Hi all have 1992 ex cab 4x4, 3.0 5sp

I am pretty sure I have some broken pistons @ 153,000 miles and looking at taking on the 4.3 swap.

I have only really a few concerns after reading for about 3 days.

1. Wiring. I have transplanting Gm TPI systems into Jeeps before so i understand the wiring harness need. However, the wiring only controlled the motor in that case so hence the harness was needed. My question is: are people buying harnesses because they are not buying a donor vehicle and instead donor motors and then trying the make existing trans, etc. work with donor motor. If I was able to buy a wrecked say 2000 Taco complete would this not negate the need for a "harness" and only slight mods to make the transfer to my truck work.

2. Crossover pipe. I do not have a welder. Is there a source (or a Yotatecher) that sells x-over pipes ready to go. I understand Downeys eliminates the need for the X-over pipe????? Correct??? Even still that cost may move me out of reach of this transfer.

3. Am i right that ANY 2000-2002 Taco would serve as a good donor. So long as its 5-speed. 2x4/4x4 doesnt matter? Is that right?

Thanks all.

I just read JGrunds whole thread and was like a movie that you keep waiting for something good to happen to poor guy and it never happens. Just more . Sounds like he got it all worked out eventually though but what an emotional nightmare.

 

http://www.andrewzook.com/content/view/22/48/

One of the best sites for information.

1. You will need the complete harness from the 3.4, including the computer, MAF, emissions system, etc. The 3.4 will bolt right up to your 5 speed without any mods.

2. Crossover pipe...I had my made at a local exhaust shop. Used the flanges that came with the engine. The cut the old crossover off and flipped it to the driver's side using new pipes with the old flanges. My advice: keep it as tight to the block as you can and around the bellhousing and make sure there is an expansion joint in it.

3. Personally, I would stay away from any model year that has a throttle-by-wire system. I used a 97 Taco engine and I think that it was a relatively painless swap, compared to the newer engines which have more electronic controls (like anti-theft systems). You ideally want a manual transmission donor so you can use the flywheel and not have to source parts. But I think there are guys who have mated the auto ECU to a manual truck.

 

Hi Rob

Thanks for the thoughts. I have Andrew's site bookmarked and read it all earlier.

So I understand this correctly, my current computer will be gone and replaced with the Taco one?? It has no other function in the truck other than the motor to where it can be tossed, or will I have two ECU's in there if I do the swap?

 

Before you go too far, contact your local BAR referee and find out what will he will pass or fail you for, especially the exhaust system from the crossover pipe back. This will save you some grief.

 

You toss the 3.0 ECU and run the 3.4 ECU instead.

Cadman brings up a very good point. Since you are in California, you will need to make sure that the entire emissions system is kept and run as though it was still in the Tacoma. He had problems passing because he routed the exhaust down the driver's side instead of the passenger side, like it was in the Taco. It makes no difference in the emissions, obviously, but could make all the difference in you passing your next smog.

Check his install (one of the cleanest I've seen) for details. I'm not sure of the link.

 

thanks for the tip. Just spent an hour reading Cadman's whole thread. I'll go talk to a referee before starting anything. If its an issue, I'll have to install the exhaust that "falls out" like he did!!

 

In my search for a donor I am amazed at how dang expensive these older Tacomas are.....even if I can find one with a V6 in it.

Anyway, I have read so much the past few days(just about every post on here in its entirety) it seems that the problem of place a auto trans motor and ecm into a 5 speed truck is solved but cant remember where I found it. Anyway, if I find a donor with auto am i going to trip codes by having it in a 5speed truck. This would open me up to looking for a 40runner rather than just the Tacomas obviously.

Thanks!!

 

http://fresno.craigslist.org/pts/1263706797.html

http://fresno.craigslist.org/pts/1259825928.html

 

hey thanks Rob.
I had seen one of those but the other popped up since my last search. Will call later today and get details.

 

Make sure you get everything. I got mine complete, including A/C compressor, power steering pump, fan, intake, exhaust, uncut wiring harness, flywheel and clutch, oil pan, computer...everything.

If you get just the engine, it's going to be a lot harder piecing everything together. Not impossible, but a scavenger hunt, to be sure.

 

Hi all Ok so here is the deal with that motor.

Guy has a T100 with 160,000 miles on it. that is the motor that is for sale.
He bought a totalled Tacoma with 70,000 miles on it and is swapping the motor from the Tacoma to the T-100 and then selling the T-100 motor.

I can buy the T-100 motor(160,000) which is a 5speed and the entire, Tacoma (2x4 auto)less the motor, for $1000. I will get exhaust, PS, AC all the knick knacks off the Tacoma as he says that they are all there. Truck is pretty trashed. No interior, etc. so recouping money from parting out would be minimal.

T-100 is 5speed 4x4 and Tacoma is 2x4 and auto

I then run into the issue of taking 2x4 auto computer and dealing with that into my 92 4x4.

Opinions????

 

Ok Cadman

Finally got a call back from the referee and he didn't seem to know. Referred me to a state guy that didn't know either. Told me to file a formal complaint to Bureau of Automotive Repair and they would investigate it and call me back.

So my question is for you. Before your old exhaust fell off and was lost. Would it have been possible for you to route your exhaust on the passenger side without a body lift?

I'd rather not lift the body but I will if I have to.

 

The exhaust pipe itself can be routed to fit without a body lift, but the cat had to be located the correct distance from the exhaust manifold and the result was a very tight fit next to the transfercase and I had to remove the front drive shaft. Without the body lift the cat would have been a mother to install.

I'm not a fan of bodylifts myself, but in this case I'm glad I installed my 1" lift. The hood clears the engine without any cutting, installing the starter is an easy 5 minute job (slips right through the wheel well) & I can R&R the crossover pipe with the engine in place.