New Motor Swap On The 4runner (Watch Before Buying A 3vze)

[@sunwestautomotive3127]

Thank You for the Shout Out, Nick! We appreciate your business! Because of this video, we just had another customer purchase a 3.0L today! The gift that keeps on giving. Glad to hear we got you back on the road and hope everything was resolved with the cc company and getting your funds back!

[@NixonTV1]

Glad to hear it! Ive been driving my 4runner for a couple months now and it’s running good! Very happy with your guys motor and customer service!

[@Leon1982db]

I'm glad I found this because I've looked at the Raptor many times. Wow !

[@andrewparker5438]

What you should consider is putting Doug Thorley Headers on it if you need it to be CARB compliant. If not you could go with LC-Engineering's Headers. The Number 6 cylinder on the OEM exhaust manifold combines the output from cylinders 1, 3 and 5 and routs it through the crossover pipe to the DS manifold were the output from cylinders 2 and 4 feed into a junction outside the output for cylinder #6. If the CAT is old and not free of debris like failed insulators from cooked spark plugs and the back pressure is starting to increase because of age and degeneration then the heat load on #6 goes through the roof and cooks things like the head gasket. Insulating the cross over pipe is not going to do a darn thing in making this issue any better. There is as much misinformation about the 3VZ-E as there is legitimate on the internet. The 3VZ-E engine is as good of better than the 22R for reliability because both power plants were put into production when Toyota was all about reliability. The bummer was that asbestos laden head gaskets were removed from the early production runs on the 3VZ-E and that resulted in alternative production head gaskets then were not as reliable as the asbestos ones that had originally been intended for the engine. There in part is were the rumors began. Toyota had a huge recall campaign to correct this. I remember a good friend of mine who came buy on his way to make a run up to Downey Offroad during the early 1990's and in the back of his stake bed truck were half a dozen 3VZ-E's that had failed head gaskets. These were relatively new engines that had been replaced by Toyota that had failed head gaskets in them. I remember thinking how nice it would be to have another 50 hp in my 1982 Hilux longbed 4x4 Toyota Pick-up. Toyota replaced the engines in some customer vehicles and these engines were heading off to get rebuilt with new head gaskets and to be readied for more of the recall effort. So this was a really big deal back in the day for Toyota. How do I know this you might ask, well my buddy Mike and the SCORE 7S Toyota's we raced through the 80's was sponsored by Toyota and BFG to give you some perspective. So Mike had a bead on the inside for what was going on with the 2nd generation 4 Runners and pick-ups that existed at that time. Having experienced a failed head gasket on the #6 cylinder of a 1991 4Runner I acquired with 240K on the odometer that was completely stock I know first hand how this goes. Being a mechanical engineer I took a good hard look at this issue surrounding this 4Runner and made many of the same assumptions that you have made. But I new that getting the heat load out of the 3.0 Liter V6 with its rather square bore to stroke ratio was a key in getting better performance and reliability from this great V6. Also going with MLS head gaskets and proper attention to the deck and cylinder head surfaces in preparation for the MLS-HG installation was a key factor for long term reliability. ARP head studs and a free flowing 2-1/2" set of mufflers and exhaust pipe was very important to allow the 3VZ-E to rev and make horse power because its never going to make enough low-end torque that will manage the chassis weight of the 4Runner. They are a great rig and I think are the best looking 4Runner that Toyota has ever made. Enjoy the ride and thanks for all the details in your video!

[@NixonTV1]

Thanks for all the info. I’m looking into the headers right now. Seems they are out of stock. Are there any other brands that are ca legal?

[@andrewparker5438]

@@NixonTV1 as far as I know Doug Thorley is the only manufacturer that did the deed and got the CARB testing done to get it stamped with an EO number. That is why they cost north of $650.

[@H.A..]

I've heard those run awfully close to the starter and cause heat damage. What's your experience?

[@andrewparker5438]

@@H.A.. I covered my starter with PSA backed aluminum foam insulation. I put this stuff were ever it seemed a good idea and so far about 34K later all is well and no issues.

[@H.A..]

@@andrewparker5438 that's great to hear, I've been hesitant because of that. Appreciate your feedback n happy wheeling bud

[@UBERPOWNAGE]

Your videos sent me to Sunwest to put a motor in my 93 T100. I let them know I found them through your videos. I can second I am very happy with my choice. Truck runs great! It's just a commuter that's a reminder of a simpler time.

[@NixonTV1]

Glad to hear it. I had a great experience with them and my 4runner is still running strong👍🏼

[@Leon1982db]

My engine was a basket case too. PRO TIP !...use multiple colored zip ties for vacuum lines. One on the hose, and one where it hoes. Double up when color options run out. This will help later if you have to remove them again.

