A wacky engine swap I want to get yalls opinion on

[knorrena]

I have access to an '07 vvti engine, trans, ecu, yada yada. I have a '04 with a cold start knock non-vvti engine. Would it be possible and worthwhile to swap the two engines?

I tow with this truck. Not a big trailer, a 3800lb travel trailer that has horrible aerodynamics. Is the increase in hp worth it? will mileage stay the same?

Cheers,

Karl

 

[mgilvan]

I always wondered the same thing , the reason I was never too serious about it because my mechanical ability is close to non lol , but good luck man.

 

[marshotel]

Would it be possible and worthwhile to swap the two engines?

Possible: yes

Worthwhile: probably not, unless the original engine in your rig is damaged beyond repair.

I have driven both, and I doubt you'll be blown away with the increased power in the VVT model. If your non-VVT engine does an okay job of pulling the trailer, then the VVT engine will also do an okay job of pulling the trailer.

If it is the cold startup knock that you are worried about, then try a block heater and an oil pan heater, and run lighter oil. Most engines make funny noises when you start them at -20F; it doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong. A block heater and oil pan heater would cost you about $200 total and one afternoon of work, whereas even if you get the parts for free, swapping the engine would be much more expensive and time consuming.

I think it makes more sense to try fixing the knock (if necessary) than to swap out the engine.

On the other hand, if you have lots of time and money and a good shop and you enjoy doing engine swaps on V8 toyotas, then go for it. I think you will have to swap the ECU in addition to the engine, but I am not sure about this. Somebody else will know for sure.

I see no reason why you would need to swap the transmission-I think the 04 trans should be compatible with the 07 engine and ECU - there are minor differences in the transmissions bw 04 and 07, but I reckon they should be interchangeable. Again, somebody else will know for sure.

This thread might help to answer some of your questions about the swap- seems doable, but it might be a PITA with regard to making all of the connections to the 2007 ECU

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/119221-land-cruiser-changes-2005-06-07-a.html

Good luck.
Hope this helps.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

Would DT headers and some aftermarket exhaust give you a similar power increase for a lot less money and time? If you could swap the 5.7L in.... and then swap your 4.7 into an 80...

 

[bamabrock]

I think Marks makes adapters to swap LS motors in. Cheap, durable and plentiful power but I knew that is sacrilege to toyota guys. They also have a nice part time 4wd conversion

http://www.marks4wd.com/landcruiser-100-series-part-time-4wd-conversion-1.html

 

[TeCKis300]

If you're going to replace your whole motor anyways, I'd say to give it a shot.

You WILL have to swap in the corresponding VVTi ECU and engine harness. You'll also need the updated headers with the air pump channels. If all that comes with the donor motor, it should be too bad. Probably can even be done in a day or two by someone experienced with dropping the motor.

 

[Muddy Bean]

Is it really a cold start knock or a cracked manifold? There are tons of threads about the hairline manifold crack that closes once it warms up. Not worth a swap if its that simple. Just a thought.

 

[fumetsu]

The beastly 3UR-FE in the Lexus. Do it!

 

[OregonLC]

Many Toyota/Lexus engines have piston slap when cold. Nothing to worry about as long as it goes away after the first minute or two. It's just a dissimilar expansion/contraction rate of different metals.

I'd have to look at the curves, but my guess is that the VVT-i really picks up it's gains in the higher RPM's. If that's the case, it might be helpful in merging but probably not much more of a gain after that. You will also have to deal with the AIP, not sure if that's computer/sensor controlled or passive.

 

[AimCOtaco]

I think it depends on what your acce$$ is and weather or not you would enjoy the undertaking. On the up the vvti could have fewer miles but on the down its more a more complex design. Might also actually lower your value I suppose.

I say hold out for a 5.7 drive train and then show us the way!

 

[knorrena]

Though I cant with great conviction say that the knock is not from the headers, I am quite sure that it not. I have a wee bit of free time this weekend so I will check again.

Headers huh? Didnt think of that. I will do a bit of research on them.

Yeah, I have driven the 5.7 and while i like it, it sure does drink fuel.

 

[OregonLC]

Yeah, I have driven the 5.7 and while i like it, it sure does drink fuel.

More than the 4.7? I would think in an apples:apples the newer 5.7 would be more efficient than an engine designed when Clinton was president.

 

[GaFJC]

Many Toyota/Lexus engines have piston slap when cold.

My '00 does. Hate it but yes it goes away within a very short time (usually 30 seconds or less in my climate, may be longer in colder climes).

If you're trying to determine which one you have it should be easy: the slap sounds very different than the tick tick tick of a cracked manifold. The piston slap (knock) makes you cringe and the manifold tick is usually a super annoying mechanical tick.

 

[NKP Garage]

Doable, but not much benefit to be had. Get your current engine running better and do some bolt-on power adder upgrades. Or swap in an LSx motor, or bolt on a supercharger.

 

[bjowett]

If you are up for it, I say do it. IMO, do a little flow work on the 07 engine before installing. A light porting job, match port manifolds, throw some good headers on, and go.