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
