3.0 build or swap

[longhorn]

I've got a 1990 4runner with a 5spd trans that has a 3.0 w/a cracked block and I'm trying to figure out which way to go.

I talked to my machine shop and he said he could sleeve the cylinder, but he does not think it would be worth the trouble.

So, short of sleeving and rebuilding, I've thought about the following options.

If ya'll would, post up any input to help me decide.

used 3.0 - $1800.00 at wrecking yard & it has over 100k miles (pass!)

new 3.0 - cannot afford new toyota engine & do not trust rebuilders

3.4 swap - everything I see makes it sound too expensive to do it right.

22re swap - have a good one, but I feel like I'm going backwards by losing 2 cylinders.

sbc swap - have a 383 w/fi , but I do not know if the 5spd will hold up and I do not want to put an auto trans in it.

Seems like I'm kind of leaning toward the 22re or the sbc, but how stupid does that sound, can't decide if I want more power or less.

thanks for any help ya'll can offer

 

[Cube Dweller]

Need more detail. Is this a trail only rig, daily driver (miles per day), trail rig but you drive it to the trail, etc? Is smog testing an issue? Any previous $ invested in drivetrain upgrades that you would need to work around?

 

[longhorn]

It is somewhat of a split between trailrig and dd. It has to be able to make the daily (20 mile all highway speed) trip for the wife to take to work when I am using her vehicle to tow with. But it will end up sas'd w/35's.

 

[Slomo]

FWIW I have talked to a few people that have done the small block swap and they seem to agree that the 5 speed can lead a pretty happy life behind a small block as long as you don't drive ridiculously hard and are not turning 40" plus tires. Sounds reasonable now. Then down the road post SAS & 35's and trail rig time drive it till it breaks and swap in an NV4500. The 22re option is a dead reliable power plant but would be just as difficult a swap as the 3.4 due to the ECU factor. Off Road Solutions seems to have a pretty complete 3.4 swap. My $.02

 

[Cube Dweller]

I have a 91 runner with a 5 speed. If I still own it when the motor goes I'm swapping in a 3.4. My brother has a taco with that engine and it's been a great motor. Easy to work on, plus the bolt up factor is a big plus.

A 2nd gen runner with 35's would be painfully slow with a 22re, at least out here with the hills. In my part of Cali we have biannual smog inspections so that complicates doing a v-8, gotta go to the referree, etc. Though a 350 tbi would be nice

 

[4rnr]

3.4 swap!

you can get the engine and ecu all day for under a grand. then all you need are some small accesories, and wiring harness, and in the end you get probably one of if not the best truck motor toyota ever made and with a $1200 super charger you can make 300hp. Its definatly the best option and since you have a stick its a direct bolt in, you dont have to mess the nightmare that the auto creates, its should only take you a weekend to do. and cost ON THE HIGH SIDE $2500.

Seriously if you have any questions on it let me know ive done this swap before and am going to be doing it again with in a year.

 

[jccruiser78]

Make it simple-look hard enough and you will find a good,rebuilt motor(3.0)I found one with 10,000 and a warranty for $1000-no headaches!

 

[Tigerstripe40]

3.4 swap!

you can get the engine and ecu all day for under a grand. then all you need are some small accesories, and wiring harness, and in the end you get probably one of if not the best truck motor toyota ever made and with a $1200 super charger you can make 300hp. Its definatly the best option and since you have a stick its a direct bolt in, you dont have to mess the nightmare that the auto creates, its should only take you a weekend to do. and cost ON THE HIGH SIDE $2500.

Seriously if you have any questions on it let me know ive done this swap before and am going to be doing it again with in a year.

consider in figuring out the EVAP, A/C and cruise controls.

Next, exhaust system (the 3.4 exhaust exits on the passengers side, and runs into the fuel tank, where as the 3.0 exits on the drivers side). Cats (some5vz's have 2). O2 sensors (again, some have 2).

Body lift or a hood scoop because the 5vz is so tall..

I couldn't see doign this swap forless than $5000 and that was getting a good deal on the motor and ecu.