Thinking about doing the 5vze swap into my 89 4Runner
so I have some questions for you guys that have done it

1: how is the power difference between 3.0 and 3.4
2: what kind of gas mileage are you getting with 33” tires
3; can you keep the 5 speed manual transmission

 

I did this swap into a 5-speed 89 4Runner about 2 years ago. I did the whole thing solo in my driveway. Answers to your questions are below.

1. HOW IS THE POWER DIFFERENCE? You can definitely feel that there is approx 40 additional HP. That said, I personally don't feel it is the "night and day" change some describe. I think if you had a 3.0 with an automatic, and swapped in a 5-speed manual while doing the 3.4 swap, that would absolutely be a drastic difference. My 4Runner started as an auto, and I swapped in the 5-Speed, and just doing that (while having the same 3.0 engine) felt like a huge improvement in regards to acceleration, passing, etc...

2. HOW IS THE GAS MILEAGE? I'm getting about 18 MPG doing mostly country road driving. This is driving generally 55-65 MPH. This is on 31 inch tires with 4.10 gearing.

3. CAN YOU KEEP THE 5-SPEED? Yeah, that's actually one of the easiest aspects of the swap.

Overall I'm pretty happy. In my case, my 3.0 was going to need to be rebuilt, not just head gaskets, but a full rebuild. That said, I'm not sure I would do it, if my engine had only needed head gaskets, and I could have done that for WAY less money than the swap cost me.

If you decide to do it, I can't speak highly enough of Offroad Solutions. I used their conversion harness, and several other things and it made the swap really easy. Their customer service is really good, and they were always very responsive to help with issues.

 

thank you I appreciate it your info , I found a shop called toy only swaps that can do the swap but they quoted me $8k smh 🤦🏽‍♂️ so I will look up off road solutions

 

1. I swapped my 89 SR5 3VZ with 5 speed to a 5VZ our of a 96 4Runner. The power difference is significant. You will absolutely notice the difference. It does not make the truck a "hot rod" or "beast", but it is significantly faster.
2. I'm on 31x10.5 BFG all terrains with 4.10 gears. I average around 18, but that can vary between 16 and 20 depending on the driving I'm doing. I did an electric fan conversion as well from a 1994 Ford Tarus, so that helps with efficiency.
3. Yes. My truck was a 5 speed to start and I got the entire 1996 4Runner with 5 Speed as a donor truck. I also did the swap by myself in the my garage. This is A LOT of work and not a "drop in" as some claim.

Was it worth it. Yes. It is such a better truck with the 5VZ. It could have easily came with the truck. The swap looks factory. I do wish the gearing was a little wider as the truck has so much more power it would easily have a 6th gear. 33's would actually help gearing for highway driving.

 

thanks you for the info much appreciated

 

5VZE is one heck of an engine. I almost cried the day we got our first one at the dealer. The engine that the 3VZE shoulda been.

 

[QUOTE=Jimkola;52492739]5VZE is one heck of an engine. I almost cried the day we got our first one at the dealer. The engine that the 3VZE shoulda been.[

agreed ! My dream thou is too throw a 2 UZ v8 and call it a day