2.7L engine replacement

I’m new to this forum and looking for advice. I apologize in advance but this is a long thread, just want to get it all out there at once.

I recently purchased a ‘97 Tacoma ext. cab, 2.7L, MT, 4x4 with 217k miles with the intent of turning it into a mountain rig (lift, 33’s or 35’s, gears, etc) for low speed off-roading in mountains 10 miles from home). I’m not looking for big power, the 2.7 geared low (5.29’s +\-) is all I need.

I purchased at a very affordable price knowing the motor has a blown head gasket. With the high miles, rather than just replacing the head gasket (and timing chain, possible head planing, etc. while disassembled), I intended to either rebuild or replace with a remanufactured engine. I’ve since found that you can’t find pistons for the 2.7 which basically eliminates the rebuild and I only found one reasonably priced (under $4k) outfit with a 2.7 long block in stock, toyotatruckengine.com. However, after discussions from me and my local import mechanic shop, neither of us felt comfortable buying from them.

I’m not interested in a v8 swap so I’m considering the 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6. My research suggests I need new (or at least relocated) engine mounts, ecm, transmission, and transfer case.

Looking for advice on everything needed to make this swap or if there is another affordable and simple (i.e. no weird computer or requiring) option out there.

 

I’ve looked into a donor a little, seems like you need to go through a licensed broker in most states, which I’m looking further in to. To keep the swap simple do I need to stick with 1st gen Tacoma’s?

 

Partsouq.com part # 1310375041 for 2.7 pistons if you just want OEM replacement stuff

 

I’m pretty mechanically inclined but not when it comes to vehicle computers. Would the 3rd gen have a significantly different ecm making a simple “plug and play” difficult?

 

I’ll look into this, thanks!

 

Site looks sketch as hell I know, but it is legitimate. They carry just about everything you could want Toyota wise and it's usually much cheaper than buying it stateside.

Saddest part is the stuff shows up faster from Dubai than it does within the US, at least for me. Got my rack guide in 4 days