JDM engine swap

I plan to put in a 5VZ-FE JDM Engine.

I am going to buy a new timing belt kit with water pump and new thermostat. I already have new belts. I am also going to put in new spark plugs and spark plug wires.

I know I have to switch over Parts on these JDM engines. My question is are there any other parts you can think of that I might need to go ahead and purchase for the used JDM Engine?

 

Seems like a bit of good info here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/buying-a-imported-japanese-engine-5vz-fe.559696/

 

Thank you.

 

Any compatibility issues with my on board computer and the JDM engine?

 

I did a write up on doing this in a Double Cab for a buddy.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jdm-motor-in-2002-dcsb-sr5-prerunner.485128

the basics are there with other stuff I discovered.

 

Im curious, so there is NO way to verify mileage on these motors?
No documentation, anything?
I wonder how they can get away advertising 60 k miles or less.

 

I think because in their country of origin 60K is about all they can go before they need to replace or get a new car. Something to do with strict emission laws if I am not mistaken. But - you are correct. There is no REAL way of knowing. I have heard of the majority of people having good luck with their purchases. There is a minority though - that have had failures with the engines. Could be from sitting for a length of time, water intrustion etc. Best to fully go over the engine before installing. Maybe take the head off and do a head-gasket etc.

 

Check with your state on if this is even a legal swap. Some places like CA have very strict laws on this. Emissions control, OD certifications, etc....just FYI

 

Good point but Im curious, If all the emission control stuff is there, how would anyone know its a JDM motor?

 

Sub'd because I'll be doing this soon too.
Are you doing the work or having a shop do it?

 

Engine numbers, some states require documentation of engine swaps, like CA. If I remember correctly, you can swap a newer engine or same year engine as long as it meets all FED laws and state emissions. Verified by docs. As far as different engines, CA says no with exceptions....what those are I have no idea as they always seem to change. Other states are no so strict, but, may have rules of their own.

Then there is the little thing of tailpipe emissions and the vin dictating what engine the vehicle is equipped with.

 

Soooo...
We'd need to go to "special" smog testing center?

 

Not really, if you are in CA you gotta jump through a bunch of hoops, other states like Texas or Utah just want an MSO or bill of ladding that specifies where it came from and what it is for.

Easiest thing to do is to check with shops that do this, and then call the hq of your DMV to get the specifics including the specific code numbers of the law.

Some states require special vins and titles on cars with swapped engines. I know in CA a motor swap is generally considered a salvaged title and you must apply for such or your reg will be denied and you vehicle may be impounded.

 

as to your question about computer compatability... if you use your old components (exhaust manifolds, intake*) etc the computer will never know the difference. All of the JDM engines I have put in all came with the PCM (computer)... a Japanese spec PCM and a cut harness. *The intake manifolds (upper and lower) have always been different enough to where I just used all of the original components. Even the injectors were different enough to warrant using the originals.

As to the other claims about engine swaps, this might be true if you have a liscensed shop do the work. If it is a driveway job, who is going to know unless you tell them.

The short version is if it looks like it came from the factory it usually doesnt propmt a second look.

 

This ^^^^ seems really discouraging. Any ideas regarding the cost of a rebuild vs the JDM swap?

 

Agreed. Unless you are paying a shop to do the work for you, there is nothing to worry about. Swap in the new engine and done.

The other caveat is that any shop doing this kind of work and has experience with it will already have all the things worked out. You can buy JDM engines ready to go on Craigslist in CA without a problem as well. there are plenty of shops that sell them and do the installs for you. So it really isn't as difficult as everyone is making it sound.

 

This ^^^ seems a bit more encouraging lol
I was super pumped when I read they have 3.4 motors around 1500 and install was under a grand.

 

If you are swapping to a bigger engine and you are in a state that does emissions, the emissions station will find out and then the state. If you happen to be in a “free” state, you might be good.

If a shop does it, they do all the reports, all you would need to do is provide the invoice.

It ain’t like old days where you can put a 396 in place of a 6 cyl.

3.4 to 3.4 in the green 3.4 to 4.0,
May have issues.

Depends on your state.
Call DMV HQ just so you DON’T have any issues.

Better safe then sorry.

(For off highway use only, there are almost no rules against)

Done a few swaps when I lived in CA....paperwork and certification were a PITA.

 

Id be doing this 3.4 to 3.4 ... so Im good?

 

Thank you.