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What do with 1989 Toyota Hilux?!

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Old 02-12-07, 11:50 AM
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bighitbike
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Default What do with 1989 Toyota Hilux?!

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
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Old 02-12-07, 12:17 PM
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omg, have you seen Top Gear? that thing is a BEAST.
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Old 02-12-07, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by bighitbike
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
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.
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Old 02-12-07, 01:49 PM
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lift it.... rediculously high
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Old 02-13-07, 07:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Lexmex
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.
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...
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Old 02-13-07, 08:36 AM
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2JZ swap.
http://www.supratrucks.com/
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Old 02-13-07, 10:25 PM
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Damn that's nice, if I had the ability to do that my GS would be MUCH faster than it is now lol
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Old 02-14-07, 04:44 AM
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Originally Posted by bighitbike
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
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Old 02-14-07, 05:36 AM
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Originally Posted by bighitbike
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...
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.
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Old 02-14-07, 06:13 AM
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Turn it into a drifter.
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Old 02-14-07, 07:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Coco-bun
if you cant afford a 2JZ, i dunno how cheaper itll be but i say LS1
How much more difficult would that be?
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Old 02-14-07, 07:18 AM
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Originally Posted by bighitbike
How much more difficult would that be?
probably a little more. i was just throwing out ideas.
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Old 02-14-07, 11:10 AM
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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.
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Old 02-14-07, 11:58 AM
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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.
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Old 02-14-07, 02:13 PM
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1KZ-TE swap! time for turbo diesel!
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