V8 swap

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I believe a build thread that might help you the most is from @TLC94LS, it is using an LS but he explains the steps very well and takes some of the "mystery" out of the swap. He also posts a lot of critical information and has some YouTube videos for the wiring and a couple other items. He is also very responsive when I have msg him and is helpful.
 
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Yo! Happy to help. Mine is still running great. Always something else to do. Life has gotten busy with tournament baseball with 3 boys! But, Ive gotten 1,200 miles on it now issues. Reading your post. I bought my LC to do a swap. It was blown with 310k miles on it. Head gasket blew is my guess. I would say this, if it is your vehicle, and you knew some of the history. If you were my neighbor I would do this. It seems your need a pretty thorough rebuild. So it seems regardless of an LS swap or Toyota rebuild, you've got to pull the motor out. I would get it inspected and really see what you're dealing with. Then make an educated decision once you have some real info. An engine rebuild should not cost anywhere near that price you listed. You can absolutely do most of it yourself. There are amazing videos of guys doing very detailed overhauls. So that's what Id recomend. You can then do some price comparisons of a swap vs overhaul. Id also see if you have an LC shop nearby, you can usually work out a deal like if you order parts from them maybe they're more willing to provide guidance if you want to do some of the work etc. Good luck. Or, buy a rotted out LC and get parts off it, I see them for sale very often still running but tore up vehicles. Between YouTube and this forum you can just about build anything.
 
While the 3FE is a great motor it’s woefully under powered.
I would not put another penny in it.
Do the V8 swap!!
In the long run you will be money ahead and as you can see the parts for the 3FE are already getting hard to get !
That won’t be a issue with the V8
 
If you want a bolt-in solution: Torfab.
If you want a harness ready to go with only a few wires to hook up: Swap time.

The Torfab solution is only for Gen V LS motors (L83, L84, L86, L87), but bolts in. This is what I plan on doing and lately I've found some good prices on complete swaps. Swap Time is great if you don't want to figure out a harness, but I'll be doing my own wiring to save money.
 
While the 3FE is a great motor it’s woefully under powered.
I would not put another penny in it.
Do the V8 swap!!
In the long run you will be money ahead and as you can see the parts for the 3FE are already getting hard to get !
That won’t be a issue with the V8
Exact reason why I want to do the swap because of parts availability and a reman 3fe engine is 6000$ I figured i could do the swap for that much
 
Yo! Happy to help. Mine is still running great. Always something else to do. Life has gotten busy with tournament baseball with 3 boys! But, Ive gotten 1,200 miles on it now issues. Reading your post. I bought my LC to do a swap. It was blown with 310k miles on it. Head gasket blew is my guess. I would say this, if it is your vehicle, and you knew some of the history. If you were my neighbor I would do this. It seems your need a pretty thorough rebuild. So it seems regardless of an LS swap or Toyota rebuild, you've got to pull the motor out. I would get it inspected and really see what you're dealing with. Then make an educated decision once you have some real info. An engine rebuild should not cost anywhere near that price you listed. You can absolutely do most of it yourself. There are amazing videos of guys doing very detailed overhauls. So that's what Id recomend. You can then do some price comparisons of a swap vs overhaul. Id also see if you have an LC shop nearby, you can usually work out a deal like if you order parts from them maybe they're more willing to provide guidance if you want to do some of the work etc. Good luck. Or, buy a rotted out LC and get parts off it, I see them for sale very often still running but tore up vehicles. Between YouTube and this forum you can just about build anything.
Agreed thats my plan right now is to tear into the motor a d find out exact cause and go from there. Im fully capable of doing a rebuild on the 3fe.

If its worth it ill go that route, but its would have to be worth it. Its already getting hard to get quality parts for the 3fe so im looking for long term as well.

This vehicle has been in my family for 20 years and barely just hit a little over a 100k miles on all original parts so I know the engine is barely broke in but dont want to throw away money if i dont have to.. Im really just trying to get information at this point in time so I can start figuring out the parts and costs
 
I believe a build thread that might help you the most is from @TLC94LS, it is using an LS but he explains the steps very well and takes some of the "mystery" out of the swap. He also posts a lot of critical information and has some YouTube videos for the wiring and a couple other items. He is also very responsive when I have msg him and is helpful.
Thanks that will help alot appreciate it
 
If you want a bolt-in solution: Torfab.
If you want a harness ready to go with only a few wires to hook up: Swap time.

The Torfab solution is only for Gen V LS motors (L83, L84, L86, L87), but bolts in. This is what I plan on doing and lately I've found some good prices on complete swaps. Swap Time is great if you don't want to figure out a harness, but I'll be doing my own wiring to save money.
I'm not a chevy guy, but it seems like the Torfab mounts are for the LT not the LS, or is that some sort of Chevy nuance that I am missing?
 
If you want a bolt-in solution: Torfab.
If you want a harness ready to go with only a few wires to hook up: Swap time.

The Torfab solution is only for Gen V LS motors (L83, L84, L86, L87), but bolts in. This is what I plan on doing and lately I've found some good prices on complete swaps. Swap Time is great if you don't want to figure out a harness, but I'll be doing my own wiring to save money.
I'm a bit late to the party, but the Torfab kit is only bolt in for the later 80 Series, not the 3FEs. 3FEs have engine mounts that are further forward and have to be removed/replaced. The transmission adapter is bolt in and is really solid, so if you're not intimidated by welding in new mounts, I'd recommend this route. I'm almost done with my L87 swap into my 1991 FJ80 and it's been pretty straightforward utilizing the Torfab adapter and Swaptime electrical components. Unless your 3FE is low mile, all original, pristine condition, I don't think it's worth throwing another 3FE in - value or enjoyment wise.
 

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