Is it worth it to put a v8 in my truck?

 

What do you drive? That would help.

I had a buddy who dropped a Chevy 350 into his 3rd gen pickup, for the money it cost I would say it wasn't worth it, plus it broke down two months later.

 

Welcome to Yotatech, and a little more background would help here. What do you have, what are you thinking as far as motor size etc etc.. Post up some pics of your rig

 

Sorry about that guys totally spaced it! Well I have a 84 toyota pickup 4wd, it's used and been sitting for 11 year in a field. It's in pieces right now, the bottom of the cab is rusted out and has holes in it so I have to weld metal in it, but anyway it is drive able, we drove it back from the plains to Colorado Springs, it just needs a few things. ( can't really remember the town that the guy lived in ). I want to be able to tow stuff, and have power, (like other cars,trailers,work tools etc) but that's just a dream, that I don't know how far it will get. But I also want to use it as my toy too, especially when the family goes camping. Here's a few picks that I have, my uncle (that we do not speak of) came in and started to take things apart and sold my seats and carpets, so these are right after he did that

 

Sorry to hear about the sold off parts, luckily those all all easy to replace (with much better versions as well).

I imagine one thing that might hold you back is the limitations of the frame and stock drivetrain. A V8 might give you the power to tow what you want, but those components might be stressed too much depending on what you are towing. But I don't have any experience on that so I'm just voicing my thoughts.

Look into 3.4L 5vzfe swaps. It might only be a V6, but it is very reliable, great power (you can supercharge it easily if you want) and is pretty straight forward with plenty of build threads on here to help you out. When my 3vze (3.0L v6) finally decides to wear out I plan on swapping it for a 5vzfe.

 

A 22r-e can drag around anything you put behind it. Sure, it stresses it out, but putting in a bigger engine for towing will just get you in trouble. Invest in brakes first. Then an engine that will tow well, and then try not to overload it. Maybe consider using a full-size truck for towing heavy and awkward loads. Small trucks aren't good for it. They flip and roll and the trailer runs away from them and they're small and can't stop. Not trying to be a Debbie downer, but you must be realistic.

Edit:

My 22r-e has pulled a large trailer with a car on it around my buddies farm. Did fine, even in 2 high. I'd never put that on the road though. My 4runner is too small for that load, no matter how well the engine pulls it.

 

Thank you guys a lot. You given me much to think about. Do any of you know the process of how I put it in and what I need to change?

 

Pick an engine first. And then research it. Ford 5.0, Chevy 350, and Lexus 4.0 are your main and most researchable options. So start there. And if you go domestic, I suppose you should start with a suspension lift.

 

^ This. Also decide which trans you would like to run, auto or manual that will limit or expand which engine would be a good choice

 

So even if I get a bigger engine I'll have to change my transmission? Even if I get a 3rz?

 

[QUOTE="sinner;52161283"]So even if I get a bigger engine I'll have to change my transmission? Even if I get a 3vzfe or 5vzfe?

 

3rz will work with G and W series trans I believe.

 

Not sure if a G series works, but if you have a w56, for a 3rz you just bolt on a w59 bellhousing. Viola. But I thought you wanted a v8? I think a w series is usable with a Ford v8. Look up NWOR or northwest off-road. They used to make a bellhousing adapter for the Ford Windsor motor. I assumed you were going more farm toy though which would just be pulling out all that old stuff and putting in a carbureted v8 with its tranny and figuring out drivelines from there. If you're going for a good looking build up, go Toyota when it comes to your engine. That's just my .02

Edit:
Yes, a 3 or 5vz will require a Toyota R transmission. R150 works great. Your truck has must likely a g52 (I think, don't know g series very well) or more likely a w56-a. Both transmissions that live behind 22r-e's close to exclusively. Hope that helps you out some though.

 

im new 2 site I have 2 1987 4runners 1 origenil 22re auto 79k on truck must have sat 4 long time I started driving it had nothing but problems motor went I got a oer long block not impressed timing chain case gasket failed n head gasket went after less then 10k I bought 87 runner w/ lt1350 not 2 impressed

 

Is that the truck you're referring to in the pics? Because it looks like a 1st gen to me. In Which the model years ended in 83, I think? Maybe it's titled/registered as an '84?

The 2/3RZ will use a G or W trans. I recommend a W at a minimum. I blew up a couple of G series behind my 3RZ, whereas I'm still running the first, used W behind it. W seems to be a little stronger, namely the W56-B. Personally, if I were to do another swap, it would all depend on my goal. My 3RZ is great. Smooth and fast enough. I can do 80mph (or more) on the interstate, it gets 17-21 mpg, with 4.88gears and 35" tires. It just won't win a lot of races....

 

Yes sir, that's my baby, my profile picture is also a pick of her. I don't know if it's a 1st gen or not. I know that my cab is bigger than my uncles 82 toyota pickup?

 

You've gotten some good advice, If you haven't already, check out the engine swap section, https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f89/ there are a lot of good write ups, after doing some research you'll be able to weigh the pros & cons and make a better decision on which swap best suits your needs and your budget.


P.S: I did a Ford 302 V8 swap on my 86' 4runner with no regrets. Yeah it had it's share of obstacles (and a few things I'd like to upgrade) but I daily drive it with stock 4.10 gears on 35's and have all the power I need, might not be for everyone, but it works for me!

 

My cab is a 1st gen but it is on a 84 frame. Engine is 84 and so is everything else

 

so what year does the title say like the guy asked? Get pulled over and they run the dash VIN you are gonna be screwed..

 

If you have miss matched cab/frame vins. I believe you can go to the state patrol and have them inspect the rig for safety. After that take it down and get the vins straightened out at the DOL. I am fairly confident you can get it on the up & up. If its a squared away truck. Or did I just read way to much in to that statement?