[@NixonTV1]

Imma try this next time. Great idea 💯

[@UBERPOWNAGE]

This video made me contact Sunwest Automotive on a Saturday night. They reaxthed out Monday morning. I called and talked with them, placed my order monday night over the phone. Will report back later. I almost reached out to these other vendors myself and your video is the whole reason i went with Sunwest.

[@NixonTV1]

Stoked to hear that! That was the whole purpose of why I made the video, to share my experience and hopefully help others. Ive got almost 3,000 miles on my motor and it’s running smooth so far. Make sure you follow their break in instructions. I was happy with the amount of paperwork and guidance they gave me on installing and breaking in the motor, it was super helpful.

[@drewdowns7128]

glad i found your channel! on my 2x 2nd gen 4runner build and always looking for their content on here, great stuff

[@NixonTV1]

That’s awesome! I haven’t posted in awhile but I’m filming some videos this weekend so should have more content out soon. I’m about to take it on it’s first road trip to Utah so doing a lot of maintenance and upgrades before the trip.

[@andrewcaballes3749]

BPN representing

[@NixonTV1]

BPN all the way brother🔥

[@righteousdub024]

Thanks for adding this video man congrats on your rig looking good 👍. I was looking at that Raptor motor myself and was convinced on buying it in the near future for mine as well. With your hw on them I'll look for something else thanks again for the video man

[@NixonTV1]

Ya man I figured I’d share my experience. I’ve read forums of people getting their raptor engine and liking them, but also read a lot of shady stuff about them. After the experience I had with them, I wouldn’t refer anyone to use them🤷🏻‍♂️

[@NixonTV1]

I did have a great experience with Sun West Auto. They were very informative, great customer service, great shipping, and I’ve put 1,600 miles on the engine and it seems to be running great so far

[@iammrbjones]

Thank you for sharing your experience. That’s horrible. Thank you for the info. We just did a 3.0 build ourselves. I’ll help share your video so other don’t get scammed. 😎🤘

[@NixonTV1]

I almost felt bad making this video because I’ve heard of some good reviews of the guys motor but my experience was so bad I wouldn’t want anyone else to have to deal with that. I considered rebuilding my 3.0 but didn’t have the resources unfortunately. Hope yours runs good man🔥

[@thunderstruck5484]

Great video thanks for taking us along and glad you got your money back and found a much better place for your engine

[@NixonTV1]

Thank you I appreciate it! 👍🏼

[@jameshirai8936]

Thx for sharing your story, fortunately you paid with a credit card!!lOmg my story is so similar to yours, except the Raptor engines jerk. I feel super lucky that for some reason when I was looking at Oregon engines it didn’t quite Smell right . Possibly because cheapest atm when I was shopping for my 22RE long block. Some other mechanic took my milkshaked engine apart at least a yr before I ended up ordering my engine from Sunwest, and it was like an explosion of parts in NO sort of labeling or organization…

[@NixonTV1]

Your situation sounds very similar to mine haha. Did you get the new engine in?

[@jameshirai8936]

@@NixonTV1 yes, FINALLY. Wkn out the small kinks now. O-ring on idle screw turned to plastic so wkn on getting the proper size. Gentle rpm varying break in process. At under 50 miles so far. Really don’t want to run it for break in with incorrect high idle

[@NixonTV1]

@jameshirai8936 there is a guy on here that made a really good video on fixing high idle on the 3vze. His name is “Practical Enthusiast” and the video is called “Toyota 3VZE | Ep.9 | High engine idle speed EASY FIX!”. Check it out, he’s got a bunch of others videos on the 3vze as well

[@eand1660]

I just stumbled on your videos on this 4runner... great work I'm real impressed with your progress! I've been rebuilding my 94 4runner too. Glad to see someone else restoring the beauty of the 2nd gen!

[@NixonTV1]

Thanks much appreciated🙏🏼 is your 93 stock?

[@eand1660]

@@NixonTV1 Yeah mostly stock... kinda. I bought it with a blown motor and rear quarter rust but super clean interior. I rebuilt the motor and got it drivable. Now in the process of making it into a family camping rig in Idaho. Installed 3rd row seat. Basic 2" front lift with 4" rear lifted coils to support extra rear weight when loaded. Still need to repair spots of body rust and freshen up the wheel bearings and brakes. I also upsized the exhaust to 2.5" before the catalytic converter and installed a high flow cat and Flowmaster fx series muffler that helped give a little more pep.

[@NixonTV1]

@@eand1660 nice! Did you notice a big difference with the exhaust?

