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1st gen engine swap

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Optaylor59, Jan 26, 2024.

  1. Jan 26, 2024 at 5:20 PM
    #1
    Optaylor59

    Optaylor59 [OP] Member

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    So question about a 2.7 swap, donor is a 96’ 2.7 5sp 4x4 and plan to swap to a 98’ that is also a 2.7 5sp 4wd. Is it a direct swap or am I gonna need to do some electrical as well? TIA
     
  2. Jan 26, 2024 at 5:31 PM
    #2
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco Well-Known Member

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    I don't know much about the 2.7 as my truck has the V6, but aren't the early (like 95-97) model years trucks distributor trucks versus the later ones (like 98+) coil pack trucks? That would be something you'd have to work around I'd think
     
  3. Jan 27, 2024 at 1:24 PM
    #3
    Optaylor59

    Optaylor59 [OP] Member

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  4. Jan 27, 2024 at 1:26 PM
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    beaverdamland

    beaverdamland Well-Known Member

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    Red_03Taco and Optaylor59[OP] like this.
  5. Jan 27, 2024 at 1:36 PM
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    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    Some thing else to think about… sorry
     
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  6. Jan 27, 2024 at 5:42 PM
    #6
    Optaylor59

    Optaylor59 [OP] Member

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    From some of what I’ve been able to find the distributor motor is doable in the newer truck as long as the motor wiring harness and ECM from the donor truck are available to use in the swap. Just hoping to find someone who has actually done a swap to give some guidance.
     
  7. Jan 27, 2024 at 6:58 PM
    #7
    6P4

    6P4 Well-Known Member

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  8. Jan 28, 2024 at 8:22 AM
    #8
    Empty_Lord

    Empty_Lord Toyotaholic

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    Too many trucks and mods to list.. check builds
    You’ll need to swap over the old engine harness at the very least
     
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  9. Jan 28, 2024 at 8:31 AM
    #9
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    Merging the truck harness to the #4 ECM plug can be interesting.

    I always have the *EWD`s from all the vehicles involved.

    *EWD is Toyota`s Electrical Wiring Diagrams
     
  10. Jan 28, 2024 at 9:56 AM
    #10
    Optaylor59

    Optaylor59 [OP] Member

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    I’ve also heard the other option is to add a new cam position? Sensor and mount coil packs and use existing harness. Anyone familiar with that?
     
  11. Jan 28, 2024 at 12:53 PM
    #11
    Empty_Lord

    Empty_Lord Toyotaholic

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    Too many trucks and mods to list.. check builds
    It’s honestly not horribly hard to repin the body side harness to run a newer coil based ecu. But you’ll need the donor harness and correct ecu.
     
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  12. Jan 29, 2024 at 5:40 AM
    #12
    Optaylor59

    Optaylor59 [OP] Member

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    so just to clarify I’m thinking of swapping a 96’ distributor type motor into a 98’ truck that is currently being driven. I have the 96’ cab and front clip still bolted on the partial frame with all wiring harness’s and have ran the 96’ motor to verify it starts and runs as it should. Just trying to get the easiest solution to use the older motor in the newer truck whether it’s swapping harnesses or making changes to the older motor itself to work with the newer truck.
     
  13. Jan 29, 2024 at 8:30 AM
    #13
    Empty_Lord

    Empty_Lord Toyotaholic

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    Oh. 96 to a 98? Just remove the dizzy and install the plug off the old engine and transfer over all the electronics and the valve cover

    pretty sure you can plug the dizzy hole. If not I’m sure a plugs easy to fab up or just leave it in?
     
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  14. Jan 29, 2024 at 6:45 PM
    #14
    Optaylor59

    Optaylor59 [OP] Member

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    which plug are you referring too? I understand the distributor is not needed and need to bring the valve cover and coils over, what about any sensors or other electrical? Fabbing something for the distributor hole is not a problem. Thanks for the replies and information
     
  15. Jan 29, 2024 at 6:54 PM
    #15
    Empty_Lord

    Empty_Lord Toyotaholic

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    Too many trucks and mods to list.. check builds
    the dizzy hole is the only thing i can think of. i havent had a 2/3rz in a while. but the cam sensor might go where the dizzy did? basically just compare the 2 engines when apart and swap all the 98 parts onto the 96. should work fine
     

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