Hi ,
Putting a 1991 3vze motor into a 1995 4runner.
The 91 was connected to an auto tranny and the 95 has a manual.I know I have to change the flywheel.

The camshaft tensioner is different, I am not sure whether I have to change it to the 95 style.
The knock sensor wire plug that attaches to the wiring harness is different.
The water outlet that has the temp sensor is set up differently.
Do I need to swap the intake manifold or the intake plenum? so that it matches up to engine wiring harness or ecu?
Anyone go through this before?

 

anyone?

 

I don't think it will make a difference that the timing belt idler/tensioner arrangement is different - you should be able to get by with the older style. I've never had a problem with the timing belt on my 89 - I routinely run it for 70k miles between changes.

The main concern will be parts with electrical connections, because the ecu will be looking for the newer parts/sensors, and the older parts may not work right. Distributor is one of those - different connector and different specs on the signal coils. I think you'll have to use the 95 distrib.

I wasn't aware the knock sensor is different, but use the newer one if it will fit. Make sure to use a new pigtail - as you probably know, that part often dries and cracks, shorting the wire and sending the ecu into a tizzy.

I would definitely swap the 95 water bypass outlet with all its sensors onto the 91 motor. You may as well use the new plenum - I think there are slightly different vacuum attachments. Same with the throttle body - that changed too - there's at least one extra vac hose for the throttle opener. Verify that the TB coolant connections will work with the older motor. In fact, I think there are different hose connections from the water bypass outlet. There's a metal water bypass pipe, too, that bolts on top of the block. You may have to swap all the coolant routing stuff, but that's a bit scary.

I think the intake manifolds should be interchangeable, but carefully check them to see if they are identical - coolant passages, bolt patterns, head & plenum & bypass outlet mating surfaces. If there are differences that force you to use the old one, pray it will at least allow you to use the new bypass outlet. Of course you'll need new gaskets for all of those.

Other parts are probably interchangeable - you can choose whichever ones you think are in better shape: fuel rails, injectors (including the cold start), PAIR valve, EGR valve & EGR vacuum modulator. You'll need new gaskets for the fuel line connections, cold start inj., PAIR & EGR, and o-rings for the injectors. Oh- don't forget new pcv valve & grommet - getting at those with the plenum in place is practically impossible. At least replace the grommet & carb-clean the valve, and flow check the valve in both directions per the fsm.

While you have the plenum off, I'd encourage you to get fresh valve cover gaskets from the dealer - for the 91 motor. I've had better luck by using a thin coat of toyota's black rtv on both top & bottom of the gaskets and half moons. It was the only way I got mine to stop leaking, and it lasted for 6 years or so - now I have some seepage in the passenger side rear, but it's not too bad.

Anyway, good luck, and don't forget to post pics!

 

Thanks for taking the time to answer,
I have purchased a rebuilt long block before and they never asked what year I needed and all I did was put all the stuff from my old motor on the long block. So you gave me some good pointers on what to change. I will have to replace a few gaskets and I think I will use the 91 timing belt set up cause it was changed about 5k miles ago. I guess I will just have to get into it and see how it goes. I have learned alot about the 4runner and the 3vze thru trial and error and buy reading on yota tech.
thanks again!

 

Use everything but the long block from your 95. Otherwise, you will have problems.

Ie wiring, sensors, intake, heater lines, etc etc. YES you have to swap all that stuff.

 

Even the timing tensioner ? Does that matter all that it does is tension the timing belt right?