Where to find engines?

[Jessro]

Looking to upgrade my Toyota 3.0L to something a little more tweekable. I thought about a 3.6L conversion but now I am guestioning that. Where could I look for an engine for my truck to get between 300 & 400 horse power? Websites would help.

[Gearhead2185]

The 3VZE 3.0 toyota engine is not the best engine toyota ever made. Its known for blowing head gaskets and doesnt really have a strong aftermarket. You would be better off swaping a late model 5VZFE 3.4 liter V6. There is stronger aftermarket, but getting naturally aspirated horsepower is going to cost a pretty penny. If artificial aspiration is in your plans then look no further then Underdog Racing Development. LC Engineering is also producing aftermarket parts in the form of cylinder heads and camshafts.

Underdog Racing Development (http://www.urdusa.com/)
LC Engineering (http://www.lcengineering.com/)

[Jessro]

It just blew a headgasket. I had it replaced at the local dealership for a service campaign that was never used. HaHa I didn't have to pay anything. It got my compression back up; 2 at 155 and 4 at 160. I bought the truck five years age and this is the second time I have had to replace the gaskets. I want to build up my truck and the engine is just one of the weak points. If I change out to a 3.4L I would have to swap out the computer and do allot of other mods. Is it easier to just drop in a carberated engine like a V8 for the horse power?

[Gearhead2185]

If your going all out on this truck and not building it to any specific rules, then your best bet for horsepower is go with a V8 swap. Ford 302 and Chevy 350 seem to be the most popular choices for engines. A common swap is also the Chevy 4.3 V6 which is basically a 3/4 of a chevy small block. A number of parts swap over, and they are pretty lightweight and can be built with a good amount of power and torque. Another plus is that it bolts up to all the same transmissions as the small block.

[Jessro]

Which application can yeild the most HP? Carberated or fuel injected, even with the tricky computer swaps and wiring stuff, regardless to the number of pistons.

[Gearhead2185]

Both will produce a good amount of power. Fuel injection is much more precise, can compensate for altitude, and doesnt necessarily have fuel issues going through the whoops. However, carbs can be set up very well nowadays and will produce the same amount of power with less complexity.

[toyobeater]

Depending on wat 4runner you have the 3.4 might fit right in and even use stock motor mounts. The 3.4 swap would be much simpler then the v8, you are going to have to do a lot of fab mods to fit and mount the v8 and tranny and probably the driveshaft too. the 3.4 will have very similar dimensions and mounting points and probably cost you half as much. Id go with the 3.4, its a great motor and has a huge aftermarket

[Jessro]

Has anyone had any major or unforseen problems with doing a 3.4 L conversion?