Tacoma 4 cyl conversion to 6 cyl?

Elenaidan

Elenaidan

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Hello you wealth of knowledge on CFF. I am considering either buying a newer 6 cylinder pickup or just changing the engine out of the existing Tacoma from a 4 cylinder to a 6, if that is even possible. It is a 1994 Toyota Tacoma extended cab with 210K miles. The body is in great shape, no rust, four wheel drive, stick shift 5 speed. I have a trailer and it is all this little truck can do to pull it. Does anyone know if changing the engine is cost efficient or even possible?
 
They didn’t make a Tacoma until 95.5
 
The v6 swap is a complicated process. I have a 5vz (3.4l) v6 out of a T100 in my 94 extra cab. It started life as a 3.0 truck. To pull that off you will need new transmission also. Wiring, fuel delivery, exhaust and battery all need relocation.

I’d recommend a 3rz (2.7) swap. Find a crashed or abandoned actual Tacoma and pull the motor and computer. Lots more power than the 22re you have currently.

LC Engineering and OffroadSolutuons will be good places to start reading up on the conversions.

No mater what you do there will be a degree of fabrication to weld in certain things like motor mounts, cross members etc.

It’s a fun process but it takes dedication.

While you are at it do a solid axle swap too!
 
Here is my 94 before I tore it back apart an built another front axle. It’s a 3.4 swap with dual transfer cases, FJ80 rear axle and FJ60 front axle on 40” tires.
CE4E7C91-D00B-47E4-BCA2-2A9FC32E991B.png
 
Scsmith42 said:
What about swapping in a diesel from a Toyota forklift?
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Idk much about forklift engines but I agree with your line of thought. If I was going to do a swap, I’d go for a small diesel or small block V8, depending on your goals. The VW diesels are a popular swap options for off roading.
 
Why bother with the v6. Less work to swap in a v8 (gm). The aftermarket makes it super cheap and painless.

Edit: and for the time/$$, Just go buy another truck. Mechanics .02
 
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I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve said man I wish I had less truck.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
Idk much about forklift engines but I agree with your line of thought. If I was going to do a swap, I’d go for a small diesel or small block V8, depending on your goals. The VW diesels are a popular swap options for off roading.
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Ive been told that the forklift diesel is a direct bolt up to the bell housing in a Toyota truck, but that’s been a few years back.
 
My cousin has a pristine 94 frame (rolling chassis) with new everything, and a regular cab, rust free and stripped.

I'd love to have it but really don't need another project.
 
Gray said:
They didn’t make a Tacoma until 95.5
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My Bad. I get the Honda Civic and that truck mixed up all of the time. out newest car is 6 years old and the oldest is the Civic made in 94. The Toyota Truck is 1996.
 
go to Ih8mud.com for all things toyota 4x4. great idea if you have time and money, personally I would just get a different truck. you might get decent money for your 4 banger with the prices of gas now
 
foopid stucker said:
go to Ih8mud.com for all things toyota 4x4. great idea if you have time and money, personally I would just get a different truck. you might get decent money for your 4 banger with the prices of gas now
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This is the correct answer. Honestly, I would budget 10-30k depending how much you want to unravel and rebuild your ride to a mild degree. It’s a rabbit hole no sane person should go down.
 
also , it seems many of the toyota v6 get poor mileage. my 4 liter 6 cyl fj80 got around 10-13 mpg , my 4.7 liter v8 sequoia gets 12-15+ mpg
 
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