Alright guys - I have a 88 toyota reg cab 22re(tired, 240k) with W56 5spd. It runs decent; still has good power for a 22re but it is making noise. I think it is due for another timing chain because it has the startup rattle <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />. Also two exhaust studs have pulled out - fixed one, the other just happened <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />.

I am wondering about motor swaps. I know that I can just rebuild the head and do the timing chain but that wouldn't be any fun, would it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/sleeping.gif" alt="" />. First off, I don't have any lift(suspension or body), basically a stock truck.
There are many different options:
1. Supra 5GME or 7MGE(not 7MGTE - don't want turbo)
2. 4.3 Chevy
3. 5.0 Ford Fuelie out of mustang(89 or newer for mass air)
4. 2.4 or 2.7 Taco motor
5. 3.4 Taco motor(hard swap starting with 4cyl)

I don't want mind blowing power but I would like to be able to hold speed on hills carrying gear or towing a small trailer. Well, better acceleration period would be better. Blowing away the occasional ricer would be fun <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" />. I want to keep the truck drivable but I want the swap to be economical <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />(yeah right). I have pretty good mech skills and fairly good fab skills. Another thing is I want to keep the 5spd and transfer case. I know, I know the 5spd won't last behind big motors blah, blah, blah. I plan on driving it nice - I wouldn't posting this if I could afford a 3.4 double cab 4wd <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />. I wish I could pull the green out of you know where <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />.

#1 Sorta easy to swap. Very long. Would be nice to keep it toyota but there is an interference with the IFS and the oilpan - custom oilpan? I saw the article about the 4runner with one - from what I know it still is 2wd.

#2 Does not fit the easiest and requires lots of work. Distributor in back. Plenty of power though. Easy to work on and plenty of motors around.

#3 Lots of mustangs around. Would make a nice power stock, skinnier than 4.3 and distributor in front. Mass air FI easy to work with. Downey offers oilpan and bellhousing. I might be able make bellhousing adapter - haven't dug very deep yet.(I do like fords though <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />, maybe I will swap my 351 cleveland in <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />)

#4 Very easy to swap. Fits easy. Still toyota. Get bellhousing from donor truck(W59), wiring harness and computer. Re-route exhaust and intake plumbing. Probably easier said than done.(I do have access to a complete taco 2.4 for about $650)

#5 Not to easy being that I have the 4cyl. If I had the V6 to start with, it probably wouldn't be that bad.

At the most the truck will see 33in tires, maybe a 1in RB body lift - probably a 2in, maybe a crawler and definitely a locker(Electric Locker hopefully). It will mainly be a daily driver with the weekend trips to wheel. I really like the idea of the 5.0 ford or the 2.7 taco motor.

Or should I just forget the crazy ideas <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />, and go rebuild my top-end, add a cam, a header, better exhaust and call it good? I just don't see the truck accelerating let alone holding its own on the hills in the mountains.

I am looking for opinions, real life experience and any other advice that you can give. I have searched but trying to figure out all the details from different posts will drive you nuts <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.
Sorry for the long post. TIA

Why not take the extra few days and couple hundred ($400 max?) to do a complete rebuild of the bottom end. Them pistons/rings/bearings have served you well...retire them and get some fresh guts in there. Your easiest least expensive option in my own personal selfish but fricken hapy as hell with my motor(s) opinion is to pull your 22R-E and rebuild the lower end. Order up a Street RV head from EB at Engnbldr.com install the RV cam and bolt it to your freshly redone shortblock. Then sit back with a few cold Coronas that were purchased with some of the saved hard earned and tally up how many Integra you ate for lunch.
Im not kidding...there is alot of untapped power in these 22R-Es, my current motor is a little special and is able to not only maintain speed on semi-long grades in 5th but even accelerate. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

If that sounds to boring then go for the 2.7L swap. It sounds like you are fully aware of how much has to be done as far as engine management and parts. A bunch of us on here have discussed a 2.7L swap and are just waiting for guinea pig..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> ....I mean little buddy to make the first attempt and write it up.

Whatchya think? Wanna do it? lol Wont be the cheapest or easiest route but will provide the rest of us with the info needed to help decide if its worth doing! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Stop the madness and put a larger engine in there. I would stay Toyota if possible, not sure why, maybe just because for illogical purist reasoning. Maybe get the 3.4 with its tranny?

