LS Swapping a Tacoma - Chasing 100mph

Damn i remember this build from many moons ago. Love how everyone is v8 swapping their tacomas now

 

Everyone? Can you point my to other 4x4 first gens doing it, I have questions....

This mod actually hurt a bit. Cut off the sliders. It's a decade of wheeling written in the bottom of them, each dent a story to tell, a trail conquered. I cut them off such that I can sleeve the tubes and reinstall them down the road at least.

 

EDIT: realized he removed the 4wd lol. But hopefully some of the engine stuff is useful for ya
Quick search lead me to this build

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1998-tacoma-5-3l-vortec-ls-engine-swap-thread.648542/

 

Not a 4x4 swap .

Still lots of goodies in there information wise. I've dug for people doing it with 4x4 first gens and the trail is cold. I could save myself a headache but going 2wd but there's no fun in that.

 

sounds like in true tacomaworld fashion there must be a trailblazer. ITS YOU BABY

 

They exist out there in tacomas and 4runners but the builds aren't on the Internet.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/36P4OGZr/2000-toyota-4runner-sr5-4x4

 

yeah everyone normally posts the end product but no details....

they are def out there but aint no one handing over the secret formula

 

The sauce is the oil pan. I don't know what will fit until I mock up the engine in the bay. Not a big deal, bolt it in and take measurements and find what works but still sucks that I won't know until then how it's going to go. Not to mention, an LS backed by a Toyota R150 isn't exactly common so I'm expecting some challenges there

 

gonna be a hell of a ride im sure. Best of luck bro

 

I didn't see that you had done this yet. I only skimmed through the thread so be gentle. Replace the oil pressure sensor and the camshaft position sensor while everything is apart. They're infamous for going bad and/or leaking. Make sure the camshaft position sensor is OEM/AC Delco or you'll have problems. I speak from experience on this very motor. You already got the other PITA problem with the engine: knock sensors. If you're going with a stand alone ECU, I would think about tuning the sensors out, or relocating them. A company makes a relocation kit. Can't remember the name.

 

Thanks! I'll need it

 

I'll look at those two sensors and replacing them. Wasn't sure if the ones on the motor are good/original.

We will rock the Chevy ECU to start, but the dream is a Holley EFI kit down the road. The OEM ECU should be plenty for what I plan to do at first, but when I throw nitrous at it I would feel better with the Holley running the show.

 

It's the two sensors on the back of the motor behind the lifter valley. Once the motor is together the intake manifold blocks them.

Nothing wrong with stock. It's got more oomph than the numbers would appear. Getting to 500 hp on the thing is pretty easy.

 

I think it's more common than you'd think just in Australia not here. And not always a Tacoma.

But yeah the pan and the exhaust are the big puzzles while keeping 4wd. I'm sure there is a way.


Hell just go dry sump

 

"Not always a Tacoma" so who the fuck cares? If there are lots of LS hiluxes it isn't the same as an LS Tacoma. Apples to oranges. If you find a build thread of a 4x4 Tacoma here with an LS, please send it to me so I can get some guidance!

Dry sump I looked at was $3500. too big a pill to swallow.

 

I figure with my cam at 219/229 and a tune I'll be knocking on the door of 400. I think heads and intake could carry me to 500, but that's $3000 when nitrous will get me there cheaper. It may happen down the road of course, a 1000hp Tacoma would be fun but need to let the wallet heal from this setup first haha

 

No I meant running an r series tranny with a V8. Think they is more common than you'd think in various trucks/SUVs/cars.

Ooof that's pretty spendy. But race truck?

 

I gotcha. Yeah it's not like I'm a pioneer in that regard, obviously enough people do it that the product exists.

The cost of this project are already climbing, because, race truck.

 

I sporadically check in...like now...hahaha

 

I take my crank pulley off with the same setup of various pullers with extensions to hold them in as well. I didn't see if crank pulley is back on, but spend the $15 and get an Amazon pulley installer. I impacted mine on several times and it just didn't feel good at all.

Also, before you spend 3 hours cleaning a part, check summit and make sure it isn't like $20 for a brand new one with a seal. I found that out after the fact too. Covers and shit are cheap for these things. Don't waste your money on knocks either. Get the ict billet valley pan cover and call it a day. I spent like $200 on knocks and remote mounts and I can't even use them. They are worthless on even the lowest sensitivity setting and retard timing. So, they are no mas.