Source for 3.4 5VZ-FE?

[Wonderland]

Not that I need one just yet.

Anyone have a good source for low mile 3.4's?

I keep on debating on either throwing in a fresh engine, or buy a whole new truck. The thing of it is, I have my current ride modded exactly how I want it.

But I keep on eyeballing the new generation of Tacoma's. I sat in one the other day, I dare not test drive one though.

I can't decide if they are too big, or the "perfect size".

 

[RU55ELL]

What is this going in?

 

[Wonderland]

2000 Tacoma.

Not sure if the model numbers are off or not. I never can remember what it is, without popping the hood. Too much partying in high school...:ylsmoke:

It has 230K on the clock, it doesn't burn oil, but it is starting to feel tired. Doesn't have the power it used to. I think I can eek out 300K, but...

Can't decide whether to throw a fresher engine with a super charger, or sell the truck the way it sits, and upgrade to the latest and greatest.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Try using some sort of engine flush. I got a noticeable difference back when I cleaned my engine out at 181k. I say rebuild it when it goes belly up, and put on a SC. You will be hard pressed to beat the functionality of your 2000 and Toyota makes those engines to be rebuilt at least once.

 

[007]

I've owned an 01 and an 06, Both are good trucks but the 01 is much better. More reliable and durable, higher build quality and a better size for overlanding.

I would rebuild that 3.4

 

[RU55ELL]

car-part.com

 

[Wonderland]

Thanks guys. I have thought of doing a rebuild too, would be easier and quicker to drop in a low mile used one, that is if I can find one. It isn't a huge problem to simply rebuild, since I have a second vehicle.

I do talk myself out of a new truck every time, when I start running the numbers in my head.

Read somewhere (here goes my memory again...:ylsmoke read somewhere there is a source for these engines out of Japan. A lot have in the neighborhood of 50K miles.

Out of curiosity, what is the power to weight ratio of a SC 3.4 Tacoma, to a non-SC current model Tacoma?

Not a power hungry person by any means, but I pull an open trailer with 4 motorcycles, two dirt bikes and two trials bikes. Mine does ok, it could be better though.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Not sure what the exact power difference is, but my supercharged '98 4Runner was significantly faster than my old 02 4Runner (NA 3.4L). I've heard 50HP? I felt even a bigger difference when heading up the canyons. Boost helped at high altitudes.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Not sure what the exact power difference is, but my supercharged '98 4Runner was significantly faster than my old 02 4Runner (NA 3.4L). I've heard 50HP? I felt even a bigger difference when heading up the canyons. Boost helped at high altitudes.

Yes. A friend of mine has a 99 Taco with an SC, and he is working with about 230hp. SCs were originally designed to combat ceiling limitations in aircraft.

 

[007]

I would really consider rebuilding the motor you have, not dropping in a low mileage one, who knows what that motor has seen. The block, crank, rods, and heads could have suffered some gawd awful heat cycles and abuse.

 

[Wonderland]

I would really consider rebuilding the motor you have, not dropping in a low mileage one, who knows what that motor has seen. The block, crank, rods, and heads could have suffered some gawd awful heat cycles and abuse.

Good point, any idea how much a rebuild would run? I know it all depends on what is done. I'll have to ask my mechanic, the next time I drive by his shop...since the truck is rarely in there.

I don't trust myself doing the work...ie, I am forgetful. I know I would get it all back together with parts left over.:elkgrin:

 

[007]

Good point, any idea how much a rebuild would run? I know it all depends on what is done.

I don't trust myself doing the work...ie, I am forgetful. I know I would get it all back together with parts left over.:elkgrin:

Not sure, you'll have to call your local mechanics and dealerships. I would make sure they used OEM parts, had experience with said motor and can warranty it.

My local dealership has a toyota mechanic that I would trust for all the above, anyone else in my town would probably fudge aftermarket knockoff parts, and do a lot of guessing and banging with the wrong tools.

Building motors is more precise than brain surgery, and harder because of all the different makes and models:ylsmoke:

 

[Wonderland]

My mechanic is Toyota certified. Plus I have two backups, that are fantastic.

The one is 3 hours away, but it would be worth it. Who is also Toyota certified, and is very strict about OEM parts. I'll have to give him a call.

 

[Youngunner]

Sounds like it's time for a diesel swap! Saw one on craigslist in Vegas, with tranny, transfer case, driveshafts, ECU and cross member for 2200.

 

[007]

That is great, I would also do the tranny and S/C at the same time. The S/C has a 100,000 mile warranty I believe if installed at the dealership.

I used to be a good mechanic, wrenched all the time. Then I bought a Toyota, All I do is fluid changes now.