[@eand1660]

@@NixonTV1 The exhaust definitely helped. It's not a V8 but letting the exhaust breathe better has definitely improved the get-up. I like the muffler... not too loud just deep tone and more of a straight through design. Not sure if it's approved in CA though.

[@NixonTV1]

Cool! I’m going to look into exhaust options!

[@tonyisme4934]

I'm about 7000 miles on a rebuilt top-bottom 3VZE (and 5dp manual stock orig 150R) in my 4Runner and it took them 1 year during covid. Parts supply issues. New pistons, cams & heads. These engines like conventional oil with elevated zddp in them, (bucket shims) and follow the factory Toy manual. I'm using 10w40. Prior to rebuild, there was cam wear using off-shelf oils. And of course Genuine Toyota red coolant. I will fiberglass wrap my crossover pipe like you did. Only use Denso genuine engine components from authorized denso dealers. I am the second owner of mine since 31 years ago. Mine has sentimental value as it has saved me during my travels into Mexico, many trips were in excess of 600 miles. Once I pulled a Van on a dolly roughly 400 miles back from Mexico. (prior to the rebuild) which did stress the drive train /tranny but no damage.

[@NixonTV1]

I tried to use as much oem parts as I could. Oem gets expensive tho haha. They are fun trucks

[@flyprincess69]

With the cost of used cars these days, you got yourself a good reliable truck.

[@NixonTV1]

It’s been running good so far. I’ve had a few minor issues but nothing major👍🏼

[@jimithekid719]

Awesome video dude. Love the channel I have a 94 4Runner SR5 love it.

[@NixonTV1]

Thanks man! This is my first 4runner and it’s been fun building it so far! Nice are you fixing it up or is it already done?

[@elpoison626]

Check out (off-road solutions)that fabricate wire harness for the 3.0 to 3.4 swap I wanted to do it on my 1993 Toyota pickup but 3.4 are to pricy so I’m just going to rebuilt my 3.0 with LC engineering parts

[@KWAHU93]

I got the aisin clutch kit for $40 “used” on Amazon but it a brand new

[@mattwernecke2342]

Thanks!

[@fredfred4083]

Where if you know how find all coolant hoses?

[@NixonTV1]

@@fredfred4083 I believe @LC_Engineering has some they might have full kits. I know Yotashop has a lot of OEM stuff. Other than those 2 I got hoses from O’rielly’s

[@chriscollison3136]

Shit I’ve got 2 of these exact 4Runners and one with over 200whp 3.0 that I built. We have no smog here though. Deffintly upgrade your tank to rail fuel line to -6 a thru a washable high flow filter on the fram somewhere. That alone blew my Mine how much power I gained along with bigger injectors. And yes it is the exhaust that does it but they have a kit on eBay o straight 2.5inch headers is what they call it but it seems to help. I’ve tried everything except the turbo so far but the did have a turbo charged version so the block is pretty tuff.

[@VWDriver64vista]

Sun West 22re wasn't great. Head gasket at 12k, they don't even torque the head down. Shipping with it loose is a bad idea

[@NixonTV1]

That’s a bummer. I can’t speak for their 22re but my 3vze seems to be doing good. Shipping process was easy for me and everything came dialed. I’m around 7k to 8k miles on it and still running strong.

[@justinjacobson7555]

Dude dodge off road did the same thing to me! It wasn’t 3GS but it sucked

[@superminer66]

Motors are electrical....Engines are mechanical...

[@KWAHU93]

I bought a jdm with 210 psi in all 6 for 2300 to my door and 60k that’s how u get a swap done cheap

[@NixonTV1]

Nice. I plan on keeping mine for awhile so that’s why I got a new one and it’s got a 3 year warranty. I thought about a JDM tho

[@KWAHU93]

What is ur idle rpm?

[@NixonTV1]

I believe it’s somewhere around 500 but I’d have to check

[@KWAHU93]

@@NixonTV1 800 is recommended on the passenger side of the hood there’s a sticker that tells the idle rpm and degree of timing advance recommendation

[@michaelmacleod]

Dude, no one needs that sorta poopfest, glad you got past it.

[@NixonTV1]

I’ve heard from people that have gotten the motor like it but man my experience with that guy was super shady

[@Andagidude]

Thanks for sharing about being scam for many months.

[@CORNDODGER]

THE 3.0 is never going to PRODUCE HP EVER !!! The heads are the problem so put a SMALL BLOCK FORD IN IT !!!!! And Raptor went by another name years ago with the same SHIT GOING ON 190 HP ENGINES THAT NEVER SHOWED UP or BLEW UP RIGHT AWAY

[@Joeblow__]

You know anyone that’s make’s harnesses

[@KWAHU93]

Should have deleted the crossover imo

[@NuttyNu]

3.4 swap