Joey Link

The 1989 4Runner 3.0 I just bought seems to have a knock in the bottom end. Looking around, it seems like it'd be cheaper to swap in a better engine than fix or replace the 3.0. Around here used 3vze's go for around $1000, or I could get a rebuilt 3vze for $1600 with a 7 year/70,000 warranty. The 3.4's look like they're going for about the same price, but then I'd have to buy anything else needed for the swap, pay someone to fab up the exhaust system, etc. I'd have to do this with the 4.3L vortec as well, but I see those going for around $400-$700 with fairly low miles. I've also considered a Supra engine, but haven't looked into the specifics yet. I heard one guy was getting 27mpg on the freeway with his Supra swapped 4runner.

Out of these four options (or others if I haven't mentioned them), what's the most economical route I can take to get this $1100 4Runner back on the road?

Joey Link

Thanks for the reply Buhundred. I really don't need more power, but I would like increased reliability and fuel mileage. I just don't want to be into this 4Runner too much as the whole idea of it was a cheap rig I wouldn't mind trashing on the trail

Adam F

Another 3.0 will be the cheapest and easiest

malteserunner

iTrader: (1)

X2. My first two 4Runners had newly rebuilt 3.0's in them when I got them. Never had any problems with either one, and they had plenty of power.

StangBanger

I hydrolocked my 3.0. I was going to swap a 5.3L into it but decided that rebuilding my 3.0 would be the "cheapest and easiest" option. If you wanted to you could drop a used 22re into there but i dont know if the fuel savings would be beneficial to the power loss. Ive found plenty 22re's going for $900. Im kinda mad right now because im trying to go on http://www.engnbldr.com for a rebuild kit but the damn site wont open for me?!?!

Adam F

Works for me bro

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

i completed my 3.4 swap for 2100 bucks doin it my self ... most places i looked at for a rebuilt 3.0 wanted 1800-2800 for a long block!! And i have some extra umphf, better gas mileage, and the thing just feels more reliable than the 3.0. the only part that will give you trouble is the crossover and the wiring... but its very doable.