I have a 1990 4wd pickup 5-spd running 31-10.5's. Problem is the head gasket is blown and leaking water down the side of block under exhaust manifold. The truck is a daily driver and not sure how many miles are on the engine as it is a salvage yard '85 celica find and I don't want to go through all the trouble of replacing the gasket and chance it not holding. I have the original blown engine from the truck, but with the expense of rebuilding and the 22re lacking in the power department, I'm thinking of going with a V6 in the 3.4L (5vz-fe) or a 4.3 Chevy. I know there are many opinions/advice out there, so lay it out there. What's the cost of swapping compared to rebuilding?

 

I've built 3 of these engines now and would never waste another red cent on another one. Swap for just about anything else and I think you'd be happier. Just my opinion.

 

I too have went through my share of 22 series engines. If you have the Time, Money, and Knowledge then I'd do a swap. The Chevrolet 4.3 would be your best bet.

4.3 can be bought fairly cheap. You can retain your tranny by buying a bell housing adapter plate. You can also buy the motor mounts too. That means no cutting or welding.

3.4 is a great swap for replacing the 3.0 engine. Replacing a 22re with a 3.4 envolves a lot of work. Plus lots of wiring.

You can get a 4.3 running with a carb in just a few hours. The 3.4 is fuel injected which takes a lot of knowledge to swap.

You could also go all out and do a 4BT

 

I've thought about the 4bt also, but talked myself out of that because of the height of that engine and weight. I've also been trying to research the 4.3 route and can't figure out whether a '95 or older engine with the 1pc rear main and the NWOR oil pan would work without lifting the truck or not. I do want to lift the truck later on, but want a SAS conversion when I go up with it. Thanks for the input so far.

 

I have bought 2 motors from these guys http://unitedengine.com/ and know of 2 other motors bought from them and all 4 have been great little motors. As far as cost wise it is cheaper to buy a rebuilt motor.

I have done several top end rebuilds and two complete rebuilds and so far no problems. I see where others have rebuilt motors and something went wrong and it does concern me if I have one that is going to fail on me sometime.

If you are going to do a swap, the rebuild cost of another motor and swap is still going to add up if you are concerned with cost.

 

4.3 carb'ed chevy. I hate to admit it but I think the chevy's are awesome engines, reliable, and parts are going to be cheap.

 

X2. For some reason people on here are very anti-anything american. My parents have 2 SUVs with chevy v8s in them with a combined 650,000 miles and have never had a SINGLE engine problem. I think they replaced the alternator on one of them. Neither burns oil or leaks. On the other hand, my 87' 4runner with 300k is on it's FOURTH 22re. One of those was my fault (was my first rebuild), but still. Reputation isn't always deserved. Wish I had just swapped for something else when the first one blew.

 

I'm a big fan of the Chevrolet small block engines. I've owned one toyota that had a 350 swapped in it. To be honest I think the engine was way to much for the truck. It was hard to keep cool to.

I have a 91 Chevrolet 4.3 engine with only 42000 miles that I'm swapping into my 87 pickup once I get SASed. I will be running a carb on it. Not much wiring at all and my 87 was previously a carbed 22r so mine will be a cake to swap. I'm going to purchase everything for my swap that way nothing will have to be welded, cut, or fabricated. I'm also retaining my factory drivetrain. That's the only way to go IMO