Engine swap

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Sep 28, 2008
Threads
3
Messages
12
Hi eveybody!I am new guy here.I am thinking about buying a LC 80(need a bigger/stronger rig to tow my camper trailer,my 4runner did the job but not the greatest).
I found a pretty good one ('95) but it might will be sold by next week(some guy left deposit on it).So my other option :i know a '91 one nearby but i do't want the 4.0 engine.So ofcourse i started to think about putting a bigger engine in it.I've found a few swaps on the net with v8 chevy engines,but if i would do it i'd rather use a yota engine,either 4.0 v6 or 4.7 v8.
So just wondering if anybody has info relating this kinda swap.
Thanks.
 
If you want a stronger motor than the 3FE, then I would keep looking for a 93+ with the 1FZ. TRD also offers a supercharger for this motor.

If you want to go the swap route, the Chevy 350 swap is by far the most popular and yields good results. IIRC, there are a few Toyota 4.7 swaps; one is under way and well documented, but it's not finished yet.

HTH
 
Hi eveybody!I am new guy here.

An engine swap for a FJ80 (91-92) starts making a tiny bit of sense if you already own it and the engine is shot or you desperately need more power.

If you don't yet own a truck there is no way that planning to buy a 91-92 and *also* do an engine swap makes sense. An engine swap like you're talking about is easily $10k. Maybe around $6k if you go used SBC route and you do all of the fab work yourself. The job would probably take most people 6-12 months. Even if someone gave you the FJ80 you would be hard pressed to cost-justify that direction with today's 80-Series prices.

In another thread, a guy has found a locked 97 LX with 74k for less than $10k.

Keep looking would be my advice.
-B-
 
Thanks for the replys.Your logic is absolutly make sense.
Unfortunately in Canada a bit harder to find something under 10k,i have to sell my 4runner first if i want to buy but winter is coming.That's why i was thinking about swap: buy a cheap 4.0 and do it step buy step(probably it would less hard on my wallet).
However I did not know it could take that long...I have barely time to work on my 4runners... i hoped the 4.7 is kinda compatible with the 440 or the 343 trannies.
The other thing i would go with the swap.i could take a look in the transfercase.I do not want to be pain in the butt.I just think in good road condition 2wd just enough.I really like the newer 4runners setup:2wd-awd-than lock up the center diff.
 
Last edited:
I really like the newer 4runners setup: 2wd-awd-than lock up the center diff.

Agreed 110%

I would LOVE to have that ability.
 
IMHO the Toyota V6 4.0 is even more of a dog that the 3FE. I agree with Beowulf, just find the right truck to start with.

Sid
 
My bad, bone head post. When maxi said 4.0 v6 in my mind I thought 3.0 v6 that was in the pick-up and 4 runner, so...

IMHO the Toyota V6 3.0 is even more of a dog than the 3FE.

But that opinion is really not relavent in this thread.

Sid
 
Do you know when will be that "well documented" swap done and where can i find it.
I have found only one 4.7 swap here so far.
 
Well, would be a nice option.Do you think the bellhouse is compatible with the automatic tranny.I really like standard but installing a clutch pedal??? would't be a bit difficult?
The other thing is i am planning to tow a 4000lbs trailer, would this diesel do the job?
 
Last edited:
I believe that one comes with the transmission and the 4wd transfer case.
-B-
 
If your goal is a tow vehicle, a 6 cylinder vehicle might not be your best bet. I tow a 20' bass boat with my 96 LC, and it does it, but it doesn't really like it. I've towed the same boat with my buddy's v8 tacoma and I can't even feel that I have anything back there.
 
If you haven't researched it yet, look into the Toyota diesels. They are pretty nice. And I'm sure someone here that has one will speak up, but I don't think a four thousand pound trailer would be a problem. As far as the 1HD-T goes, if you get a post '92 truck, you can use the same motor mounts according to popular opinion. A 3FE equipped engine requires new mounts. You can also get 1HZ halfcuts, with 5 speed manual from Spectre offroad for about $7500. They don't have turbos though.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom