asking.

cornfed69

I have the tools but not the time it would take. I am not much with wiring myself. I am thinking of buy a rear totaled 91 I have found. The engine and transmission seem to be in good shape and I can do the swap. Thanks to all and I am sure I will be asking for more of your expert advice.

hiluxhack

Stick with the original motor type. It's just not worth the problems you'll have to solve....unless that's what you live for...I mean ALL you live for. Then go for it.