Engine Swaps Swapping an engine in your Toy, here is where to learn how

99 yoda getting old.... curious about swaps

Old Mar 17, 2009 | 09:03 PM
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99 yoda getting old.... curious about swaps

Hey guys... I'm new to this forum so first of course I want to say hello to everybody. I love my tacoma.

As I'm new, I'm not familiar with the functions of the search options and such yet so if this has been talked about a million times please excuse my ignorance.

Basically I know absolutely nothing about trucks, engines, what have you... so again, if I'm talking about something and not making sense excuse me.

Okay for starters I own a 99 tacoma pre-runner sr5 with the 3.4 liter 6 cyl (at least I think that's what's in it) correct me if I'm wrong. I'm at about the 225000 mile mark and while I still expect to get a couple years out of the engine I like the truck so much I'd rather put a new one in than sell the love of my life.

So I have a few questions about that... I've heard that there's a 4runner engine that would bolt right up to the mounts. (is that the case) I don't really know for sure but aren't 4 runner engines 4x4's... if so that would mean that would not be a viable option, correct? If it is an option would someone care to tell me how I would go about doing that swap? I.E. what exactly I would need to complete the swap. What size engines would be acceptable for the swap...

Okay so assuming i'm unable to swap in a 4runner block, what are my other options. I'm looking for something w/ 2wd (obv) that is larger than my 2.7. I don't know what's available but something like a 4.0 or close to it. Basically I want a new, more powerfull engine but don't want to have to change my differentials, if that's even possible. So what would be my best option here?

I know I have a lot of questions but I'm really hoping there's some people with expert knowledge that would be willing to help me out.

So if you would... What block would be my best option that would require minimal changes to my truck? When listing a block could you plese include what changes would need to be made? New tranny? New wiring harnesses? Also, with whatever recommendations you make could you also include a guess at the price of said engine and labor if possible.

Oh man, if anyone could help me out with this issue I would be forever in your debt.

Thanks in advance to any help that's provided. And again, if this has been posted numerous time's I apologize and promise to learn the search function ASAP.

Thanks,

Jarrett

*edit* okay so I changed the engine I typed up... I should have the 3.4 L correct? I guess that goes to show you just how little I know about this stuff.

Last edited by smokerbill; Mar 17, 2009 at 11:49 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 02:44 PM
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bottom line, there is no swap that will bolt right up, period.
if your truck is a v6 its a 3.4 if its a 4cy its a 2.7
keep your current engine properly maintained bnd be happy with what you have
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Old Mar 19, 2009 | 03:10 PM
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Go with another 3.4...Best most reliable and quickest/ cheapest.

You can get another 3.4 Out of any Tacoma or 4runner.

there are some differences with plugs and wiring but that is easily overcome.

Best to just try and find a rolled or wrecked 99 taco or 4 runner with a 3.4

For the extra umph I think you talked about, go with a trd supercharger for the 3.4


Thats all..


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Old Mar 20, 2009 | 10:48 AM
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Thank you buddy!!! I'll look into that.

Also... would the supercharger cause unwanted problems? Can the 3.4 handle it... I'm guessing yes, but then again... I'm a laymen when it comes to automotive stuff.
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Old Mar 20, 2009 | 10:55 AM
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The supercharger tends to lean the fuel/air mixture out unless you also put in a TRD 7th injector kit or a URD (Underdog Racing Development) kit. The 3.4 can handle it just fine but to do it properly is pretty expensive. It's not as simple as just bolting the supercharger on.

As for your motor questions. Just drive yours until the 3.4 you have dies and then either have it rebuilt or swap in another of the same year and model. Simple and reliable.

Last edited by neoworm0; Mar 20, 2009 at 10:56 AM.
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Old Mar 20, 2009 | 11:33 AM
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The 3.4 is a hard engine to beat as far as the power vs. reliability issue. Nearly bulletproof, with more than enough power for all but the most insatiable speed freaks.
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Old Mar 20, 2009 | 12:27 PM
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225k is a lot of miles for most vehicles, but it's not as big a number in Toyotaland.
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Old Mar 22, 2009 | 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by okie81
225k is a lot of miles for most vehicles, but it's not as big a number in Toyotaland.
BINGO! My 97 has 196, and it runs like NEW. Seriously. Like new. I get 18-21 mpg. Which is 1 mpg more than Toyota rates it at.

As a contrast, at work, I had to replace a leaking water pump and leaking intake manifold gasket on our Chevy astro van, which is a '99 and only has 53k on it. She leaks out of every seal too. Fuel pump went out just a few hundred miles ago as well.
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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 04:55 PM
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You guys have a point about that engine. It hasn't once given me a problem. And it still runs great.
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