It's been a long time since I've been on these forums, but I'm hoping you guys can help me out.

I've got an '89 Toyota Pickup with the stock (read: crappy) 3.0 V6 in it (engine code 3VZ-E). It makes very little power (120 hp if I'm lucky) when it's actually running right, but most of the time it doesn't even run on all cylinders. Most guys will tell me I should just buy a new truck, and I understand why, but I love this thing and want to keep it if possible.

My question is this: I know guys have done GM V8 swaps into tacoma's before, but how difficult would it really be? I'm not a truck guy, this is just my winter beater and crap hauler, so should I shy away from the thought of this? I know you can buy kits online to put a GM engine on a toyota tranny (http://www.downeyoff-road.com/), but what about the price of the engine? And what about the size of the V8 vs. the toyota engine compartment? A complete longblock out of a 3rd gen should be like $1000, right? But will it fit? With the correct kit, would it be a simple matter, or would it still be a major pain in the *****?

I've helped pull engines and put them back, but it was always the proper engine for hte chassis. If anyone has ever done something like this or knows someone who has, please toss me a couple of pennies.

Thanks!

 

um, have you considered a @j swap, it doesnt have to be boosted, but im sure they have a kit for it, im sure you are, but on www.supraforums.com , threes a section for 2j swaps, the tacoma is a popular swap, unless your set on the 350, then im sure someone will chime in and help


PS: got any pics of the MkIII? I was looking for a black on gray targa, but couldnt find one so went along with my Z

 

look here for some help https://eshop.advanceadapters.com/co...-4-runners.htm

 

I just saw a late 80's Celica w/a LS1 in it last night. So it probably is possible but would require a lot of fabricating.

 

If you are going to do this I would start with a complete drivetrain out of a 4x4 truck. That way you won't be replacing the tranny 6 months down the road.
I don't know about the newer trucks, but the older ones (1980's vintage) would take a SBC with a fair amount of custom fabrication. Expect to replace the diff's at some point.

 

To try to answer a couple of questions at once...

IROC: No, I've never really considered a 2JZ swap. 2J's are good engines if you want to drive really fast down a highway, but they're not great for low-end torque. On top of that, they're expensive. I actually have considered a 7M-GTE swap, and have a few calls out to guys I know about doing that. Also, you can see a few pics of my supra here.

BC: I'll definitely check this out and see what they've got. Thanks for the link!

Nova: The 4WD system in the truck is pretty decent already, and the R150 tranny I've got should hold the power just fine as long as I don't get too crazy.


The reason I'm thinking about a GM swap over a toyota swap is that though it may cost more to set up, it should cost less in the long term. I love my Supra to death, but it's by no means an inexpensive car. Since the truck is more for utility than fun, I figured I'd keep things from getting too out of hand.