Source for 3.4 5VZ-FE?

[Mr. Leary]

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.

I've got one for 2000, but I doubt this is the road the OP wishes to travel. It takes a lot of time and knowledge to swap a diesel in, not for the impatient nor the feint of heart...

 

[Wonderland]

I do know a great diesel mechanic, he would have no problem with the swap.

Used to run heavy equipment for a living, and somehow I have built up an intolerance for the smell/fumes of diesel.

I would loose power on top of that, I use the truck mainly for yanking my dirt bikes around/camping. Need it for blasting up the highway to get to riding spots. Unless you guys know how to make them have similar power output, for the same cost. I have seen those diesel swaps go for over $10K. Probably get two 3.4 gassers for that.

I don't do any real hardcore "wheelin", that is what the motorcycles are for.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I do know a great diesel mechanic, he would have no problem with the swap.

Used to run heavy equipment for a living, and somehow I have built up an intolerance for the smell/fumes of diesel.

I would loose power on top of that, I use the truck mainly for yanking my dirt bikes around/camping. Need it for blasting up the highway to get to riding spots. Unless you guys know how to make them have similar power output, for the same cost. I have seen those diesel swaps go for over $10K. Probably get two 3.4 gassers for that.

I don't do any real hardcore "wheelin", that is what the motorcycles are for.

The power is there. It just depends on whether you want to get 25mpg or not...

You will love it around town, you will love it at the pump, you will love it off road, you will not love it if you have a heavy foot on the highway.

If you don't like the smell, then don't do it. Personally, I love the smell of diesel, especially on a cold morning.

A proper swap will probably take months, not days. You may be able to buy 2 or three gassers for what you would pay for a swap, but the swap will last you 2 or three gassers. Tradeoffs.

 

[Wonderland]

The power is there. It just depends on whether you want to get 25mpg or not...

You will love it around town, you will love it at the pump, you will love it off road, you will not love it if you have a heavy foot on the highway.

If you don't like the smell, then don't do it. Personally, I love the smell of diesel, especially on a cold morning.

A proper swap will probably take months, not days. You may be able to buy 2 or three gassers for what you would pay for a swap, but the swap will last you 2 or three gassers. Tradeoffs.

Too many cons, parts would probably be a pain. Heck I could buy another Pre-2005 Tacoma for the cost of the swap. Only paid $15K for mine.

If I truly wanted a diesel, I would run out and buy a Dodge. I don't see Toyota bringing their diesels over here any time real soon. Don't want to buy a 25 year old import either, get into the parts issue again.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Here is a cheap 3.4 for sale locally here in Utah

http://www.wasatchcruisers.org/vbulletinfrm/showthread.php?t=6752

 

[nickw]

A proper swap will probably take months, not days. You may be able to buy 2 or three gassers for what you would pay for a swap, but the swap will last you 2 or three gassers. Tradeoffs.

I completely disagree, the 5VZs are getting well over 200k on a regular basis and approaching 300k with minimal work on a fairly consistant basis (head work, valves, etc). As reliable as diesels generally are, your not going to see even double that mileage with a hilux diesel. Maybe some of the heavier built cruiser engines (3B, 2H, 1HZ), but even then, 400k + is getting pretty ragged.

Even with the fabled OM617, 300/350k is getting close to rebuild time.

And when you do rebuild, its going to cost you at least twice as much, if not more.

For every 500K mile toyota diesel engine story, there is a 500k 22re/5vz/3rz/2f story.

 

[Wonderland]

Here is a cheap 3.4 for sale locally here in Utah

http://www.wasatchcruisers.org/vbulletinfrm/showthread.php?t=6752

Thank you Andre, I am not seeing a price though. (Am I blind!?:elkgrin

That is another option, buy a high mile one, rebuild it, throw on the SC goodies yank out my old engine, drop the fresh one in. Drive it for another 250K+ miles.

 

[Wonderland]

I completely disagree, the 5VZs are getting well over 200k on a regular basis and approaching 300k with minimal work on a fairly consistant basis (head work, valves, etc). As reliable as diesels generally are, your not going to see even double that mileage with a hilux diesel. Maybe some of the heavier built cruiser engines (3B, 2H, 1HZ), but even then, 400k + is getting pretty ragged.

Even with the fabled OM617, 300/350k is getting close to rebuild time.

And when you do rebuild, its going to cost you at least twice as much, if not more.

For every 500K mile toyota diesel engine story, there is a 500k 22re/5vz/3rz/2f story.

Yeah, that is thing. Diesel swap doesn't seem worth it.

I still think I have another 70K left in this motor that is still 5 or so years down the road. I was asking out of curiosity more than anything. Kinda bored at work....

 

[Mr. Leary]

I completely disagree, the 5VZs are getting well over 200k on a regular basis and approaching 300k with minimal work on a fairly consistant basis (head work, valves, etc). As reliable as diesels generally are, your not going to see even double that mileage with a hilux diesel. Maybe some of the heavier built cruiser engines (3B, 2H, 1HZ), but even then, 400k + is getting pretty ragged.

Even with the fabled OM617, 300/350k is getting close to rebuild time.

And when you do rebuild, its going to cost you at least twice as much, if not more.

For every 500K mile toyota diesel engine story, there is a 500k 22re/5vz/3rz/2f story.

