Questions about first gen tacoma engine swap

Hey there,
I am new to the forum and decided to join after reading many discussions on these forums about DIY repairs and maintenance for my Tacoma. I purchased the truck at 230k miles and I just came up on 275k miles. It is also the truck I learned how to drive manual in (I know, it took me awhile to get the opportunity to drive a manual). So the engine is pretty beat up due to me beating on it (aka learning to drive manual) at the 230k mile mark. The original owner was very good to the engine and got the oil changed on time and kept everything up to date. In the last 40k miles I have had the oil changed on time everytime, new tires, and some other common maintenance procedures. Although I have had the common work done on the tacoma, I am still considering upgrading the engine at some point. Not in the near future, but maybe when I hit 315k-330k miles, which will take me about another year because I drive sparingly. I think the 'driving-sparingly' is a subconscious thing because the truck is very loud and rough sounding. Since swapping an engine, or even replacing one is pretty far out of my skill-set and knowledge, I wanted to ask you guys.

Anyways, after that long ramble; I wanted to weigh in on the advantages of purchasing a remanufactured engine from yotaworld or similar.
I am currently rocking the 3RZ-FE 2.7L in my First-Gen Toyota Tacoma SR5 DLX with 275,180 miles. Its loud, rough and mean sounding. My main questions are: would it be worth it/possible to purchase an engine with far more HP than my current engine? (Keep in mind I would most likely need to pay for labor since idk how to install an engine and trust myself at the same time) Or should I plan on just replacing my current engine with the remanufactured identical engine?


One of the things that sparked this thought is that a buddy of mine with a 2wd First gen 96 Taco replaced his engine himself (So..maybe i can have him help me ) and his engine is sooooo quiet and smooth. My truck has so much more life in it thanks to the original owner who kept it in the garage or kept it as clean as he could if it was outside/traveling. So please weigh in if you have any experience with either replacing the engine or swapping for more horsepower in the $1-4000$ range (the cheaper the better of course!) I would love around 300 HP to push those oversized tires around more easily but the 3RZ has been capable of pushing the oversized around pretty well so far. anyways! please let me know!!!


I will post pics of my truck ASAP.

 

Also; along with the engine question; I have been super curious about an oversized/long-travel fuel tank for the first-gen tacomas? Particularly interesting in a single, very large replacement fuel tank. Or possibly an addition fuel tank in which I can toggle through with a switch on my dashboard if it is possible. This would make traveling/camping so much easier and I always get jealous of the farm trucks that have dual tanks.

I have seen some threads online but not sure what to make of them since they are 7+ years old now with little-to-no updates. Thanks!

 

You absolutely do not need an engine swap unless something breaks or overheats. The I4's are especially reliable.

Here is a 2RZ-FE I4 that made it 988,000 miles on the original engine.

 

I dont doubt that at all! Okay, so what services can I have done to my current engine to ensure it lasts that long !?!?

 

Regular maintenance. Oil changes, fluid changes, spark plugs, gaskets, etc.

 

Okay, totally understandable. So is there any dual fuel tank setups out there on first gens that are relatively simple? Or should i keep dreaming...? lol
I might get a gasoline fuel transfer tank ... but I love having my truck bed space open.. it really comes in handy having the entire truck bed, so a undercarriage would be ideal..

 

There was a company who made them once, but they’re long gone.

There’s a thread on here of someone who used a Ford Explorer fuel tank as a secondary tank where the spare tire is.

 

Check valve clearances.

 

do you have any quality audio file what it sound like that you are concerned about?

 

I will definitely try to take a video and upload it when I get a chance. I will also upload some pictures of the truck itself and some things I have done to it.

 

Why are these things true? Sounds like it needs exhaust work, as well as some additional regular maintenance to eliminate the rough running conditions. Things like plugs, throttle body cleaning, MAF cleaning, fuel filter, valve adjustments, etc. Take it to a mechanic and have all the "every 100,000 mile" maintenance which you are unaware of having been done by either you or previous owner.

Hopefully, if you get the maintenance up to date and you may not need the bigger fuel tank.

 

I forgot to mention! I have had all services done by Oil Stop that they offer at 274800 Miles. Changed my spark plugs, cleaned the MAF sensor. But i may need to have my throttle body cleaned, valve adjustments and a new fuel filter. I need to get my Cat replaced (i think) I had a p0420 code reading and haven't heard back from the body shop for them to check it out yet. Thanks for the reminder!

