engine swap

im new to this page but i think you're the only ones who can help, I'm just starting to mod my 02 tacoma. I've only really done cosmetic stuff but am looking for an engine upgrade due to it has 320,000 miles on it and its the 2.7 4 cylinder. I'm hoping for something I can supercharge to make a sleeper truck. what are your opinions on that, I'm looking for something not super expensive and relatively easy and quick to do.

 

You can always supercharge your 2.7l

 

They make chargers for the 2.7, easiest cheapest swap would be a newer lower mile 2.7.

Next easiest cheapest would be a 3.4 swap.


Cheap, reliable, fast, you get to pick two. Something to keep in mind.

 

thank you that was a lot of help!! also, should I change the transmission or just leave it?

 

Unless you're making upwards of 1,000 HP you don't need a new transmission.

Should tell you know the four cyl is very underwhelming, it's more noticeable on manual iterations. If you want a lot of power I'd go for a turbo, but for ease of install your only choice is the supercharger.

 

IMO, just overhaul what you got and make it solid.

Engine swaps and hotrodding ain't cheap.

 

18 year old truck I would be thinking catch up all the neglected maintenance before anything else.

Where the truck lives also is a big factor.

The bottom line is your budget and what you really want .

A lower mileage 2.7 and supercharged would be the most simple .

If you have the place and can learn the needed skills.

It can very easy turn into a money pit easy and quick and budget friendly seldom happen in my case ever.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

I would echo the others stating an engine swap is not a cheap or easy project as you said your looking for..

Easiest power is the LCE 2.7 supercharger others are chiming in on. Bolt on in place of your intake manifold and add a pulley, no tuning or additional mods required. This kit is not smog legal in California though for your 02, only 2000-2001 to note.

You didnt say how much power you want for your "sleeper", but this kit will bring you from 150 to roughly 200 horsepower. So if you are looking to blow doors off Vettes and Mustangs this may not be what you are looking for... If you need help merging into traffic and getting over a steep hill this should fit the bill nicely!

 

That's weird, I wonder why the CARB cert only applies to 2000-2001 Tacomas.

Kind of like how the TRD headers are CARB legal for all 1st gens except 2004s (found this out the hard way when I went to get smogged, luckily the guy still passes me).

 

When I picked up my supercharger and spoke to the guy at LCE he said the year ruling aligns with the years the dealer actually sold these superchargers as options. The 3.4 SC was offered for all years as opposed to the 4 cylinder models, hence you will see the smog rules applied differently.

Yes, smog rules have nothing to do with the actual smog coming out of the engine it appears in this case...