I've been surfing lots of sites and newsgroups trying to decide about buying a 2nd gen. 4Runner when our new arrival makes a 2 door not so fun anymore. One thing I discovered frequently, complaints about the 3.0. It appears there are problems both with the headgaskets (which apparently can be dealt with under a "silent recall"), as well as potential problems with the connecting rods and/or bottom end bearings. It seems the standard desired solution for this is to switch to the 3.4.
My question is; has the 3.4 been around long enough to prove it is a good reliable engine? Not much point in getting more ponies if you still have an iffy engine. Also, how does it compare to the Chevy 4.3 V6 swap in horsepower, mileage and reliability?

 

The 3.4L engine is a powerful, simple, efficient, reliable, low maintenance, not to mention "easy" maintenance engine. The short block on those are built really tough and classified as a race inspired engine, which can be utilized with a bolt on supercharger. Like I was saying with the maintenance, I can change a timing belt and water pump in one of those in about an hour and a quarter and thats including sucking down a six pack. spark plugs are real simple to change and the list goes on....KEEP IT TOYOTA....Shame on you for even considering the 4.3 Anyways I am going to be putting the 3.4 in my '88 Runner.

 

Hey now.....give the 3.slow some credit.

I have not had a single problem with mine, and I don't think the majority of guys do. As you have said, the main problem is the gasket on earlier 2nd Gen's.

Yes, they are underpowered, but they are very reliable and virtually bulletproof. If you take care of it, it will keep running, and running, and running....

 

The 3.4L has been around in toyota's line-up for about 7 years now. I can say for a fact that it gets better power than a 4.3L chevy. I have a friend with an S-10, and it feels gutless. You want real numbers though, at the flywheel, the 3.4L is supposed to get 195 horsepower(190 in California, I hate are smog laws!!) The 4.3LV6 from Chevy gets about 180 or 190 with the "high output" option, which I think is just a vortec setup. Gas mileage wise, I can bet the 3.4LV6 will do better. With a waste-fire ignition system, it supposedly fires two cylinders at a time, which gives a better burn and better emissions. Also the 4.3LV6 is a bigger engine, more weight to lug around, so 3.4L probably wins the gas mileage. Also, its chevy!! there goes reliability, so the 3.4L win 3 to nothing!! (But seriously the 3.4 is a reliable engine)Does that answer your questions??

 

The 3.0 is definitely underpowered. This is most evident (and dangerous!) at Interstate crusing speeds. I am nearly run over everytime I travel to Atlanta and have to deal with short on ramps and 80+ mph cruising speeds.

What is exactly is required for a 3.4 conversion? I have been looking across the Net (Usenet groups too!) regarding motor swaps in 4R's and have found only a few sources of information.

Someone has apparently dropped in a 302 small block Ford into his F4 and loves it. Unfortunately, I really don't want to deal with rearranging everything on the motor and in the engine compartment for any kind of conversion.

I have a 2nd gen 4R.

-Ben

 

I've got 120,000+ miles on my 3.4 engine in my '96 Taco. I have had NO engine troubles whatsoever. I change my oil every 3-4K and replace the timing belt every 60K. I've owned a bunch of vehicles over the years and this has been the most reliable by far. I have no vehicular experience with the 4.3L GM engine. I do use that engine in an industrial application with a propane conversion kit running a generator, but that's another story.

Go with the toyota 3.4. Good luck.

 

3.4 Conversion Harness

These guys are also working on a "full blown kit" that will include mounts and all adapters.

In Development

I know it seems a little expensive, but I am guessing with the right kit it could be a do it yourself project for the right person.

I would definitely go with a 3.4 yota engine if my 3.0 ever dies. I hope it won't though, 130,000+ and still strong!