My LS swapped 3rd Gen Tacoma build thread

tacotunner06 · Apr 24, 2023

Drewthecarguy[OP] said: ↑

I believe it’s possible I remember seeing someone who made a adapter plate for a LS into like a first gen or something maybe the bellhousing bolts are the same that would make it pretty easy
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the taco trans won’t hold up to the power, I’ve got a Rsg 4x4 transmission but they are about the most expensive option short of full custom. The biggest thing is the custom transfer case adapter. There’s another company out there but I think they want like 2k just for an adapter case adapter and shafts…. The other option would be like an ar5 trans but they aren’t very strong either from what I’ve read.

Drewthecarguy · May 25, 2023

I have this truck up for sale now if anyone is interested hit me up

Caboose117 · May 25, 2023

Drewthecarguy[OP] said: ↑

I have this truck up for sale now if anyone is interested hit me up
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Well that’s unfortunate

Drewthecarguy · May 25, 2023

Caboose117 said: ↑

Well that’s unfortunate
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It will be fortunate for the new buyer lol

Matt Sierra · May 25, 2023

Drewthecarguy[OP] said: ↑

It will be fortunate for the new buyer lol
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And now you’ve got 50 posts, so you can post it here if you want.

81shark · May 26, 2023

Drewthecarguy[OP] said: ↑

I have this truck up for sale now if anyone is interested hit me up
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link? price? how far south in IL are you?

m3bassman · Jun 16, 2023

Drewthecarguy[OP] initial post: ↑

I figured id go ahead and start a build thread on my LS swapped 3rd Gen

I originally bought the truck and completed a cadiallac LF3 engine swap in it. The truck performed great, i had close to 500hp with it with the boost turned up a little.

the problem was it was only 2wd. I started to figure out how to make it 4wd but it started to get pretty complicated. i mechanically got it all done with a 8L45 out of a 2018 Chevy Colorado and a matching transfer case. I had it all bolted in and running but it shifted weird. After tons of researching and trying different things i came to the conclusion there wasnt a way to electrically get it to work right, programming and hardware.

So i pulled everything out and started my LS journey.

Here is a link to my LF3 swap thread, if you want the history of the truck https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-engine-swapped-3rd-gen-build-thread.790151/

here we start with the LF3 all pulled out and stating with a empty engine bay

the easy part of this is i already have most of the needed swap components done. Electric power steering, fuel system is already done using the 2nd gen bucket fuel bucket and aeromotive pump

So i picked up a 2014 L77 with a 6L80E transmission out of a low mileage Caprice PPV car, ive always loved using these motors in LS swaps ive done, they are all aluminum 6.0s with a cam they make good power. Any buy using the 6l80 i can easily put a transfer case on it with no issues

so i took the oil pan off and sat the motor and trans in the truck to see what i was working with

oil pan clearance will be no easy task, the front diff is in all the wrong places, trans tunnel has plenty of room.

for exhaust manifold the factory caprice manifolds fit but the flange is pointing straight down which is pointing close to the front crossmember so i had to figure something else out

picked up a set of trick flow mid length headers

clearance was perfect of the passenger side

drivers side it hit the steering shaft just a little so ill have to heat it up and put a little dent in it but nothing major

Motor mounts are done but i forgot to get any pictures of them, they were really simple to make and im using the stock tacoma rubber mounts, i didnt have to cut anything off the truck, very easy to mount the motor and trans in the truck.

The oil pan i pretty much have done too. i basically bought a steel pan off of speed way motors and cut to fit and rewelded.

thats what i have done now, my plan is to have this on the road in a week or so

ill first have it going 2wd since i already have a driveshaft that will work so thats easy
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Was there no off the shelf oil pans that would give the clearance you need? Working on a 5.3 into a first gen and can't really find if there is something that will work that isn't custom made.

tacotunner06 · Jun 16, 2023

m3bassman said: ↑

Was there no off the shelf oil pans that would give the clearance you need? Working on a 5.3 into a first gen and can't really find if there is something that will work that isn't custom made.
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As far as I’ve seen a front sump fits pretty easily since it’s rear steer on the 1st gens.

m3bassman · Jun 16, 2023

tacotunner06 said: ↑

As far as I’ve seen a front sump fits pretty easily since it’s rear steer on the 1st gens.
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While that is true, I haven't come across very many 3rd gen T4Rs or 1g tacomas that have the 4x4 in place with the LS swap. While it'll all become a lot clearer once the 5vz is out and the LM7 is bolted to the R150F, I am just looking to see if others have found a solution for front sump, low profile pans. There are a lot out there in the market but it's a crap shoot trying to get one before wedging the V8 in. I'm not certain that it can be done without a custom pan. While the steering is in the rear, the diff is still there on the driver's side and the engine bay is much smaller than a third gen.

Drewthecarguy · Jun 17, 2023

m3bassman said: ↑

Was there no off the shelf oil pans that would give the clearance you need? Working on a 5.3 into a first gen and can't really find if there is something that will work that isn't custom made.
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No off the self pans what so ever, hardly any room with the front diff in there

jersey jim · Jun 17, 2023

I was going to suggest a dry sump system, but damn they look to be expensive.

m3bassman · Jun 17, 2023

Drewthecarguy[OP] said: ↑

No off the self pans what so ever, hardly any room with the front diff in there
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Yeah I am worried about that. Did you happen to take pictures of your pan you modified? I know it's not apples to apples but I would be curious how you modified it. Much appreciated!

Also good luck with cars and bids auction!

Drewthecarguy · Jul 17, 2023

Anyone interested in my newest build check it out

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tesla-swapped-2wd-1st-gen-build.807147/#post-28942003

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