I already have a LX450 so I'm normally a shadow in the FJ80 threads but I got a deal on an 89 4Runner that was hard to pass up. I'm trading a set of tires for it. It's a pretty good deal for me but the catch is I think it has a rod knock and will need a rebuild or a new engine. It starts and runs good and it's quiet at idle, but knocks when the engine revs up. I've thought about conversions but I don't want to have a ton of money tied up in it. I would like a 22R and 5 speed though. I just want a nice, good running driver. So would it be better (and cost efficient) to rebuild or replace the engine? Does anyone have a good source around Atlanta? I'm actually between Atlanta and Chattanooga. Thoughts and advice is appreciated.
Newbie here (to this section). Im trying to source a 3.0
- Thread starter Mason D
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Id swap the 3.4 in and never look back. Tons of info on the swap around the internet. It's actually easier than the 22re swap from what I understand.
This eliminates doing a 3.4 swap.
Cheapest/easiest solution is to fix the 3.0 you have now, or get another one.
Going backwards to a 22RE would be a PITA, you need to change the mounts on the frame, get a different trans, harness, etc.
- Thread starter
- #4
I'd love to swap a 3.4, but I'm married with children so I'm on a budget. In fact, the wife doesn't even know I have this car yet!
I didn't realize the 22R conversion was such a pain!
Is the 3.0 from a Lexus SC300 the same?
I didn't realize the 22R conversion was such a pain!
Is the 3.0 from a Lexus SC300 the same?
No. Lexus motor not the same.
You drew the short straw. 3.0 is a turd. Lets be frank.
Either put a 3.4 in it...or wait in line with 1000 others for that one good junkyard 3.0
Looks like the budget suggest a rebuild. What a mechanical a****** to work on the 3.0 is.
toyota headgaskets for sure.
You could always part it out and find one with a 22re.
A 22re would not be going backwards either. Mildly built...can dust a 3.0 Doubt me? bring your 3.0 to the house and Ill put a spankin on ya with a 22re.
You drew the short straw. 3.0 is a turd. Lets be frank.
Either put a 3.4 in it...or wait in line with 1000 others for that one good junkyard 3.0
Looks like the budget suggest a rebuild. What a mechanical a****** to work on the 3.0 is.
toyota headgaskets for sure.
You could always part it out and find one with a 22re.
A 22re would not be going backwards either. Mildly built...can dust a 3.0 Doubt me? bring your 3.0 to the house and Ill put a spankin on ya with a 22re.
The early SC300 got a 2JZ I-6 engine, not a V6. Totally different.
The 3VZ 3.0 isn't that bad of an engine, once you get decent head gaskets in it. It's mostly just a bitch to work on, especially in that smaller truck. I know of several that went over 300K without significant issues.
The 3VZ 3.0 isn't that bad of an engine, once you get decent head gaskets in it. It's mostly just a bitch to work on, especially in that smaller truck. I know of several that went over 300K without significant issues.
here ya go, found in Mt Olive.TN (I presume)for only $300
http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?topic=29127.0
http://www.hardlinecrawlers.com/forums/index.php?topic=29127.0
I know where you are at, and have pondered all the options for an 88 I bought with a bad motor several years ago and after consideration I decided the easiest was to just drop a rebuilt 3.0 back in there. All in all as long as you don't overheat the motor the 3.0 is not a bad motor. It has it's quirks, and wasn't really the power house that folks want it to be, but if taken care of it is a good little reliable motor that will carry a 1st gens weight around fine. With that in mind....
I have a completely rebuilt 3.0, new pistons, rings and bearings, OS valves in the heads. Not overbored or cut, all stock sizes. I had planned to put it in my 88 4Runner that threw a rod, but I don't have the time or space to get into that project right now and I have decided I would just as well sell it and put the $$ towards something else right now.
It needs a timing set to be complete (which I would do if we worked something out) and the lower intake is off so you could make sure you have the right knock sensor to make your connection before putting the manifold back on. (They changed somewhere around the body style change so you would need to make sure the connection would be correct for your harness.)
I also have a set of Downey headers that I would throw in if you are interested. The crank was beautiful, even with over 200k miles on it, just needed a light polish before it went back together. I have a ton of other parts that I will throw in, injectors, intakes, etc. if you want them.
I would have to have more than $300 for it, but I have a pile of parts that will go with it if you are interested. Heck I even had a R150 5speed and the accompanying computer. All you would need is a Marlin or TG adapter to bolt a gear drive case up to it.
I am in Nashville, PM me if you are interested.
I have a completely rebuilt 3.0, new pistons, rings and bearings, OS valves in the heads. Not overbored or cut, all stock sizes. I had planned to put it in my 88 4Runner that threw a rod, but I don't have the time or space to get into that project right now and I have decided I would just as well sell it and put the $$ towards something else right now.
It needs a timing set to be complete (which I would do if we worked something out) and the lower intake is off so you could make sure you have the right knock sensor to make your connection before putting the manifold back on. (They changed somewhere around the body style change so you would need to make sure the connection would be correct for your harness.)
I also have a set of Downey headers that I would throw in if you are interested. The crank was beautiful, even with over 200k miles on it, just needed a light polish before it went back together. I have a ton of other parts that I will throw in, injectors, intakes, etc. if you want them.
I would have to have more than $300 for it, but I have a pile of parts that will go with it if you are interested. Heck I even had a R150 5speed and the accompanying computer. All you would need is a Marlin or TG adapter to bolt a gear drive case up to it.
I am in Nashville, PM me if you are interested.