New Engine or ?
 

1991 Toyota Pickup V6 3VZE Engine

So I was informed that I need a new engine for my truck. My nephew told me that I could upgrade from 3VZE to the next generation engine. I don't know what kind of engine that would be as well as not knowing if the current computer will becompatible with the newer engine. This truck also had that horrible starting issue that i have read about. I am at the point which I need to decide if I replace the engine or buy a newer truck.I love this truck. I just want to see what my options are.

Any info would be great

Thank You

5vze is the usual upgrade when your 3vze goes out. It’s not exactly plug and play but almost exactly the same size just a much newer motor. Better aftermarket support.

the pros are that it you won’t have to change transmissions, more power, and it’s not a super difficult custom job. It practically bolts right into the original body and mounting positions. Also superchargers are made to fit this motor, not the 3.0. So if you like power it’s a good contender.

Cons are that you will need at the very least, new exhaust (or at least down pipes to meet your current exhaust and custom work to join them), an ecu, the entire wiring harness for the motor, the gauge cluster, and the motor itself.

Most people find a wrecked pickup or 4runner to donate all of those components in one go. Usually cheapest route if you’re swapping.

All that being said, the 3vze is worth rebuilding IMO. Idk if you do your own work or not but the cheaper route by far no matter what is replacing your 3vze with another. No custom work, just drop in a new beating heart. They’re not impossible to find. It will be cheaper than the 5vze swap. They can be done right and made reliable.

If you do your own work and don’t mind waiting and doing some stuff custom, the 5vze is a good way to go, most amount of work a shop would need to do is weld a new exhaust for you. A few of the Toyota parts sites have kit’s that include almost everything you need to put that job together. (Exhaust, mounts, gaskets, etc.)

For what it’s worth I say drop in a 3.0 and call it a day. The 3.4 is cool (we all wish we had one swapped into an older yota) but it is a huge undertaking. Typically lots of troubleshooting and research involved.

I am dropping a rebuilt 3.0 into my 89 4runner this month. Did everything oem and as best as I possibly can including respraying the engine bay and rebuilding transmission valve body; and went way extra on a few things that probably could have been reused or left alone outside the motor. I’m spending about 4500 dollars not including buying tools and such. For a 3.0 job you can get lower than that if you cut the unnecessary things. 5vze swap will be more.

Thank you for the detailed info.

I did my own 3.4 (5VZFE) swap and I love it. It is a lot of work and expense but can be minimized if you do your own work. If you don't, have yours rebuilt or swap in another good runner or reman. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Do you intend on keeping the truck long term? If so, Id say go for the 3.4 swap if you can. Theres plenty of companies that make the wire harness adapters and parts for you to do the upgrade.