2009 5 lug taco LS swap 5.3

So how hard would it be to LS swap my 2009 Tacoma 5 lug 2.7

 

Oh it’s easy

 

Ever done an engine swap of any kind? Even like for like?

You do realize the trans (and ultimately the diff) will need changing too, right?

It's doable, but far from trivial.

 

Yeah ik I’ll have to change a lot

 

I’ll probably do it this summer so I’ll have a pretty good amount of free time and budget cause I’ll have a job

 

One guy said all the wiring and the motor and trans was 3,000$

 

I’ll probably put a 5.3 with a 4l60e trans

 

And a cam and stall and all fbo

 

Idk yet

 

Basically change everything in your truck, mount components, hook it all up and get it working!

Engine
oil pan that fits the Tacoma
Transmission
motor mounts
tranny mounts
driveshaft length
custom exhaust
fuel delivery
cooling system mods
ecm and wiring
tuning for your custom cam
ac if you want that
power steering is nice to have
a thousand little things you will come across along the way to make it work
stuff you break due to extra power and weight

And boom you got yourself a bad ass ls Tacoma over the summer in your spare time while working your new job!

Hope this helps

 

Almost forgot, you need another vehicle to drive while your truck is down!

Here is a shot of my LS I "simply plopped" into my old Chevelle project a while back for a better idea of what is involved.



Make sure you enjoy wrenching more than driving for quite some time!

 

I’m gonna keep ac

 

Of course, why wouldnt you after doing all this work and spending so much cash?!

Custom lines to attach the LS compressor to your existing system(?), not sure which condenser you would use but it must be mounted too. Just a couple of those thousand little things I was talking about.

Same goes for power steering, custom lines with fittings to adapt the parts from pump to reservoir.

Heck, all the engine driven pulleys and accessories drive also needs to fit in the Tacoma. Different engines have different front end accessory drives, find the one that works in the Tacoma.

Intake manifold needs to fit under the hood, not sure if an LS truck intake would fit.

New custom coil springs up front to handle the extra weight and still ride decent.

Etc. etc..

Live your dream!!

 

I’ve seen a 5.3 in the Tacoma and it fits great

 

if youre in cali and do this swap, may the smog gods be with you

 

Lol

 

I’m in Texas I’m ok

 

From what I understand, engine swaps are cool in California as long as you swap to something newer. There is a process to verify that you must follow, paperwork, inspection, fee's, etc..

If you plan to attempt this swap in any universe, I am sending some prayers to the Tacoma Gods for you!

 

Well if you want a really good idea of the details check the YouTube link, I know its on a first gen but you still will cover almost all the same mods maybe more wiring?

https://youtu.be/ZRewZb8naGg

This guy is very thorough I reference him on good ideas even though I’m doing a 2J he is a good builder!

 

I was just about to link that build as well! Tom's turbo garage is fantastic, tons of resources and knowledge from him.