Engine Swap: Things to consider

So I'm planning on swapping my 99 Tacoma 4X4 and though there are a multitude of threads out there, I am hoping this thread will become more of a one stop shop that will cover all the considerations needed regardless of what engine you want to swap. I want to swap my engine because my 5VZ-FE just isn't worth building and an a 2JZ-GE or a 2UZ-FE can be found for less than a $3,500 supercharger. So those are the two enginesI'm torn between at the moment, but thats niehter here nor there. So my questions are: What is the power handing capability of the stock tranfercase, drive shaft, and dif/axel(s). I always read that people replace these parts when they swap, but no one says why other than the imp;ication that the parts would fail under higher power. So when do I need to upgrade my drive train components?

 

I don't know about the transfer case, but the A340E on the PreRunner was also mated behind the 2JZ-GTE on the Supra MKIV.

I hope you like wiring...

 

One of those things it all comes down to your use of said vehicle and your driving style.

Replace parts as they fail there is always going to be a weak link .

People break axles explode differentials twist drive shafts with 120 horse power engines

some have 750 horse power drive for years just normal wear .

 

If I do the swap and ride it till it fails couldn’t that cause damage to associated parts that otherwise would not have failed? And it’s gonna be a daily driver that I’ll occasionally take off roading.

 

So a Supra trans should mount up with little to no fab needed right?

 

Hell no. An engine swap is almost completely all fabrication, welding, custom wiring, troubleshooting, etc.

This isn’t easy by any means, and will be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing.

2JZ parts in general are expensive, especially the GTE variant. Engine swaps with the 4x4 drivetrain are even more difficult since most of these engines were never mated behind a 4WD drivetrain.

This will take a lot of skill, time and money to do. But if you’re up for it, by all means go for it.

 

I’m only looking to make 3-400hp so I’d do the 2jz-ge, not the turbo.

 

Why don't you just turbo then? It's a lot simpler, cheaper, and convenient.

 

These trucks are never going to be a drag/ performance truck without the suspension to match (4 link rear).

Why not throw in a high powered 4 cyl diesel with modern features if you're going through all that trouble.

 

Turbo kits cost more than an s/c don’t they? And then I’ll have to change out the headers which in this truck is a pain in the ass.
Also I don’t wanna do diesel cause I don’t know anything about diesels and I know they’re expensive.

 

And you want to do a complete engine swap.... ?

 

An engine swap will be at least 3-4x more expensive than any turbo or supercharger accounting in labor. Are you telling me changing out the headers is more difficult than an engine swap?

I have to reiterate engine swapping is not easy. You would basically be gutting 75% of the truck's electrical and drivetrain (sans body functions) and taking that shell and putting in a different drivetrain, electrical, cooling, vacuum, fuel, and emissions system. Nothing about this is bolt on, and certainly not something you can get done in a few months or even a year.

 

Sorry I should have elaborated. I feel like if I’m putting in the time I’d rather do something bigger. And I plan on doing the swap myself.

 

I'm not gonna do it, but how hard is to put a current Tundra engine in a current Tacoma?

 

Let's start over, do you have the mechanical skill, money, and time to do a proper engine swap?

I once asked this question (along with many others) and I'd say 75% of those people including myself didn't have the capability to put that kind of work into it.

 

Actually not that difficult, here is a swap into a 3rd Gen 4Runner which shares basically the same chassis as the 1st Gen. I believe the 2UZ-FE bolts directly into the 5VZ-FE engine mounts. It's just a matter of wiring, and emissions if you need to worry about that.

It's a LOT of wiring though. You're basically getting rid of all the Tacoma stock body and drivetrain harness and replacing it with the Tundra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fce7IgMTdKg

 

Currently no. Im saving up and learning little by little a long the way. Honestly this swap will be a long way out, but I want to find out all I can’t before I dive in.

 

I don't know, but let me know when you find out. Such a machine gives me impure thoughts.

 

That's really interesting. Thank you.

 

This is a big project to take on, but it's not impossible if you do your research and know what you're doing.

I recommend you read through this thread, this member took a 2JZ-GE and put it into his truck

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...amming-into-my-girlfriends-engine-bay.416509/

His build is going on three years and I don't even think he's close to being done, just to give you some perspective.