231 in 4x4

[The_Darkrealms]

Ok I've got a Toyota 1984 ExCab 4X4 that I'm putting a Buick 231 3.8L V6 in (and no its not a turbo, at the time of purchase I didn't even know buick made turbos). I'm kinda new to engine work. I origionaly got sold on the buicks with a skylark I owned, it was a 4 banger but it still had a lot of power for its weight so I figured I'd go with the V6 for my truck.

*I was wondering whats a good tourque and gas mileage cam. I don't really care about horsepower. I'm looking at the high end of the power curve somewhere around 4500rpms.

*Its been recomended I get an aluminum intake manifold and get rid of the two barrel carb and get a four barrel. The engines a 83 or 84. I'm also replacing the smog pistons (partially because I had to boar the block a little bit).

*I'm gonna be setting it up with two inch exhaust, not sure about the intake at this point, might just set it on the carb.

*I'm also not sure what kind of fuel pump I'll be needing for it, I'm sure the stock toyota one won't do the trick : )

 

[irockwithdirt]

I have a kenne bell catalog............lots of stuff in there ..........intakes, cams, all kinds of stuff for a non turbo 3.8 Does a 4.1 intake fit on a 3.8? Did they make a factory 4bbl 4.1 intake? Aluminum?

 

[Geoff87]

Originally posted by irockwithdirt
Does a 4.1 intake fit on a 3.8? Did they make a factory 4bbl 4.1 intake? Aluminum?

Yes, Yes, Yes, (I think).

Sounds like a cool project! What adapters did you use? Downey? What about the adapter to the trans/transfer case?

I've been thinking of doing a Hot-Air Toyota 4x4 myself, but am not sure about the headers and crossover clearancewise.

By the way, I'm moving this to the lounge.

 

[Justin Terry]

One of my friends is doing the exact same engine swap into his toyota 4x4. But im sorry i really dont have any information on it.

 

[The_Darkrealms]

I haven't put the engine in yet so I haven't worried about the adapters yet.
I've got it in the shop getting boared right now.
As far as an adapter for the clutch it just fits right into it (atleast thats what I was told by someone else that did it).
irockwithdirt do they have a website? (kenne bell)
Geoff87 there shouldn't be a problem with clearance, unless the top is really high. I know someone that got a chevy 350 in there without any cutting.
How much extra flow does the 4.1 give?

Sorry about the location but I figured the Junkyard Dogs was probably the best place for the post, didn't really see any where else the conversions to toyotas would go : )

 

[equalizer442]

it was a 4 banger but it still had a lot of power for its weight so I figured I'd go with the V6 for my truck.

you my friend have to buy a muscle car. now that i think about it not every one owns a perofmance car. damn that just sucks, now im all depressed.

 

[irockwithdirt]

Kenne Bell has a website but not much on there, online they primarily deal with superchargers. I had to order a catalog............. http://www.kennebell.net/

 

[pat83t]

Where at in Oregon are you? I know a couple of guys around here that have done this swap. Yes the 4.1L 4bbl intake bolts right on the 3.8L and you can find them at wrecking yards for about $25-$30 for the aluminum ones. You may want to go with either a Holley 390cfm 4bbl or Edelbrocks 500 cfm.

 

[Geoff87]

In my old Downey Off-Road catalog.....

If I remember correctly, the Downey kit consisted of motor mounts, trans/transfer case adapter, and brackets to use the stock Toyota alternator, P/S, and A/C.

You needed to use a BOP TH-350 for the swap, and everything was 100% bolt-on. The only "requirements" were a 3" lift to clear the headers(?), and swapping in a new radiator. You also needed to mount a cable type shifter somewhere. According to them, the Toyota 5 spd trans, was not going to be strong enough.

I remember that Northwest Off-Road also carried a kit which was not so "bolt-in" friendly, as far as I could tell. Their kit used a 4.3 chevy as the powerplant. I can't remember much else though....

I just missed out (got snaked) on a free complete Hot-Air motor/trans/harness, that I would have considered swapping in. Oh well...

 

[The_Darkrealms]

I live in Medford Oregon, its 25 miles from the CA boarder on I-5 pat83t.
Thanks irockwithdirt I emailed them about getting a catalog.
Here's the site for Downey http://www.downeyoff-road.com I have to check to see if they have the right kit but I'll have to call tomorow. Here's a site that might be usefull for someone using one of their kits to read http://www.barneymc.com/toy_root/techtalk/engine/downey.htm .
I haven't ever heard of the cable for the shifter being needed but I'll have to look into that. I have the lift for the headers (although I've seen that ignored on bigger engines as well).
Thanks

 

[Nashty]

In 1985, my brother and I installed a carbed turbo Buick V6 in a 1982 Toyota 4X4.

We used a BOP 350 (added the shortshaft 4X4 tailshaft housing and adapter, then used a NP 205 transfer case. We used modified Downey engine mounts and made our own crossmember. You have to raise the thing so the oil pan clears the front axle pumpkin. That's why we modified the Downey mounts. We used the stock radiator which worked just fine but added a tranny cooler.

The truck was a 5 spd so when we went to the auto, we had to add the cable shifter anyway.

The truck had 4.10:1 gears and only 31" Ground Hawgs so it was winded on the highway going 60. In low lock, it was unstoppable. Never had a problem with either differential or axles.

Roger

 

[The_Darkrealms]

Nashty the 82 was a different setup with the position of the clutch (farther forward I believe). Also the excabs had a split driveline in the rear so I just finished getting that redone and now its straight.
My ratio is 4.25:1 right now and with the bigger engine I'll probably leave it. I do have the lift for it and I'm adding 2" shackle lift as well as the springs I have right now. I'm sticking with the 5 speed, I just don't think the automatic is as much fun : )
That is interesting about the stock radiator, I've been told by many people I'll have to get rid of it.
Thanks for the info, I guess I'm going to have to find a BOP 350 kit somewhere around here. Everyone seems to be suggesting it : )

 

[Nashty]

I'd seen a Toyota with a SBC and the stock tranny buy it used a modified bellhousing. He used a different radiator.

The truck did get hot when rootin' but it was fine on the highway.

The BOP 350 worked great. Just remember you have to add a 4X4 tail end to it so you may need (2) donor trannies. Also remember your transfer case, can it handle the torque?

I miss that truck, it was very emotionally tied to me. I ended up getting drunk and rolling it one night. I still regret that night even though I was the only one hurt.

 

[FJM568]

How is your swap going???

I'm close to installing a Buick 350 motor in my 86 Toyota 4x4...I'll be using a 700r4 tranny with a NP208 transfer case out of a full-size Chevy pickup...

I'm going to be using Advance Adapter's 231 Buick frame mounts...

I'll be interested to hear how your's is progressing...

Thanks...

 

[commiepunk]

i wanna see a turbo 6 swap in something strange.