I actually need to re-write the first post in that thread....I deleted it one day to motivate myself to re-write....then never got back to it.
Anyhow, yeah, the 2LTE can be ok with a few modifications and driven within it's limits. Mine runs fast and cool. Towing my 16' camper trailer is still a bit hard on it....
Pretty much all the swaps are quite difficult for the DIY'er. Nothing is just a simple bolt in. Gas engines I've seen swapped in are 5VZFE 3.4 V6, 1UZFE 4.0 V8, 1JZGTE 2.5 I6 turbo, 2JZGTE 3.0 I6 turbo, 1FZF 4.5 I6. Diesel engines I've seen swapped in are the 3L, 3B, 13BT, 1KZTE, 1HZ and 1HDFTE. (most of these I've seen were done in other countries; I've only seen one 1UZFE and 1HZ swap done here in Canada)
Each engine has it's own challenges. If your Prado is automatic, swaps are more difficult. Manual is easier.
The Prado Automatic is the A343F. The good thing is most of the engines above bolt to this series of transmission. The problem is, the Prado A343F is an early version and is missing some of the sensors that the above engine's computers need. And you can't use the version of the A34x that comes with those engines, because they don't bolt to the Prado split transfer case. The Toyota truck transfer cases are different and won't work in the Prado....
If you go manual transmission, again most of the engines above can bolt to the Prado R151F. However, you can't use the regular R150 that comes with the toyota truck engines because the Prado split t-case won't bolt on. The t-case the trucks have is different (doesn't suit the Prado offset rear axle).
And of course, most of the engines above will need custom engine mounts. The V6/V8 and I4 engines fit great in the Prado engine bay as do the small I6 engines. However if you want the bigger I6 diesel engines you're going to need to move the front cross member forward and put on the heavy duty 70 series front body work.
And of course, each motor will need a bunch of wiring to get it going. The non electronic diesel engines would be quite simple, but the electronic gas engines will be harder.
It's way easier to make the 2.4 reliable than swap in a different engine. But if you have the skillset to do an engine swap, go nuts. I've seen tons of people on this forum start the swaps, with only a couple actually finish them.
Probably the 5VZFE V6 is the most suitable and economical swap. It's easy to find as it came in the 4-runners and toyota pick-ups. It makes decent power, it's compact and fits in the Prado well. If you can find a manual one, and locate yourself an Prado R151F to bolt it to, you'd be well on your way. Then its 'just' engine mounts, wiring, exhaust etc.
Edit: I forgot to mention non-Toyota motors. There is a VW TDI swap in the works (details on this forum). Also, there's a Prado for sale close to me that has a Mercedes OM617 swap in it.
