I've been looking at this swap for about a year, but I guess the thing that stops me from moving forward is where in the heck can I get the engine. I've never bought just an engine before so I'm completely out of the loop on how/where to get it.

 

Well depending on where you live.

You can either buy a whole donor rig and swap it in. or you can find them from junkyards.

I got mine out of a 99 tacoma that i found on craigslist, drove out to the guys house, pulled the motor and $800 later, the motor was at my house.

 

Where are you located? There may be someone near you parting out a truck/4Runner

 

Is that the best way to get one? Someone parting out a truck? Or a junkyard or are there people that just sell engines?

I'm in Spokane, WA. East side of WA.

 

Either is a good option,I would go with a part-out, more chance of someone knowing the maintenance history

 

Alright, I'll keep a look out. Is there a particular year of the 5vzfe's that are best or when they get better?

 

I think the 96's had some head gasket issues, other than that, you should be good

 

If I do all the install and fab work myself is there an estimated cost? Just a real rough ballpark. Haven't done a swap, but I'm confident I can do it.

 

I was looking around, what about the 1mzfe engine? Seems like a viable option. 3.0L with a possible supercharger add on and I believe it may be aluminum block. Less weight and it puts out between 160-190hp roughly and it looks like it's got a good power band. That is pretty comparable to the 3.4 5vzfe, but lighter.

 

this is a great tool for searching multiple cities on craigslist. i use it all the time.

http://www.searchtempest.com/

i searched toyota, runner, tacoma, 3.4, toyota v6, etc. everyday for about 5 months and set it to 300 miles

 

No idea what that is but the attractiveness of the 3.4 swap is that most of the major parts are the same physically so they interchanged and bolt together. Not sure on the motor you listed.

 

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=63516.0

that isnt too far from you is it? hell of a good price and really low miles

 

wow...searchtempest is about the coolest thing ever. i can't believe i never knew about this...thank you...so very much.

 

RHill with a fresno State bulldog and in Fresno. You related to the coach.

I am in fresno as well.

 

That's good, but I'd like a 5spd though. I don't really have the time do drive down there at the moment. If it could be shipped and if it were a 5spd i'd do it.

 

nah, just a student and an avid fan :-)

 

If anyone is selling one in the Southeast PM ME! I need an engine soon cuz my truck is heartless atm.

Keep on the lookout guys if you can... I would really appreciate it.