 

Also replaced the PCV valve and grommet, brake service, all 3 belts replaced, 33 point oil change, coolant flush, transfer case service, transmission service, front and rear diff service all at around 274800 miles.

 

It was garbage day as you can tell, on this fine day, and I decided to take a picture when I was replacing the headlights with new OEM headlights like 6 months ago. Super simple, easy and relatively cheap. Purchased the pair of headlights and 1 turn signal for about 70 with tax and shipping from Amazon. I am having trouble with my computer files currently but will upload a better picture and an additional picture of the new headlight. But, for now just imagine that front end with the same headlights but brand new. Just wanted to post a picture or two of my truck with the pictures I have to introduce myself. I'm thinking about starting a new thread, in which I will tag the link to this thread, because I have some more things I want to do to this truck and thought the input would be nice from you all. Has anyone else replaced their floor carpeting from Stockinteriors.com? I got the idea from my fathers friend who is an upholsterer/hot-rod enthusiast, he showed me that it is only ~$150 with shipping and they have a wide variety of colors available. I kind of want the neon green but that's just me. His idea was that if I were to rip up my old carpet, then lay down dynamat completely and seamlessly on the floor, and then lay down the brand new carpeting on top of the dynamat it will reduce engine noise in the cab (phone calls are insane) and even claims it will help keep cool/hot air inside for insulation purposes. While this all sounds great I was curious as to your inputs. I have not yet purchased the carpet because I am on the fence. Like I said the original owner was really nice to the truck, so the inside is pretty clean and I dont know if new carpet is beneficial to anything (the dynamat would be sick). I did however purchase dynamat hoodliner (yet to be installed) which I hope will reduce engine noise. The OEM hoodliner was $225 at the cheapest so I thought the dynamat hoodliner for $50 would be a good alternative, although its not the same. So my question is, what are your thoughts on the dynamat and carpeting? What about paired with the dynamat hoodliner?

Anyways, before swapping the headlight assemblies out, they were super dull and I definitely had to be aware when driving in darkness. Now I don't have to worry about squinting my eyes into oblivion at night and can rest assured I have some vision. The headlight assemblies were purchased from amazon and were pretty much exactly the same as the original ones I replaced. There were a few minor details different but for $50, you can't beat it. This picture below shows them at night as you can probably already tell. My bumper is a little "off" because of a freeway fender-bender. All work done to fix it was done by myself and my father and didnt necessarily come out how we intended but it works for now. Replaced the bumper brackets (OEM parts for like $20 total) I really hope I can fix that sag in the bumper one day. For now it is okay, I have other things on my mind since it is functional as it can be.

Will post more ASAP or start a new thread.

 

Hey everyone! Sorry about my off-topic post!!!

Anyways, there is an engine remanufacturer in my neck of the woods. Check this out! Let me know what you think...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/d/oakland-toyota-tacoma-2rz-3rz-engine/6865015499.html


Pretty sweet anodized engines. Has anyone else seen anodized red engines like that? Let me know

 

@OP: I had an engine swap done on my '99 Tacoma back in December 2018. The head gaskets blew on my original V6 engine after 275K miles. I had my mechanic buy a used V6 engine block with 130K on it for $1,200, had him install the used engine block, new radiator, new water pump, new belts, fresh coolant & oil. The labor wasn't cheap, but everything under the hood of my truck has been refreshed. I also had the clutch replaced and front & rear differentials serviced a few months before my engine's head gasket blew up. I wouldn't bother with the remanufactured engines being sold on Craig's List.

 

I know nothing about 4 Cylinder engines how do the prices compare to A national change like Jasper .

Just how are warranties handled is good to know.

At one time I sold my Welding services on Craig`s list that would not stop me

Why do you need a rebuilt engine??

As to carpet I took mine out all it did is collect water like a sponge a frozen mess in the winter a wet sloppy mess in the above freezing temps

 

Learning to drive stick n abusing it will wear down your clutch then normal driving not the motor. The 4 cylinders love high RPMs.
P0420 is a misfire code, doesn't mean your cat is bad.
If you going with big tires you need new gears on your 3rd. 2.7L came with 4.10 so you should be able still spin a 33" tire.