1990 4runner motor swap ideas

[airmanwilliams]

I am picking up a 1990 4runner this week in a trade and the motor does not run. With twins due next month it is hard to fit 2 car seats and a booster in our sidekicks so I am debating selling my sidekick to fund a motor swap.

What ideas do you guys have for motor swaps for this 1990 auto trans 4runner?

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[Spork]

Honestly I would looks at replacing what it's got in it for the same thing. Unless it's a common very well documented swap it's going to be a pain. I've heard if it's a 3.0 swap in a newer 3.4 or if it's the 2.4 do the 2.7 however you may want to talk to Kevin on the gotchas with a swap. I think he's about 2 years in on his now...

 

[clfrnacwby]

2JZ-GTE!!!!!...

 

[Kevin B.]

If it's a 22RE, rebuild it and swap in a manual trans and be done. If it's a 3VZE, rebuild it and swap in a manual trans and a set of Thorley headers and be done. Both motors are fairly gutless but get a lot peppier with a manual trans instead of the garbage A340. I honestly wouldn't go through the hassle of a motor swap for a truck that's fated to be a commuter/baby hauler anyway, those motors are plenty strong enough for that sort of stuff.

If you're going to swap anyway, please make sure you have a running donor to start from. Pretty much all the difficulties I've had with my project have come from 1) it's my first motor swap and b) I didn't start with a good donor.

 

[Marsh99]

Those 2nd gen 4runner are a dime a dozen. I would find one with a running motor and use this as a parts vehicle.

 

[airmanwilliams]

Yes it is the 3.0 with an auto trans. I am getting a steal on it in a trade which is why I am researching this instead of getting runner to start with.

I don't even go anywhere but 5 mile and back country exploring so I have thought of a 2nd gen 4runner with a mild 2.5" lift


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[Marsh99]

Yes it is the 3.0 with an auto trans. I am getting a steal on it in a trade which is why I am researching this instead of getting runner to start with.

I don't even go anywhere but 5 mile and back country exploring so I have thought of a 2nd gen 4runner with a mild 2.5" lift


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You will be more money into a non reliable motor swap then to buy a good running 2nd gen 4runner. I am usually not a naysayer but this is truth. You can buy a 3rd gen 4runner with a 3.4 cheaper than you can swap on into a 2nd gen. With the 3rd gen 4runner you get better suspension too.

I hate to say it but a 2nd gen 3.0 auto 4runner is one of the least desirable toyotas ever made. I would not take that blown motor 4runner for free. I am being honest and not trying to be rude or critical.

 

[Greg]

You will be more money into a non reliable motor swap then to buy a good running 2nd gen 4runner. I am usually not a naysayer but this is truth. You can buy a 3rd gen 4runner with a 3.4 cheaper than you can swap on into a 2nd gen. With the 3rd gen 4runner you get better suspension too.

I hate to say it but a 2nd gen 3.0 auto 4runner is one of the least desirable toyotas ever made. I would not take that blown motor 4runner for free. I am being honest and not trying to be rude or critical.

x2!!

I had a friend that bought one because it was a 'deal'... he did a lot of work and in the end, it was unreliable and eventually broke down to the point that he sold it for 1/3 of what he paid. The Toyota 3.0 engine is one of the biggest turds Toyota ever turned out. You're better off with another vehicle, the 3rd Gen 4Runner with a factory 3.4l V6 will be 10x the vehicle and they're pretty cheap now a days.

 

[airmanwilliams]

Hmm guess I'll see if I can trade it off then


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[airmanwilliams]

Not exactly sure. It has apparently 80k on a rebuilt motor and auto trams but the timing cover is off and I'm told the fan had issues and went into the radiator.


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[airmanwilliams]

It did pass safety and emissions I was told back around jan29th


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[Kevin B.]

There's this...

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2726053

 

[sixstringsteve]

x2 on what everyone else has said. What about those suzuk xl7s? Or a minivan? Or an awd Chevy Astro. All the cool kids are driving vans these days.

 

[Greg]

There's this...

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2726053

Perfect! High miles, but parts are easily available and affordable.

 

[ricsrx]

dont feel to bad about picking that up, Hunter and i just brought one home today.......... runs and the PO thought the auto trans was bad but its the t case