A little about myself self I own a little car lot in New Orleans area. I'm a mechanic and run a party bus company down here. I recently owned a 94 Tacoma and loved it butttt some one offered me more money then I could refuse so I sold it.

This past week while Attending a scrap car auction I came across an 1983 Toyota and had to have it. I gave $300 for it. The motor ran for about 20 seconds before rod went through the block....


I'm. Wanting to keep the truck and do it up. Full restoration. Now I have done many restorations and I have started many and never completed them.... So to combat loosing interest I'm looking to get it running and driving again at least so I can justify to the ole lady it's not a money pit. As she thinks they all are..


My question to y'all is what are my motor options I'm very interested in doing the 7mge swap as I see the motors JDM are only 500$. What obstacles will I face will I have to totally cut the truck to make it happen? I plan to lower the truck in future and its 2wd I see lots of post about 7mge in 4x4 trucks but idk if ill have clearance issues with 2wd?


I also plan to do head light conversion if any one has info on that.


I'm open to input on what's best motor option I want it to have some power... Right now it looks like I bought it at the junk auction and I kinda like it like that little rat rod style. So if it was a strong runner that would make me love how ****ty it looks even more. Sleeper ...


Thanks for input.

 

First welcome N.O., I am in Pensacola. I have done lots of homework on the subject of engine swaps into our trucks (I have an 80). There are literally dozens of swaps which can be done, but for me, the final answer was what SHOULD be done, for me, here, now. This came down to what am I using the truck for. That came out as follows:

I wanted to use my truck as a truck, not as a hot rod.

I wanted around 140-160 hp at the wheels

I wanted the tallest highway gearing possible, for low RPM's on I-10

To me this meant keeping a 22R, the advantages are as follows:

Cam be built to the 140-160 spec without overstressing the engine

Parts are very common

I dont have to alter the essential nature of the truck

Having built my first car at 14 (in 1979) I have done this a bit, and for me the answer was (and is) to build the existing engine. Modern engines offer power to spare, they also offer electronic engine controls (don't like), more expensive parts, and no significant return, unless one likes to fry tires, which I am well past. The 22R is essentially bulletproof if minimally maintained, can be made to scoot, and is already sitting under your hood (okay, maybe not so much at the moment). Now this is not the sexy answer, but it saves you lots of question on motor mounts, transmissions, and still leaves you a serviceable duty truck.

As an aside, I also put 16 inch steel wheels on mine, and they completely change the character of the 4x2.

 

Here in lies my issue my 22r has a hole in the block .... If any one has a block laying around maybe I. Can make this happen.

 

Thanks for your input a value your insight.

 

$500 seems cheap for a JDM 7MGE, last time i looked they were still in the 4 digit price range. also dont forget that JDM 7MGE blow headgaskets too, 7M in my Crown blew the headgasket at 90,000km like clockwork. i dont know if you would have to maybe move the firewall back or whatever else to fit a straight 6 as well

late 80s Xtracab had a 22RTE option, if anything thats what i would be going for if you dont want to go with another plain 22R. that or a 4 cylinder turbo diesel

 

There is a boneyard over here in Pensacola, that has 22r's, PM me for their number

 

Welcome!