5vz-fe is a great engine. They are one of the longest lived gas engines ever brought to the states. Mine still makes good power and full compression and has 183k on the clock. That being said, it sucks gas, it doesn't produce a whole lot of torque, and I doubt I will get 300k out of it (but I'll keep my fingers crossed ). The diesel engines Toyota put into the LCs were not their crowning acheivement. If you are considering a LC diesel swap, look at a Cummins. A rebuild will cost more, but we have to consider that these swaps rarely hit the break even on their return. If you do a swap, it is because you want better fuel economy and range (especially off road), a power curve that more closely matches your driving style, and the ability to engine brake 10k lbs. down a 10% grade. The only way you would ever really come out ahead is to swap it yourself, then sell it. Putting another gasser in it will not raise the value of the vehicle.

To the OP, if you are seriously considering an Toyota diesel swap, check here. It has all been done before, and there is a lot of useful information to be found there. If you are happy with the 5vz-fe, then you should probably keep it. If you think it needs some more power on the low end, then the 1kz-te would be your only option even approaching economical. Putting a SC on the gasser would eat you up at the pump (premium fuel only), and requires some computer work, basically retarding the heck out of your timing. The work required to get a rebuilt engine with your upgrades (SC or 7th injector) would put you in the same ballpark as the diesel swap.

Another thing to try if you have an auto... try driving down the highway with the OD off, or with a manual, in 4th gear. If you like the way it drives, you may be better off regearing and and sticking with a gasser. 4Runners and Tacos are often geared in 4.11, which isn't even in the power band with oversized tires. Also, if you are any heavier than stock, you will feel like you just aren't making the power.

I'm rambling again, hope this helps!

 

[kletzenklueffer]

Have you had the catalytic converter tested? When it's old and shot, it'll hinder engine performance.

My 3.4L has 215K on it, of which 95K has been in the last year and a half. The only thing I've replaced is a belt and the radiator and cap (top cracked due to forze up radiator cap).

 

[Wonderland]

Mr Leary:

It is a manual tranny I rather walk than drive an auto.

I run premium regardless, change oil every 2500 miles.

Feel it is under powered when I am fully load, towing the motorcycle trailer.

Still think a rebuild/SC/7th injector is cheaper than a diesel swap, quicker too, I don't care about mileage.

Shoot, I have to run, have to get back to work...more later...

 

[Wonderland]

Oh when it comes down to it, I just need the truck to yank the dirt bikes around, haul related gear, and somewhere to sleep.

I generally don't throw much money at my tow vehicle, the dirt bikes on the other hand. I throw a bunch money at them and the travel that surrounds them.

Maybe I need to break down and buy a fullsize truck, for my tow rig.

A Dodge diesel quad cab, perhaps.:elkgrin:

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Diesel swap would not be worth it. The OM617 is also a difficult engine to start in the cold weather... It would be a serious downgrade as well...

 

[nickw]

Mileage

5vz-fe is a great engine. They are one of the longest lived gas engines ever brought to the states. Mine still makes good power and full compression and has 183k on the clock. That being said, it sucks gas, it doesn't produce a whole lot of torque, and I doubt I will get 300k out of it (but I'll keep my fingers crossed ). The diesel engines Toyota put into the LCs were not their crowning acheivement. If you are considering a LC diesel swap, look at a Cummins. A rebuild will cost more, but we have to consider that these swaps rarely hit the break even on their return. If you do a swap, it is because you want better fuel economy and range (especially off road), a power curve that more closely matches your driving style, and the ability to engine brake 10k lbs. down a 10% grade. The only way you would ever really come out ahead is to swap it yourself, then sell it. Putting another gasser in it will not raise the value of the vehicle.

To the OP, if you are seriously considering an Toyota diesel swap, check here. It has all been done before, and there is a lot of useful information to be found there. If you are happy with the 5vz-fe, then you should probably keep it. If you think it needs some more power on the low end, then the 1kz-te would be your only option even approaching economical. Putting a SC on the gasser would eat you up at the pump (premium fuel only), and requires some computer work, basically retarding the heck out of your timing. The work required to get a rebuilt engine with your upgrades (SC or 7th injector) would put you in the same ballpark as the diesel swap.

Another thing to try if you have an auto... try driving down the highway with the OD off, or with a manual, in 4th gear. If you like the way it drives, you may be better off regearing and and sticking with a gasser. 4Runners and Tacos are often geared in 4.11, which isn't even in the power band with oversized tires. Also, if you are any heavier than stock, you will feel like you just aren't making the power.

I'm rambling again, hope this helps!

The one reason I am a big proponent of the 5vz is my buddy has 265K on his and it runs incredible. I drove his truck initially thinking it would feel loose and worn, feels very similiar to mine at 107K, which really surprised me. Great power, shifts super smooth and seems to be very solid all around.

 

[Wonderland]

The one reason I am a big proponent of the 5vz is my buddy has 265K on his and it runs incredible. I drove his truck initially thinking it would feel loose and worn, feels very similiar to mine at 107K, which really surprised me. Great power, shifts super smooth and seems to be very solid all around.

Yep, mine still feels very solid at 230K.

Granted it feels just a bit down on power than what it used to be, it does have a bunch of miles on it.

Great little trucks.