As the title questions. I just recently bought a 1994 toyota 4runner. I bought it because I own a 1995 ford Aspire that gets INSANE MPG but recently found the flaw in my logic. In KC we got about 20' of snow in less than a week. I was stuck. Trapped. My pride was hurt. Anyhow I truly do love driving 4runner! So fun! I currently have 154,xxx miles on the engine and am the 3rd owner. Not sure how well the previous owners maintained her so am looking at alternatives in case the beast gives out.

Anyhow the 1GRFE (assuming I'm right) is just the 2003 toyota 4runner v6 engine. has about 100 more hp and is more efficient mpg wise. I may be foolish for asking, I'm really not all that mechanic-savvy but have friends who could help me if need be.

I have taken notes of all that I should watch for and/or change in the engine... Things such as; the air intake mod, change out exhaust, watch for headgaskets, tranny (5-speed) likes g-4 fluid not g-5 unless in the differential... Oh yes. I've been watching you folks. Lol. Anyhow is this possible? If not, what engine swap would be best in everyone elses opinion? Thanks for the help! 4runners

 

5fzve seems like a popular swap. the 3rzfe is a common swap aswell. never really hear of a 1gr swap. i imagine that since that motor is newer its still relatively expensive.

 

So...not sure either on the pricing...but would it fit? Also realized I didn't say what trim I had. Its a SR5-v6 4x4 5-speed. Thanks for the quick reply and idea on the fallback swap!

 

You can swap any engine into any vehicle. As long as you got the money and fab skills, or just money. You can make anything happen.

 

when i saw 1g i got all excited and thought v12 swap lol

 

5vzfe would be a more cost effective swap, and is well documented so it'd be a little easier as well. 1GR's are hovering between 2000 and 2500 out of the junkyard, at least in my area, and that's just for an engine that may or may not have wiring, and doesn't have accessories. The 3.4 can be had for half that.

 

I get 20+ mpg on the highway with my 3.4 swap and auto trans. Easy enough swap (as far an engine swaps go) if you orig had the 3.0 Also I have about $1200 into my swap total including the purchase price of the 4runner itself.

 

a 1grfe in theory sound like a great idea however in integration isn't as simple or straight forward as it may seem, if i recall the second gen the speedo is cable operated to the transmission/transferase the stock transmission will not bolt to 1grfe that'll probably mean you'll need the transmission from the 1grfe to go along with it still need massive intergration(can bus trans controller). not sure if you're manual or Auto but if you're auto, might i make a far easier and smarter swap? than a 1grfe or 5vzfe? its a toyota 4.0 like the 1grfe a tad bit more reiable look nto the 1uzfe, the conversion cal be make using all toyota parts and working 4x4..