engine swap into 94 4runner

[2damslow]

First, I want to keep the trans/tcase in the stock position.
If I go with the chevy motor, I will have to hammer modify the firewall to the point it will look like a high school shop project. I dont want that.
Can I go with the buick motor to put the HEI up front? Will that allow me to leave the sheet metal alone?
I can go either way, I have a 88 regal with 66K on it, and I can pull a junkyard 4.3 for 700
I drove a toy minitruck that had the buick motor in it, and the vibration was of no concern. I couldn't even hear it when people were talking in the truck, and I couldn't feel it at all. The small buick had a stroker crank and was balanced at the flywheel. A long pull up sardine canyon with a bed full of furniture resulted in a temp climb to 195.
The heat concerns me, but it was the stock radiator with cardboard in front of it, at about 35 degrees ambient.

My main priority is to spin 33's easily over the hills and through the woods, while getting more than 14mpg.

Any flames, advice, or downright dangeroue opinions are welcome.
Thanks.

 

[extremetoy1]

I am assuming it is a 6 cyl right? (the 4runner) FWIW use the newer 3.4 (5vzfe) it is a BOLT in swap, contact Offroadsolutions for more details on this swap.... if you use a 97 and later the TRD SC (supercharger)will be a great add on. after all is said and done u will be much happier going this route, I think I read that a member named Gumby did this at his school he works at- I may be mistaken

 

[Mark W]

If you want to put a SBC in this rig:

You don't have to do anything to the firewall if you leave the tranny in it's OEM location (my reccomendation). You do have to cut out the radiator bulkhead and move the rad forward right up against the back of the grill. Right against it.

Use a larger radiator (FJ55 rad works great). It'll run on the thermostat in hot weather , under heavy loads, whatever.


Mark...