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Engine swap / V8 4.7 upgrade

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by BRichard79, Jan 11, 2022.

  1. Jan 11, 2022 at 7:01 AM
    #1
    BRichard79

    BRichard79 [OP] New Member

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    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!
     
  2. Jan 11, 2022 at 7:46 AM
    #2
    REESE77

    REESE77 New Member

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    I've heard the engine mounts are in different spots, so there would be some fab work there.
     
    Jack McCarthy likes this.
  3. Jan 11, 2022 at 8:00 AM
    #3
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    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.
     
  4. Jan 11, 2022 at 8:23 AM
    #4
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

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  5. Jan 11, 2022 at 9:15 AM
    #5
    shifty`

    shifty` Is the Gila Copter a love machine?

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    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.
     
  6. Jan 11, 2022 at 9:27 AM
    #6
    Nowhereman

    Nowhereman New Member

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    Anything can be done. There are some damn good shops across the country that can do just about anything.
    Just a matter of cost.
     
    Darkness and BRichard79[OP] like this.
  7. Jan 11, 2022 at 10:53 PM
    #7
    Sirfive

    Sirfive Master Procrastinator

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  8. Jan 13, 2022 at 7:36 PM
    #8
    BRichard79

    BRichard79 [OP] New Member

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    #8
  9. Jan 13, 2022 at 7:38 PM
    #9
    BRichard79

    BRichard79 [OP] New Member

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    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.
     
    Darkness likes this.
  10. Jan 14, 2022 at 11:10 AM
    #10
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    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.
     
    rock climber likes this.
  11. Jan 14, 2022 at 3:46 PM
    #11
    rock climber

    rock climber New Member

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    This!

    The 5vz-fe was in 4runners, T-100s and tacomas.
     
    Darkness[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jan 14, 2022 at 6:06 PM
    #12
    snivilous

    snivilous snivspeedshop.com

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    Supercharge it and you'll make around 2uz V8 power.
     
  13. Jan 14, 2022 at 6:49 PM
    #13
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- Tragic.

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

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