Wrecked '02 TRD PreRunner Rebuild and Diesel swap

Thanks! As far as initial impressions I'm really happy so far. I had some turbo issues, so I'm back to the stock blower for the moment. That means more lag and not as much power, but still it's more than adiquate.

 

God damn this is impressive! Glad to see you've made some serious headway! Inspiring build, to say the least!

 

Thanks! I'm super excited to finally have it on the road.

 

Wow how have I not seen this thread?!

Subbed for sure. Would love to geek out and ask a hundred questions at some point. Sweet build man top of the list for sure

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_CdVCv1_II-NnZSalRGeXZlV00

Here's a junky video, but it'll at least let you hear it. Hopefully the link works.

 

Thanks, I'm up for geeking out. It's been a huge learning experience for me, and I'm still far from expert, but it has been a lot of fun too.

 

Badass! Glad to see you get it on the road!

 

@WinSlow939 check this out man.

 

Awesome job OP ! It looks amazing! Always good to see those wrecked Tacoma come back to life . You do have a talent ! I am not a mechanic but have done a lot refab work in my time but nothing like that . I love doing this kinda of stuff but fiscally can't this days so it great to see guys out there still doing it . Very impressive and great problem solving ! Keep up the great work .

 

Now when I've seen these swaps done on other makes,(VW) it's always gone into a light chassis, kind of fitting for a small displacement ,small turbo engine.
Stock engine/turbo, since most people would go this route (still small pool) to keep it as simple as possible. How does it really feel when you let out the clutch and get moving vs. gas motor? Considering the gas is really a slow revving, TQ'ey truck type engine?

I already know I'd rather diesel to the new gen 3.5. but seeing how these 3.4's are sooo reliable. I'm just really curious if besides the wow factor. there's serious seat of the pants TQ. The mileage is a wash for me, diesel costs too much more too ever recoup the added costs of a swap or even buying new off a showroom floor.

I drove a couple of small diesel p/u's in the '80s. 1 was even the VW. We used to joke 0-60 was 2 cigarettes and a cup of coffee.

Whatever the result, I commend you for doing it. I know it would have been easer to just stay stock.

 

It's a pretty small diesel so it's not doing wheelies or anything. Not that I've driven his truck but I imagine it's actually very similar to a stock 3.4 but with a power band shift of 500-800 rpms sooner. I wonder how much boost you could throw at it though.

Great work OP. You've got yourself a pretty stout little Taco. Looks hella clean too. Are those 285's? They're a perfect fit with the amount of lift you have and those wheels. A+ truck man!

 

Thanks guys.

I haven't driven a 3.4 manual, just automatic, so I have a hard time comparing. I think Clay_916 is right though that it's comparable power to the 3.4 with the band shifted lower in the rpm range. Honestly it feels really good even with the stock turbo. Hopefully soon I'll have the upgraded turbo back on soon and then it should really pull hard.

Right now with my stock turbo I'm only pushing about 23lbs. Once I have my bigger turbo back on and re tune I should be at 30lbs. I can't go much above that unless I upgrade the rods.
The tires are 255/85R16.

 

I'm curious to see what is happening here...

 

Not much at the moment unfortunately. I'm doing international volunteer work several weeks at a time this year, and picking up paying work in between. That hasn't left me much time to wrap up the project, but it is running, tagged, and insured. I've put on about 1000mi so far post swap.

 

Never saw this thread... but this is wicked sick. Good job with, well, pretty much everything

 

Thanks.