4ranoverbywife

Hi,
You guys (and gals?) have some good stuff on here, so I registered. I just need a little nudge to get started with my project, and I am hoping I will get that here.
Here's what I got;
Bought wife new car and so she gave me her '90 Toy 4Runner, with (you guessed it) Blown HG.

This truck has sentimental value to me, so I want to rebuild it for a fishing/hunting rig (Sentimental because, on our first camping trip together my wife-then girlfriend-, ran me over with this truck... I think she musta been checking to see how "Durable" I am/was).

I want to swap a 4.3 Chev or GM into this truck but need a little nudge to get started. Could someone tell me what year of 4.3 is easiest to swap in?

Once I buy it (any suggestions where to buy from?) and get the old 3vze yanked out- where can I get a template for welding the new mounts (where can I buy those?).

I've only welded w/ oxy/acetalene, but will go buy a welder (or rent one) if someone can tell me what type TIG? MIG? I'll get a book and figure out the rest.

Should I pull tranny and T-case (one? Both?)from the 4runner in order to install the 4.3?

And lastly, if there are, like, 500 million posts on the questions I've asked above, then I'll apologize for being a dumb-a$$ (what am I? New?) and will ask if someone could give me a keyword or some direction to those threads.
Thanks man,

Rick

4ranoverbywife

Oh Yeah, forgot to mention my goals;
I'd like to get about 250 BHP RW and 20 MPG when I'm done.

Going to try to slide some lockers under it and going to keep current tire config (not 30 inchers, but not OEM either).
I might toss 2" of lift on it just in case my wife ever tries to run over me again.

Thanks,

Rick

hurley842002

Welcome to yotatech. I'm no expert with engine swaps, but I have the feeling you are going to hear alot of people say to do the 3.4L swap. For what it would cost to get a 4.3L and fab all the mounts and what not, you could probably have a 3.4 and be on your way to a supercharger for it that would probably put you towards your hp goals. Just my 2 cents, and like I said i'm no expert with these swaps.

abecedarian

http://www.northwestoffroad.com/parts/engineswap.html

thook

Is the 4.3 EFI or carb'd?

I just talked a very good friend of mine about his 2005 TRD Taco. I'm liking this 3.4 more and more. I mention it here because for you, the OP'r, it would be a direct swap motor.

On the interstate, and in 5th gear, he could still punch the gas and EASILY pass others doing 70mph. He's got a lead foot and still gets 19mph....atleast.

Just something to think about. A 3.4 would be easier and still very close to, if not right at, your goal.

76ANTHONY

look into a 1uzfe swap, its a v8 with great gas mileage

thook

Yeah...then there's that one. But, that's not a direct swap, is it?

4ranoverbywife

Wow! Thanks for the replies
1st- Not sure about the "knowledge" post. My guess is that knowledge is the principle that this forum is built on, and why nuggets like me join. I'm hoping it's something that will be given by those that have it so I can get to the point of finding it myself. Then in the same spirit, I'll pass on what I've learned and perpetuate the good will. But to answer your question; YES! Because I can't afford to "learn" a $3,000 lesson while I got a sick 2 year old and barely making ends meet after knee surgery.

Thanks for the links, Abe. Have you done this swap? If so, IYO should I keep the TC and loose the tranny?

2nd- the 3.4 is a direct swap? Too cool! is that the 5vz (fe?)
Anthony; I'll check into the 1uzfe, too. Might be too big a chunk to bite off since I'm an FNG.

Thook; I'm pretty sure that in all the reading I did, that I read that the 5vz fe is the fuel injected motor. Might be a better way to go but I'm guessing I better make sure I get the right wiring harness (i'm guessing on that). Thanks for the "heads up" on your budd'ys Taco, wondering how it'll do in the heavier(?) 4runner. I probably gotta weld in some new motor mounts unless I can find some bolt on ones like in the link Abe posted.
and what's an "OP'r"?

Hurley; It's lookin like you might be right. Thanks for the welcome, man!
Couple more questions-
Has anybody ever ordered an engine from Toyota Truck Parts in Co. Springs?
Anybody have suggestions on a good place to by a remanned 3.4L?

Thanks for all the help. I should be able to get a motor on the way in the next 30 days. I'll spend a couple more trying to make sure what the best swap for me will be (which engine and how painful the swap) and what the best place to get one will be, before I order one.
Rick

zlathim

You would be way better of getting an entire wrecked runner or truck with the 3.4 in it from what I have heard. If you get a remanned longblock, you are gonna get dime and nickled to death trying to assemble the rest of the parts that you need. If you are patient and do some searching, you can probably pick up a complete total for the price you would pay for a remanned engine.

4ranoverbywife

zlathim,
I'm down with the idea, but I live in a duplex with zero parking or street space. We get 1 space for my wife's car and gotta stuff the 4runner in the garage. I'll have to think if I could make this idea work. Thanks for the suggestion.

Rick

cutboggers

Ali's Auto out of oregon.

He's got acres of tacoma parts..

I think it's around 1500 for the 3.4 under 100K and all parts needed to swap.

4ranoverbywife

Hey thanks CB. I'm on it. I'll need the wiring loom I bet. Does anybody know if I can keep the Transfer case and tranny? I guess I'll find out if I need spacers.

Rick

4ranoverbywife

Well, after 2 moves and still not making any ground on putting a new engine in my '90 4runner, I decided to sell it. Can anybody tell me what I should be asking for a rustfree, straight '90 4runner with a blown engine?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Welcome to Yotatech.

Check the engine swaps forum.

LITLRED

About a grand in my area, give or take.