odd question about the 4.3L...
Are there some pictures of the 4.3L V8 out of the vehicle I can refer to?
What is the model information for the transmission it usually mounted to? Is there a manual tranny it can mount to?
The reason I'm asking about these is because I'm thinking about doing an engine swap using the 4.3L as the replacement and I'm just out doing some homework now...
Thanks :)
Just in case this help, I have spoken with a Lexus Master Tech about doing a 3UZ-FE swap into a 1UZ-FE car (like the LS400, SC400, etc.) and he said it would "drop right in"....forgot to ask about the tranny upgrade though...(but for the SC, you can buy a 5-speed "gate" tranny from the '98 SC's)
The unique thing about this engine swap is that the engine wouldn't be going into a Lexus. Actually, I don't even own a Lexus. I currently have a Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7L I4 (3RZ-FE) on a 5 Speed MT and would like to put the 4.3L into this. I've heard that the 4.3L uses the same transmission as the Tacoma V6 Automatic (or a very similar boltup), so it may not be that difficult to do this. But I would like some research to reassure me that this can be done without major body/frame/transmission modifications. Hopefully not much more than switching to the V6 MT, fabbing some custom mounts, running the exhaust and the computer and all the other details and be done (a huge oversimplification, but the most difficult/important parts are there).

I am just wondering why you want to drop in a V8 into a small pickup. Does the term "useless power" mean anything to you?
You won't be able to use this power to accelerate because truck's rear wheels are unloaded, unless it's hauling 1/2 ton of manure or equivalent.
The only way you will be able to use it is if you're going to be doing some serious towing. In this case, you run into limitations of other components (transmission, differential, frame, etc.)
Yes, you will have a faster truck, but nowhere near as fast as you can make other project cars for less money and headache.
Also, have you thought about the 4.7L V8 from Tundra? It might be less expensive than a Lexus V8.
Just my two cents....

I'm not really looking for speed. The truck is a lifted 4x4 and the extra power would be used offroad or for towing, so weight over the rear wheels isnt much of an issue. As for the other components going out first, that is a possibility, but its one im willing to live with.
I have thought about the 4.7L, but it is larger and puts out less power, so fitting it could be a problem and I would get about the same amount of power as I would with a SC'd V6 which would be smaller and lighter. (and easier to put in since the Tacoma already has one)
With the 4.3L I could leave it NA and keep the wear and tear down, fit it in more easily and get more power than the 4.7L.
Thanks.








