Options and info (90-94 toy truck 4wd)

[TRDKEAU]

Originally Posted by mandzach

the 3vz is a pos (droped a valve at 193,000 miles ) -but the R150f tranny that comes with it is a real tough manual gearbox (same as the turbo motor). - ive looked into this a little and found that to swap in a chevy V8 you could buy the parts for under 1k from AA (advance Adapters)
that includes the bellhouse adapter,engine mounts,and clutch...i dont know how much the new oil pan or 3" lift would cost because i dont think the V8 chevy will fit in the IFS config.

Being in CA, passing smog would be a problem. If I did a complete swap with a 5vz donor, a smog referee would write me off and make the ride "Legal" the engine and parts are newer, so they would not have a problem, airbox I would use a air raid or FIPK with dry wrap.

The issue I have with the swap is finding the "COMPLETE" donor thats will be cost effective. 2, having the intake plenum of the 5vz has hood clearance problems, I would have to modify a fiberglass hood with scoop to clear the intake and/or s/c. 3, racing motor mounts, Im gonna do this full swap and do up the truck with travel just so the mounts can snap and I can leave my engine in the dunes. I spoke to Andy at Total Chaos Fabrications, he said that hes gonna pull some of Matt's teeth to fab some stout MM for his 3.4 taco. This should be optimal and with the Ideal suspension setup, should be uniform.

A built v8 would be a monster, I couldnt imagine, theres a few out there, but with the 5vz swap being documented and tech threads surfacing. I think that companies will start to catered to this popular swap. I wouldnt be suprised to see companies start production on motor mounts and Fiberglass companies making spec'd hood and front clips for the swap.

I gotta stop talking about it already.

[Tundra2UZ]

Originally Posted by mandzach

the 3vz is a pos (droped a valve at 193,000 miles ) -but the R150f tranny that comes with it is a real tough manual gearbox (same as the turbo motor). - ive looked into this a little and found that to swap in a chevy V8 you could buy the parts for under 1k from AA (advance Adapters)
that includes the bellhouse adapter,engine mounts,and clutch...i dont know how much the new oil pan or 3" lift would cost because i dont think the V8 chevy will fit in the IFS config.

The 3VZ-FE was extremely reliable. I put over 230,000 miles on mine and was still running well when I sold it. Even with the head gasket recall, it never needed a head gasket replacement in all those miles and the 14 years I owned it.

However, as others here have said, it was definitely underpowered and maintenance (spark plug changes, oil filter changes, PCV Replacement) was difficult to perform on it. There was very little room to work on it. Also, changing the timing belt every 60K miles had proved to be a bit of a hassle.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by TRDKEAU

X,

thanks for the info, 3vz seems to be a real turd. Im looking for a 22r, 22re, or even a 22ret! I found a 94 on Sunday that looks better than most tacomas! Keep them coming, Hopefully I can do a write on the build-up and buy. Keau

I agree with you:
Trust me they are turds, I'd much rather have a 22 (r/e/te).
The torque curve for this engine is pretty bad and they dont make much aftermarket performance for it. GEARS helped alot, but the 3.4 is so much better. IMO
Tundra2UZ:

The 3VZ-FE was extremely reliable. I put over 230,000 miles on mine and was still running well when I sold it. Even with the head gasket recall, it never needed a head gasket replacement in all those miles and the 14 years I owned it.

Consider yourself lucky, many, many, many of the 3.0's needed headgaskets, some 2 and 3 times, some needed engines, cylinder heads, & blocks.