Going to be time for a rebuild soon. Some questions.

I have a 1997 4cyl Tacoma 4x4 5spd, ext cab. I drive with a canopy on full time.

* I find the 4cyl gutless, but they're bulletproof.

* Friends of mine with the 6cyl version seem to get the same or better fuel economy, but of course have more power. However, I also hear the 3.4 motors have their share of issues. I'm just thinking about the pros and cons of switching to a rebuilt 3.4 instead, when the time comes. Also could the 3.4 mate up to the 2.7 tranny, or would that have to change too? If that was the case and I did decide to go that route, how big of a deal is it to try to have an auto tranny installed where there was previously a 5spd?

* Ultimate question... would the new 4.0 engines fit into a 1st gen truck?

I know that's a lot of questions for one thread...

 

No engine swap comes without its costs. 3.4 makes more power, but is heavy.

2.7 can be built for more power, with forced induction too.

A 4.0 swap requires just about everything different under hood. Therea a guy on here doing it. Not cheap. Not easy.

3.4 will not bolt up. Again, not cheap, or easy.

Keep 2.7. Build stronger. Regear. Turbo!

 

What share of issues do the 3.4l motors have? They're just about indestructible (without head/head gasket troubles that sometimes take the 2.7's out). Mine has 274k and is going strong.

 

No real issues. Just not as efficient as the 2.7 for weight/power output/displacement ratios compared to 3.4

 

Nobody cares about hp/liter except Hondas.

 

You've got my attention. More please!