I just bought a 91 4Runner Automatic with 293k miles on the engine and tranny. I have read about the underpower issue with the 3.0 V6 3vze engine. when going up steep hills it loses a lot of power and I have to push the peddle through the floor for a while to get it to gear down and start to pick up speed again. Even sittin still then hammering the gas in gravel doesn't throw much. I'm not a mechanic, but I assume it's getting to the end of it's life and instead of dropin a lot of cash into an underpowered engine I was wondering how much would go into droppin a 302 V8 into it. Any and all info you can give me will be appreciated. Started calling around to junk yards for a good engine. Was thinkin about getting the brain box wireing harness, tranny. the works.
Thanks,
Troy

 

It will cost you more than a basic rebuild on a 3vze.

More money, and time.

 

Thanks. Will there be a lot of fabricating involved? I am pretty sure motor mounts will have to be moved around, but beyond that I have no clue. Just kinda wonder how much work will go into it as opposed to putting a newer 3vze engine back in it. Not even sure rebuilding the old engine would solve the power issues, so not sure it's worth it.

 

THe motor mounts will have to be moved, wiring it up to the truck is gonna be a pain, should fit since the truck had a 3vze in it, I doubt there will be firewall mod. Tranny mounts will have to be customized thats pretty much it for fabricating

 

Found a lot of info in this thread. Sorry didn't see this before. Will read through here for info.

 

Thanks for the info. Gonna see how cheap I can get engine for. Looked at new ones, but think I would save a lot of cash if I find one at the junk yard that's in good condition.

 

its easy you just have to make motor mounts. I went with a painless wiring harness and everything is great. I did however go with a chevy nv4500 5 speed transmission that was tricky!

 

If going to a 302 carb what fuel system do you use