I recently had my 95 4runner (4wd 3.0 v6 manual transmission) blow it's head gasket after only 130k.

I am by no means a car savvy dude. All I know is that my 4runner is my baby and I need to get it back up and running as soon as possible.

My question is...what engines will fit into my 4runner? I read that the 3.0 has been known to blow head gaskets, so would it be smarter to replace my engine with the 4-cylinder? I've been reading that the 22re is a much better engine than the 3.0.

My mechanic quoted me at $4,400 for a rebuilt engine installed. I am a student with no money to spare. I know I could get it done for half that but not really sure how to go about it.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

3.4!! Thats the way to go

 

3.4L ftw

 

either a 3.4,4.3,350,383,454,supra,lexus,

 

Well, since you can't do the work yourself, you will be using a mechanic. A stock used 3vze will be the cheapest route. You can find these engines on craigslist for cheap, nobody really wants them...much

As for engine swaps. A 22re swap is possible, but it would require new mounts, tranny and t-case, different wiring. And you would have the 22re power.

a 3.4L 5vzfe will bolt in inplace of your 3vze. It will mount up to the engine mounts and will bolt to the r150 tranny. It will however require new exhaust system, wiring and you will have to cut a hole in your hood for clearance for the upper intake (hood scoop!) or a 1" body lift.
If swaps where in mind, do the 3.4. Better power, more torque, easy to tune and make power, stronger and more mpg!

But $4400 is a little much for a used engine swap... How much is he chargin you an hour?

 

the cheapest route is to have your mechanic fix the HG...... way cheaper than a motor 3.0 -> 3.0 swap just cuz of a HG

 

$4400 is about right for a used engine swap, parts and labor included. These engines are not cheap. You can do the work yourself, but if you don't know how to work on them, i wouldn't suggest it being your first.

3ZV is going to be the cheapest route, requiring no fabrication. The 22RE is just a silly idea, so stay away from that. All you get is an engine with different sets of problems, that isn't any more reliable, and you will have to do a lot of fab, and wiring, and get all new engine AND transmission, as well as addressing many other issues to get it to work. Definetly not worth it.

The 3.4L swap is the best option, but the most expensive. If $4400 is too much for you, the 3.4 swap will not be an option.

 

How much do you think a 3.4L swap would be?

 

There are just too many variables in a 3.4 conversion to give you a good estimate on the cost. Mine ran me about $5k when all was said and done, but some have done it a lot cheaper by finding killer deals on their engines, and some have sunk even more than I did into the conversion.

The fact that ORS is no longer in business adds another monkey wrench to the works, as well, since that takes away our favorite "one stop shop" for a multitude of parts and information about the swap.

Basically, don't bother, unless you love the truck, and plan to pretty much keep it forever, because the chances of recovering your costs for the conversion are not very good, come sale time.

 

I would say do the 22RE swap, lots of reliability just a lack of power. And of course if money is no issue i'd say 3.4.

Bust since your a broke student (i know the feeling), i would say just replace the head gasket on the 3.0, that shouldn't be anywhere near expensive as any of the swaps.

 

i've been looking into doing a swap for my 3vz and narrowed it down to the 3.4l 5vze and the 4.0l 1grfe. It sounds like the 5vze will be much cheaper but is not as powerful or tuneable as the 4.0l. There's about a 40hp difference between each engine in case you plan on towing and there is also a supercharger available for the 1grfe.

 

Has anyone mentioned to the OP about calling his local dealerships to see if the HG recall has been done..?

 

There is also a supercharger for the 3.4.

To the OP...do what Scuba suggested call a dealership and see if the HG recall has been done. Even if it has been done fixing a HG is going to be way cheaper than a motor swap...don't get me wrong if i had the money I would be putting a supercharge 3.4 in my truck asap but for now i will stick with my 3.0.

 

Given what I have seen 3rd gens going for nowadays, if I was not going to be doing the swap myself, I'd scrap the 2nd gen & get a 3rd. Just my 2 cents.

 

Can anyone tell me how difficult a 4.0-liter to 4.3-liter swap would be? Are any add-ons needed?

 

Just what engines are those? I am sure there are more than one 4.0L and 4.3L engine in this world.