Hey guys, I recently acquired a 1989 Toyota Hilux in fair condition for next to nothing. 90k on the odo. The body is fairly scratched, and the interior is done. The engine runs great though! Its a 5 spd 2.4l 4 cylinder 2wd. I have to use this as a project car for a class I am taking. I want it to actually be worth my time if you know what I mean. Don't worry about a budget, just give me some ideas on what to do with this old thing!!!

Thanks,
Elliott

 

omg, have you seen Top Gear? that thing is a BEAST.

 

How did you get a Hilux, they only called them that up until the mid 70s or so in the U.S. (though we do have Hilux in Mexico), otherwise that should be an 89 Tacoma?

I would probably put a cover on it and turn it into a cheap utility truck. That is what a lot of people do to those old Toyota pickups they bring from the U.S. and import legally down here.

 

lift it.... rediculously high

 

In '95 they changed the name to Tacoma I am pretty sure. But ANYWAY, what do you guys think I should do to this thing? I would make it into and offroad beast but it's only 2wd. Think I should still lift it and put some big *** tires on it anyway? Or should I slam it and paint it a candy green or something. Those are basically my two options...

 

2JZ swap.
http://www.supratrucks.com/

 

Damn that's nice, if I had the ability to do that my GS would be MUCH faster than it is now lol

 

if you cant afford a 2JZ, i dunno how cheaper itll be but i say LS1

 

If it's 2wd, I don't really see any point in making it an off-roader. Especially since [I assume] it has no LSD and no traction control. That effectively makes it 1-wheel drive, which is useless off-road. Sounds like slamming it might be your best option.

 

Turn it into a drifter.

 

How much more difficult would that be?

 

probably a little more. i was just throwing out ideas.

 

Go with the 7MGTE Supra engine. It is a very easy swap. Find details here:

Supratrucks7M

Easy 400 hp with just a few bolt ons.

 

I was looking at the 7M-GTE swap. That thing is for sure a beast and those engines are cheap as hell.

Except i'm a complete noob when it comes to swaps.

 

1KZ-TE swap! time for turbo diesel!