Well I finally found a good platform to build the truck I want
It's a 89 short bed single cab w a 22re with a blown head gasket.
It has 215 on the clock but the the tranny has been replaced.
I can easily get the head gasket done. And save for a motor swap.
The question is do I go with the 3.0l supra motor or the turbo diesel?
The diesel will bolt right in but cost more for the motor itself. The 7MGTE will take some more effort I believe. So, will the diesel have the power I like or not?

 

Diesel. Or consider one of the newer EFI 4 cylinders...

But definitely diesel!

 

The newer stuff scares me with the electronics. But, that being said, if money were no problem, I would buy a rebuilt 22R with the sidedraft mikunis and cam it out. With all sorts of power parts. But, I want something with more power than stock and the reliability of original toyota motor.

 

Have you driven any of the diesels at all?

you might not like them.

i was going to do the 7MGTE swap and have most all the parts but after getting a 3.4 Tacoma decided to go that route instead.

Good luck

 

I have driven a hilux diesel while traveling. Loved it to the 3.0. For a DD, a gas engine is probably more the "style" most of us drive.

Yes, I too prefer mechanical to electronic, but the newer engines are electronically controlled just like the 22re and 3vze... The only difference is they have a little more electronic connections and less vacuum. But a computer still controls both...

 

Well, picked it up today. It definitely needs some work other than the head gasket. Some rust on the bottom back corners of the cab and lots of cleaning from leaking oil pan gasket. Maybe some new brake shoes and shocks in the back. Front end looks good, suspension wise. But a little surface rust on the control arms can be sanded and painted easily. Interior is nice. Headliner is good. Will post picks up as soon as I can. It's nice to have people on the forums who can appreciate the task at hand of the transformation that is going to happen.