Best/most compatible engine swaps for 1st gen Tacomas 4x4.

Just wanted to know what’s the best or most compatible engine swaps for 1st gen Tacoma’s. My Tacoma just hit its 200k mile mark and though I know these trucks a very capable of reaching 300k-350k miles I wanted to know ahead of time what the best swaps or what the best solution would be when needed a new engine. I’d like to know ahead of time so I can have time to pick one up and rebuild it slowly on my free time so when it’s time to put it in it’s almost as new. Thanks In advance

 

Depends on your current engine. I bought a motor from a wrecked 1998 model 4Runner for a 3.4L swap. How many miles do you plan to drive in a year? I wouldn't worry about an engine just yet..

 

https://www.cxracing.com/ESK-2JZ-Tacoma9504

EDIT: 2JZ should mate to a A340 4x4

 

I have a stock 3.4 5vzfe automatic transmission 4x4

 

Are you the original owner?

 

if you have the room to store a motor I would buy a used JDM or similar and just store it and not go through the rebuild process. The chance you are taking with this route is will you still have the truck in 10 years?

 

No I’m not

 

I’d like to, maybe atleast 5 more years

 

Unless it has been run hot or is developing a deep tap, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

 

The 2UZ-FE will bolt the the 3.4 trans wont it? I love the 2UZ-FE a friend of mine has a Tundra with one with 400k on it and it just keeps going.

 

Same as what's in there. Rebuild it on a stand. Best, most economical way. Motor swaps are a lot more money if it's not OEM. Depends also on how much you like your Tacoma.

 

I do believe they bolt right up

 

"best" is totally subjective.

If you just want something that you can swap in and run for another 300k miles, start looking for another 3.4L. Find a wrecked one from a yard.

But if you want to wear your tires out faster, there are plenty of swaps out there. Cheapest is probably just a domestic V8 swap. You can get a small block for like $40. Plenty of companies make adapters ans such. Beware, your membership to TW will be cancelled if you throw a domestic V8 in your Toyota...

You could always go for a 2jz or a 1jz and throw some turbos at it.

There are the diesel swaps too. Like a 1HD-FTE swap or something. Just look what the Aussies drive.

 

Might need a bellhousing swap. But it would. Some 2uzs came with the a340. Starter location is different though

 

the bell housing may be different.

 

OP seems to simply want to know what’s the best/easiest option IF/when his engine gives out.

The answer is simply the same engine it came with. Wether it’s a rebuild, junkyard pull, or nice brand new Crate JDM, your 3.4 is what your truck was engineered for.

Yes swaps for other engines will fit.

But to answer your original question, that won’t be what’s “easiest”.

That said, I have 300k on the same engine and the previous owner didn’t take care of this rig even a little bit. I wouldn’t go looking for an engine until you have reason so. You will likely be good for many years to come.

 

May or may not. I can’t remeber where the starter is on a 2jz. Don’t see the. A whole lot anymore

 

I feel like if you have to ask then you don’t understand what it actually takes to put a different motor in anything and I wouldn’t recommend doing it your self.

 

Eh, asking is how you learn. How would any single person who already does know how to do an engine swap have ever gotten to that point without doing their first one? Don’t be a derp. Answer the question or move along. I’ve only done one engine swap with the help of my uncle and we took it step by step and learned each thing one at a time. I feel better equipped for a second but still wouldn’t want to do it alone. Good on the OP for wanting to tinker and learn and poo poo on you for being yourself. Work on that haha.

 

you shouldn’t give people false hope of putting an engine in their truck that it didn’t come with. Sounds like he’s never even pulled an engine let alone fabbed new mounts or wiring for something of that magnitude. A better response would be that he should consider putting a fresh engine that his truck came with. Not putting a 2jz in it. I get everyone starts by asking questions but a swap like that isn’t for people asking about the “best” or “easiest” replacement engine. The answer to that is another one that your truck came with because it’s plug and play.