Larger engines don't have to work as hard and therefore see less stress. I would NOT rebuild that 4 banger. For being the incredibly reliable motor that it supposedly is this is the 3587th post where one is "tired" in the mid 200k's. Actually, I'm surprised it went that far, but if your truck is stock, life is easier on the engine. Just get a bigger motor and you can enjoy it in the 300k's and it won't be "tired". My 3.0 is at 275,000, been god knows where and back, and is going strong. Just think what the 3.4 could probably do.

Frank.

It sounds like you have done your homework. I agree with Darin, a warmed up 22RE will be the easiest and most ecomonical option and you won't have to worry about the rest of the drivetrain being taxed by the additional power and weight that some of the other swaps offer.

If you have access to a cheap 2.4L from a Taco though then I think that would make a good swap, and if it is still not enough power for you, just add a TRD supercharger. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

I've decided on a 4.3 with 75-100 additional bottle-fed horsepower (until that melts it- then it gets a rebuild to hold up to the "nawz") <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />... With an auto tranny to help keep the drivetrain alive. But that's a good bit down the road - probably after I blow the 22RE apart. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

1. Supra 5GME or 7MGE(not 7MGTE - don't want turbo)
Cool, fair amount of work, still Toy. More tools and time than bucks? Do it.
2. 4.3 Chevy
Ewww. Been done a lot before there were other options.
3. 5.0 Ford Fuelie out of mustang (89 or newer for mass air)
See #2 above. Don't like domestics.
4. 2.4 or 2.7 Taco motor
Now yer talkin'.
5. 3.4 Taco motor(hard swap starting with 4cyl)
The hard part ain't that hard with Off Road Solutions' kit or advice. This is for if you have both tools AND money though.

Guess I'm with Harry and Darin. So what else is new.

Which one? A good bit down the road, or after you blow the 22RE apart? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> If you keep bouncing off the rev limiter while attempting hill climbs I don't see your motor living a long, healthy life. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Jay K has run the combo that TNToy is suggesting for years on some of the hardest trails in the country. The 4.3L is a good balance between price and performance.

I actually had a 4.3L and 4L60 to put in my Jeepster but that project never got off the ground. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I'll still stick with my turbo motor for now. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/bird.gif" alt="" />

You sure like talking smack about the 22re elripster, maybe because subcontously you wish you went with the 4cyl instead of the v6 and constantly need justification for your decision <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. "Actually, I'm surprised it went that far" what you been smokin? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> How in the heck do I spell subconcious? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> A lot of people who do swaps don't use the truck as there daily driver for a reason, more power equals more gas. First choice would be rebuild as darin suggested, second choice 2.7 swap.

i LOVE my chevy 350 set-up, but you know what, i also LOVE my bone stock grocery getter (22re/5speed)If this is the 3586th engine swap post i'll be there are double that amount in opinions as to which is best. just pick one, any one of the options you listed will be blast!, and put all of your efforts toward that choice and it will work for you. sorry if this sounds a little too zen... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Bro, I browse these boards all the time. When I was shopping for runners, I drove 4 cyls and 3.0's back to back for comparison. The 3.0 is MUCH more pleasant to drive day to day and that's worth a lot in my book. Just think, settig the cuise control, putting on the AC, pop in a cool CD, and cruise up the freeway hills at 75+. That's my life with my V6. I took a look at both and said to myself, that I don't care how hard it is to work on, the 2.4 is SSSSLLLLLOOOOOWWWWWWWW. But honestly, in trying to be at impartial and I can, I truly see the 2.4 having the same high-stress failures over and over that are indicative of an engine that is over loaded.

Something else to consider. I drive our freeways every day. I see way more 3.0's on the road today than 4 bangers. I see way more 3.0's with high miles that still run GREAT. (I own one) I mean the engines are not "tired", they just run and run long after the 2.4 has had a mess of timing chain guides, head gaskets, upgrades, rebuilds.... vs. the 3.0's free hg repair.

Anyway, this little engine is just too darn small for the truck. You can pump a ton of money but all you are doing is putting even more stress on every load bearing part of your motor. I mean if you get more torquie at the crank shaft, it's because you have more force on the bearings, etc.. Get a larger motor, spread out the stress, enjoy longer life, enjoy better performance.

If you want economy, we all know 4X4's like ours are probably not the best place to go.

Oh, just thought of this, it's easier to put dual cases on a 3.0 than is is to put a 3.4 in a 4cyl truck. (less dough too) Than you really get the best of both.

Now that I think of it, I really can't think of one good reason to sink dough into that little motor. Oh well, your truck.

Frank.