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Replacement motor options

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by coelacanth72, Feb 14, 2014.

  1. Feb 14, 2014 at 2:35 PM
    #1
    coelacanth72

    coelacanth72 [OP] New Member

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    Geoff
    Laramie, WY
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    '96 Tacoma 2.7 4wd
    Lift kit
    Hey guys, I have low compression so I don't want to invest much into my motor, but would like to start long-term planning on a replacement motor when mine finally gives out, and I'm hoping you helpful folks might be able to point me in the right direction. I love the 2.7 and would like to stay there, but I'm wondering how new I can go (hopefully with the revised manifold) without making the job too complicated. Preferably something that'll bolt straight in. Would you stick with a Toyota motor or go aftermarket? Has anybody out there put a Diesel in their Taco? Is it even legal? I'm looking for reliablility and efficiency, I have low range so I don't care about horsepower. Thanks all, may the mud be with you.
     
  2. Feb 14, 2014 at 2:40 PM
    #2
    StAndrew

    StAndrew Wait for it...

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    Intake, exhaust, lift. Typical stuff.
  3. Feb 14, 2014 at 2:40 PM
    #3
    Yetimetchkangmi

    Yetimetchkangmi Well-Known Member

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  4. Feb 14, 2014 at 2:49 PM
    #4
    StAndrew

    StAndrew Wait for it...

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    Intake, exhaust, lift. Typical stuff.
  5. Feb 14, 2014 at 4:04 PM
    #5
    Yetimetchkangmi

    Yetimetchkangmi Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Feb 14, 2014
  6. Feb 15, 2014 at 9:56 AM
    #6
    COMAtized99

    COMAtized99 Well-Known Member

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    :spy: 4.7L swap
     
  7. Feb 15, 2014 at 10:41 AM
    #7
    trailbikerider

    trailbikerider Well-Known Member

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    2J swap for sure! Can't beat a straight six.
     
  8. Feb 15, 2014 at 10:43 AM
    #8
    Large

    Large Red

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    Honestly if you want a V8, I don't think you can go wrong with an LS1. They are a dime a dozen on CL and aftermarket support is awesome, if you want another V6 yota option go with a 3.4, they are fairly cheap on CL and there are plenty to choose from.
     
  9. Feb 15, 2014 at 10:44 AM
    #9
    Executive

    Executive Conservative

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    With a little ingenuity and some elbow grease, a Ford Coyote 5.0 crate motor should fit right in...

    Chris
     
  10. Feb 15, 2014 at 9:03 PM
    #10
    TejasYOTA

    TejasYOTA Countinuous improvement

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    Yes and yes...
     
  11. Feb 15, 2014 at 10:24 PM
    #11
    Mod

    Mod Well-Known Member

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    Snag a crashed Land Cruiser turbo diesel with the 6 speed manual. Problem is, you'll probably have to go to the land of Oz.

    Or a newer Toyota Hilux turbo diesel 5 speed setup,,,,mate!.
     
  12. Feb 15, 2014 at 10:33 PM
    #12
    604YOTA

    604YOTA Well-Known Member

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    A reminder that the diesel swap isn't that easy you need to know how to wire everything..its not plug and play you will be splicing the whole harness. New computers, gas tank, oh it can be done. But its not cheap. Theres a company in Texas that will do it all for you for 20g. Id go for the 4.7 v8..
     
  13. Feb 16, 2014 at 11:09 AM
    #13
    PhdNPrerunners

    PhdNPrerunners Well-Known Member

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  14. Feb 16, 2014 at 12:42 PM
    #14
    TejasYOTA

    TejasYOTA Countinuous improvement

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  15. Feb 16, 2014 at 7:48 PM
    #15
    spasch

    spasch Member

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    Injen intake, Gibson exhaust, led, hid, all clear lights, 3.5" 2wd lift, much needed stereo work
    When I blew the 2rzfe in my 2000 I picked up the same motor out of an 04 from lkq. Went right in and even through the California smog testing crap. The interchange should be pretty wide.
     
  16. Feb 17, 2014 at 10:23 AM
    #16
    StAndrew

    StAndrew Wait for it...

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  17. Feb 24, 2014 at 10:52 AM
    #17
    coelacanth72

    coelacanth72 [OP] New Member

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    Geoff
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    Lift kit
    Hey guys, thankyou all so much for your responses! As much as I love the idea of a diesel, I don't want to plunk down the 20 grand to get it done. There must be a few floating around from Canada, but honestly at this point I'm not sure it's worth it. It's cold as piss in Wyoming, and I don't tow anything, so gas is probably the way to go anyway.

    I'm a big fan of the 2.7 so I think I'll stay there. I don't tow and I don't wheel, I just commute to really strange places, so the locking hubs are sufficient, don't need more power. So, my question now, is which 2.7 and from whom? Is it worth it to buy a crate 2.7 from Toyota, or should I go aftermarket? Rebuild or new? What are the advantages of a new motor over a rebuilt? Are there better after-market 2.7s than Toyotas own 2.7? Finally, what's the newest 2.7 that'll bolt in fairly easily to my '96 (would really like to avoid that damn iron manifold if possible)? How much of a PITA is the straight six in the FJ-62 (FI model)?

    If I manage to track down a Canadian diesel Yota, well, I'll be back.

    Thanks again everybody, you've been really helpful. I really enjoyed some of your more creative responses (supra swap, I'm looking at you!)
     
  18. Feb 24, 2014 at 11:00 AM
    #18
    CLOUDL1GHT

    CLOUDL1GHT Well-Known Member

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    go look at LCEngineering. they have crate 2.7 motors that you can upgrade to your liking
     
  19. Feb 24, 2014 at 11:12 AM
    #19
    Mod

    Mod Well-Known Member

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    There was a later year change on the 2.7 that went from 150hp @ 4800rpm,, to 159hp @ 5200. The torque value jumped as well. Granted that's seemingly pretty high in the rpm range and I never get that close,,but for others it might be the ticket.

    Don't know the specifics,,but if your looking for a replacement junkyard motor, that would be a candidate if you want to stick with the 2.7 (164 cubic inch).
     
  20. Feb 24, 2014 at 11:43 AM
    #20
    PhdNPrerunners

    PhdNPrerunners Well-Known Member

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