4cyl to V6 Engine

So long story short, I bought a 2012 Tacoma SR5 and it's a 4cyl. I specifically bought the 4cyl because I knew either way, I'd be replacing the engine and I'd feel less bad about replacing a 4cyl than I would a V6. My question is, what all would I need to make a swap into a V6? I need to know the exact parts and whatnot like what kind of transmission, wiring, and so on. I'm still new to the modding scene but this is where I want to go in life, so any and all help is appreciated.

I just don't want to hear "it'll be cheaper to buy a V6" because I don't want to do that. I'm deliberately making more work for myself

Edit: so it seems a lot of people are against bothering with swapping to a v6, but obviously the 4cyl isn't going to fly with me, as I like to have more power. So if not v6, then what?

In addition to the edit, since it's apparently not obvious. If you're not adding to the conversation and helping, save yourself the time and don't comment at all.

 

Can't find a direct write up, this search will lead to some people that have done it. Gonna have to swap ecu, drivelines, tranny, engine mounts, radiator shroud, possibly more. Good luck.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tac...ERKwKHa6xCIcQrQIoBDAAegQIAxAL&biw=412&bih=799

 

I'd second the 'Sell yours and buy a V6 Tacoma". BUT if you really have your heart set on doing the swap yourself. It might be better (and overall cheaper) to buy a V6 Tacoma that has been wrecked in the back end, or that has a rusted through frame but a good drivetrain.
You're going to need stuff that's going to add up if you try and buy it all separately.
That's my thoughts on it. Many may disagree.

I personally wouldn't go through the hassle of the swap, them any issues afterwards
ie electrical gremlins! !!!

Good luck !!!

 

You stating that you deliberately bought a 4cyl so you won't feel bad eventually replacing it versus a V6, then asking to swap to a V6 is the worst financial strategy you could take in buying a Tacoma. Most will tell you to sell and get a V6 because it's the cheaper most safer route. A V6 swap is not cheap or easy. It's not just finding a V6 engine, trans, and ECU. It will likely involve mounts, upgraded suspension, axles,gears.etc..and lastly, hope that there's no check engine light after install due to some sensor issue.

 

At least do a v8

 

Hey, at least your truck already comes with a 4.10 gear ratio in the rear lol.

 

Agreed. It's not like the good old days when one could pluck an engine out of an old Chevy truck, bolt in a different one, and away you go.

 

At least you're truthful.

^^ This. x10

If you don't do the one above (donor vehicle) and you're into tossing down $, the v8 is the right answer. Otherwise, when you are done, no one will know or have any appreciation for your work. You'll just have experience and an empty wallet for the same thing everyone else has.

Don't do all that work and spend all that money, then be like

 

Add a turbo. Only help that I can offer.

 

Find a wrecked 4th gen 4runner with a V8. Engine, tranny, Ecu, wires . . .

 

Keep the bulletproof 4cyl.

 

I have been keeping an eye on some junkyards around me for some good deals. Even piecemealing the parts is fine for me in all honesty. I know these things take time.

 

I really don't understand this part.

 

If you really want to do this, go find a parts truck to buy. It’s going to be even more difficult to find every single component piecemeal.

To reiterate what was said above, just sell your old truck and get a v6 one like you want. If you’re going through the trouble of an engine swap at least do a 2UZ or something along those lines.

 

Good luck man. Most ppl here don’t have the skills to do something like this so they default to “it’s cheaper to sell it and get what you want”. The best thing to do is go to www.toyodiy.com and cross reference your year in both 4-cylinder and v6. Figure out every part that is different. Then source them as best you can.

Start by focusing on the engine mounting, transmission system and electrical difference. Other shit will come up but you’ll just have to figure it out on the fly.

Can’t wait to see the end result.

 

7k is still a deal if its rear ended and he can use all the parts to swap over.

 

Would a V8 even fit in the frame...? To my understanding they're quit a bit bigger.

 

The 4.7 isn't huge. The 4.6 and 5.7 are massive wide angle v8's.

 

Might as well go all the way and do an RB26DETT, ATTESA, and Super HICAS swap.