3.4 liter 5VZ-FE V6 Conversion

1988 Toyota 4Runner Description

I'm selling this 1988 4Runner with a 3.4 liter V6 from a 2001 4Runner. I bought it from the guy who did the engine swap. He did a lot of good work, but he did some shaky work too. Title is marked rebuild from salvage. The salvage tag is dated to 1/1/2003 so it is old news. I have a vehicle history that I downloaded from vincheckpro.com. I will share it with anyone who asks.

The body is very straight though clearly far from perfect. A few wrinkles and missing trim parts. THERE IS NO RUST ON THIS 4RUNNER. The black paint is ugly. Cracking, faded and/or scratched on nearly every panel. Who cares?!?! If your like me your not looking for pretty.
Interior is probably typical of most of these vintage 4Runners. Dash is cracked. Some trim pieces missing. Windshield is cracked. But it's not uncomfortable. When I bought it, I drove it from Hays Kansas to Lakewood Colorado and did not require chiropractic care the next day. Absolutely no stink from cigarettes or wet dogs. It even passes my wife's hypersensitive smell test. She notices everything. (But that's another story.)

Power door locks and windows work including the rear window. Power side view mirrors work. All lights and flashers work. Vent fan and heater work. The power antenna works. There is no radio or stereo. AC system is incomplete.

Work I've done since I've owned it (a year and a half plus): new fuel pump, new fuel pressure regulator, new starter, new aluminum radiator with electric fan, new muffler and tail pipe, new battery, new O2 sensors, new wheels and tires (31 inch), new head lights, new rear springs. (The front lift was done right, but the rear was half assed. It's all correct now.)

The mechanical side of the engine swap was good. However, I've had to work out several wiring issues, chassis and engine. They guy re-used a lot of parts that he should have replaced (see my list of new stuff above). The truck is running reliably, though it idles rough. My wife and I use it mostly to get to trail heads on Forest Service roads and fire roads. Recently we did 30 miles out and back on Corona Pass road (AKA Rollins Pass), 90% in 4 Low between 5 and 15 miles per hour. It was a work out. Four hours and a pretty rough ride. The truck did great.
Problem #1 - The previous owner sourced the engine and ECU from a later 4Runner. It was a 2001 with an auto trans. The ECU is looking for inputs from the auto trans (neutral switch and temp switch) and is not getting them. So it triggers the check engine light. I have read the codes several time with my OBD2 code reader. The only codes I've seen are for neutral switch and trans temp. It shows no other codes.

Problem #2 - Idle is rough and smells rich. I was unable to figure this out, so I sent it to the best mechanic I know. He tested every sensor on the engine and engine management system. They are all outputting the proper signals. So he was not able to improve the idle situation either. We think it's related to not having the proper ECU. The good news is ECUs are plentiful and not expensive. The other good news is that the problem is only at idle. Once you get over 2000 or 2500 RPM, she runs great.
In case it's not obvious - Those two problems will prevent this 4Runner from passing emissions. If you need a 4Runner that will pass emissions immediately, you do NOT want this one. If you are handy and willing to mess around with the ECU and possibly a new engine wiring harness, this could be the rig for you. (Off Road Solutions in Montrose Colorado makes a wiring harness specifically for this engine swap.)

I encourage inspections either by you or your representative. The 4Runner is currently in Fraser Colorado. I'd be glad meet you or your mechanic anywhere within a reasonable distance. Denver is roughly 80 miles away. I call that reasonable. Ask your questions before bidding. I will gladly answer.

One other complication. Mileage is around 217,000. But the title says 229,500. That's because I screwed up when I first registered it. I don't think that's a big deal though.

This 4Runner is sold as is and where is with no warranty. A non-refundable, $1000 deposit will be due within 48 hours of purchase. Pay Pal is OK for the deposit. The balance must be paid in within 7 days. Shipping is your responsibility, though I will gladly assist on my end. I can get it down to the Denver area for pick up. (Most carriers will charge extra to come up to Fraser. Many will not even do it.) Payment must be cleared and in my account before shipping.

Thanks for looking at my 4Runner. Bid often and bid high!