Engine swap / V8 4.7 upgrade

Hey folks. I have a 2002 that just blew the motor….it currently has a 3.6.

I’m looking at doing an engine swap and was wondering what the difficulty level would be in upgrading to a V8.

I had the transmission rebuilt a long while ago and was told by the ship that did it, he built it back up with V8 capability.

in my mind, I’m thinking maybe just an ECU swap? Would need a new engine harness also I imagine.

what am I not thinking of?

what would be the best manual to grab for this? I can do an F35 engine swap at work so I’m confident in my ability to do this with proper guidance.

Oh, and where’s a good place to source an engine?

thanks in advance!

 

I've heard the engine mounts are in different spots, so there would be some fab work there.

 

That sounds like shop-talk bullshit unfortunately.

I believe the crossmember for the transmission is different from the V8 to the V6. You can do the swap but it won't be easy.

 

Check near the end of this thread. Guy got a v6 donor frame for a v8 truck. Talks about what he did to make it work.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/first-gen-frame-interchange.96760/#post-2456221

 

This topic/Q pops up a couple times a year here.

Check the thread Nick linked. Anyone who told you they did a V8<-->V6 swap in a 1st gen Tundra without having to move welded shit around on the frame is full of shit, and you should avoid their lying ass like the plague.

But, yes. To avoid frustration, always use the engine harness (and ideally ECU, which is programmed for the engine/harness) belonging to the donor engine.

If it were me, I'd stick with the V6 unless you're highly competent at diagnostics because you will be playing whack-a-mole regardless who does the work.

Used engines ... you'll probably pay less on the V6, and have more low-mile options, they put the 3.4L V6 in tons of SUV and trucks. Craigslist and car-part.com would be my first two places to hit.

Whatever you do, ALWAYS make sure you do (or have the place you're buying do, while you're there) a leakdown & compression test on the donor motor BEFORE you even think about starting the swap. ALWAYS. If they can't do it, or won't do it in front of you, get a guarantee in writing that they'll take it back, no questions asked.

 

Anything can be done. There are some damn good shops across the country that can do just about anything.
Just a matter of cost.

 

Cheaper than a new truck.

https://paceperformance.com/i-23933...te-engine-zz632-632-cid-1004-hp-19432060.html

‘cooler’ than a chebbie.
https://www.ebay.com/p/10021994372

 

Thanks guys, I've heard bout all i need to hear. Ill just stick with a 3.6. I've just always fantasized about putting in a V8 if my V6 ever kicked it....but it sounds like more then I want to deal with....Or pay someone to deal with.

 

I'm not sure if it fits or how much work it is, but I think the supercharger from the 97-04 Tacoma V6 should fit on the first gen Tundra. If so that should give power comparable to the 4.7 V8.

I saw Magnuson makes a kit for these trucks but its around $4k. Finding a junked Tacoma with the TRD setup would be cheaper if you can find one.

 

This!

The 5vz-fe was in 4runners, T-100s and tacomas.

 

Supercharge it and you'll make around 2uz V8 power.

 

+1 for supercharging. The 5vz handles boost well, and you can probably find one of those in a junkyard off a tacoma for cheap.