SwampToy

To explain why I have changed my mind would be a massive waste of time. The reality of the situation is that I have decided against the 1uzfe for budget reason and this was something I could not ignore. I will go over the budget differences and you might understand my choice. For all the Toyota loyalist's I apologize but I'm not one of those as I dearly love Chevrolet as well.



First let's go over the 1uzfe and it power goals for me...

In stock form the1uzfe does about 260HP at peak and develops about 268 ft. pounds of torque with a pretty flat torque curve (it was built for a large car). The rods are a bit to be desired (1995+ rods were reduced to tooth picks) and the pistons are good to about 400HP if your lucky. This brought me to the decision that I needed to beef up the rods and pistons, and while I was at it I might as well do an MLS head set as well as ARP head and rod bolts. All along I'd need a new timing kit / water pump.

Here is a break down of the BEST prices I could find on products. (I have to add that I got the engine for $200)

• Pistons - $750 + shipping 
• Rods - $650 + shipping (AUS)
• MLS head gaskets - $280 (each) + shipping
• ARP head bolts - $359+shipping (AUS)
• ACL Race bearings - $199 + shipping (AUS)
• Timing kit + water pump - $256 (I work for an auto parts store and this is my discounted price) no shipping.
• New Starter - $247 (Also my discount) no shipping.
• New alternator - $190 (Discounted) no shipping.
• Upper seal/gasket kit - $119 (discounted) no shipping.
• Lower seal/gasket set - $89 (discounted) no shipping.

This is just the engine without the supercharger which is required to make the torque and power needs I have. The list goes on but we will leave it at the engine costs alone.

Total -  $3139

Now on to the SBC...

The SBC 350 is rated at around 280HP (In the Vortec form that my block is) and the torque ratings are 350 foot pounds at 2600 RPM's. I will be converting this engine to a 383 stroker using an internally balanced Summit racing rotating assembly. This should bring me to around 320-350HP and instant torque (not sure on the exact torque specs) which is directly at the power and torque levels I am looking for.

Now on to the costs...

• Entire (2000 4 bolt main) engine running with brand new (GM) Vortec heads (That I will not be using but selling for $400) - $300 delivered to me for free. If I sell the heads I'm at up $100
• Internally balanced rotating assembly including Crank / rods / pistons / rings / bearings / cam / timing kit / and front and rear seals. - $1200 + shipping.
• Aftermarket heads (190cc/65cc) Not sure but I will be using the vortec heads to start up. 
•  Head gaskets - $23 (Discounted) no shipping.
• Engine mounts (to bolt into the 4Runner) $160 + shipping.
• Transfer case to transmission adapter - $ 400 + shipping.
• Engine gasket set (upper and lower) - $86 (discounted) no shipping.
• 2002+ non poppet style spider injector - $90 (Delphi - discounted) no shipping.
• Miscellaneous odds and ends for the rebuild - $200 (discounted) no shipping.

Total -  $2459

This explains the math end of things...

The reality is that I don't think that the cost justifies using a Toyota engine when the engine wont even meet my needs heavily modified until I boost it (even more expenses). The GM 383 is done once the money is spent and is easily making the power and torque numbers I am looking for. While I love the look of the 1uzfe the economical choice is easily seen as the SBC.

I will keep updating as the build starts and luckily the SBC parts are readily available and easily attainable.

Until then Deuces!

So I tried to pull off the harmonic balancer with a borrowed impact (Neighbors) because mine is being serviced (broken shaft), and was unable to get the torque needed to get the pulley bolt loose. I'm basically on hold until I get my impact back from Snap-On. Tomorrow I'm thinking of pulling the seats and carpet from the truck and starting a strip down for the spray in bed liner I'm doing for the floors. I will document with material lists, tools, and cost for those looking to do this in the future.

For now here's a picture of the ducks we just bought for my two boys...

I have owned this engine since summer time last year, it was pulled from a Lexus SC400 in Virgina beach, VA, (Pick N Pull) I have the entire engine / Harness / Ignitor chip(s) / ECU though I wont likely need the ECU for the engine just the trans.



That's all for now!

The truck:

• 1995 Toyota 4Runner
• Current engine - Tired 3vze 3 liter V6.
• Current transmission - Worn out A340H 4x4 Auto trans.
• 4" IFS Trail gear Suspension lift.
• 3" Body Lift
• 12x15 -40 offset Weld Typhoon wheels.
• 36x15.50 Dick Cepek FC2 tires (for sand).
• First gen Toyota pickup front bumper
• Flowmaster 40 series exhaust
• K&N Air Filter
• 4.88 Gears

Future engine / Transmission and mods:

• 1UZFE 4.0 Liter DOHC 32 valve Toyota / Lexus V8
• A341E Lexus transmission
• Custom Engine mounts
• Inchworm gear A341E to 21/23 spline Toyota Gear driven T-case
• Megasquirt MS 2 engine management system
• M112 Roots style supercharger (Ford Lightning factory S/Cer)
• 50# MSD Injectors
• Lextreme 650HP H-Beam Rods - ARP rod bolts
• Ross Forged Pistons (8.6:1 CPR)
• Fresh seal rebuild.
• Metal multi-layer head gasket

Future Gearing suspension:

•  5.26 
• Solid front axle (Most likely stay Toyota)
•  Ford 9" rear axle
• Rear Coilover conversion

Future body / Armor:

• Custom Front Differential cover leading into a custom winch mount style push bumper.
• WabFab Rock Sliders
• WabFab "Jeeps are cute, Barbie drives one." Sticker for rear glass.