I've read a million of these swap articles trying to convice my dad to let me do it. i have a 1990 with a 3.0 slow in it that needs a new gasket but i just want to yank it and put in the 3.4. Could all of you that have done the swap give me the total cost on the swap???

 

I was able to sell the 3.0 and related accessories after my swap which took about $850 off the price. My 3.0 was in great shape with lots of newer parts and recent maintenance. Could have probably gotten more... but was glad to get some space back in my garage.

I got the 3.4 with accessories for around $1200. I added headers, timing belt, spark plugs, wires, clutch... various bits and pieces for $1200 more (give or take). Wiring was next to nothing as I did it myself, as well as all labor besides turning of the flywheel.

I know I forgot some costs, but I'll say when it's all said and done I was at or under $1600 out of pocket for the swap. The key will be your donor motor price and how much you have to get from ORS. If you can handle all the labor and wiring... it's a fairly cost effective way to go for a huge upgrade in performance. If you can't, your budget should be closer to $5000.

Keep in mind, I am a bicycle mechanic with almost zero electrical experience before I started this project. If I can do it... so can most.

Seeing that I spent close to $1300 on just the SAS kit... I considered the swap a bargain.

As far as performance gains... it's more than worth it.

Search this 3.4 swap section here on YT for a lot of tricks and tips before you begin.

 

my 3.4L swap cost me a little over $8,000 of course it came with a new truck was well worth it too

 

i just bought a new truck, that has more comfort cuz once ur done with that swap u would have spent the same amount of money on a new truck. i just wanted the power and couldnt justify ripping out my perfectly good 22re, but u can always sell the parts that u dont need for extra cash, like the 3.slow

 

the swap is very cost effective dare44 is now trying to sell his old truck to compensate buying a new one i picked up my engine for 600 complete, BUT after installing it there were 3 dead cylinders so the next engine cost 1400 and it was pretty bare but the 600 dollar one had all the donor parts, i also had to buy a second harness and ecu as i have a manual trans not a auto (if you do the swap i have the auto computer and engine harness for sale its a early 97 t-100) the second engine is in now and has a few problems i be leave i may have killed a leppricon as i am very unlucky in this swap check out rayl82's swap to see all the misfortune Elvota is right if you get a good cheep engine the swap is the best mod you will ever do and i say that before i have even driven mine.... good luck just keep in mind when you go to sell w RIG (vehicle designed by you) the price you get will disappointment you. for instance i bought my 89 runner 4 years ago for 5500 and since did a body swap to the 85 frame and straight axle for 1300 after it was in a wreck and 32" tires instead of the 30" for 800$also a 3.5" suspension lift for 400$ and the crossover cost me 250$ wheel spacers for shorter 85 axle was 85$ my truck blue books at 3500 and is only worth 4000 to someone that wants a pre-moded truck. DON'T SELL FIX OR UPGRADE

 

If you take your time and accumulate what you need over time, the swap cost can be reasonable. I would advise doing the research and developing a written plan and shopping list. Stick to the plan to avoid extra expense.

I didn't stick to my plan and accumulated a bunch of extra parts. I also broke some stuff and chingered up a couple items when trying to modify them. Buying replacement parts adds up.

Once I sell the leftover parts and extra stuff that I bought, but ended up not using, I'll have a better guess as to what the overall cost was. As of this writing, it was way too expensive.
Part of the expense was buying some extra tools I didn't already have, like torque wrenchs, a used 110v MIG welder, a 14" metal cutting saw, drill bits, etc, etc. Not that these weren't good investments. They'll be used on the next projects. No such things as too many tools, as long as you have secure space to store them.

As far as being worth it, the answer is YES. The difference is very nice. My 4runner is much quicker off the line and pulls much harder in all of the gears. Merging onto a freeway is no longer an exercise in planning and energy management. I just stick my foot into it and I'm in. The first time I did it I found myself at 80mph before I knew it. SWEET. Way better than the 3slo.

We'll see how it pulls my boat soon. I have to finish breaking in the clutch.

 

If you can source the engine with all related accessories for a reasonable amount of money, do most of the work yourself, including the wiring, have the space and a hoist, plus a good assortment of tools, you can do it yourself fairly easily and cheaply. The mechanical part of the swap isn't tough at all. I did all my own stuff and I'm probably out $3500 for it.

If you pay to have it done or go crazy buying all the parts from ORS (which would make the swap tons easier, but more $$$), you will spend more money than what it would be worth to buy a vehicle with the 3.4 in it.

If you consider the experience of working on your truck invaluable, like I do, and if you like having the pride of saying "I did this myself", like I do, then the swap was completely worth it.