4th Gen 4.0 V6 to 4.7 V8 Swap

Hello all, I have a 2006 4runner that currently has a 4.0 V6 in it. I have been wanting to do a V8 swap on it for a while. My biggest contender for the V8 I would choose is the 4.7 V8, aka the 2UZ. I have found a very reasonably priced one for sale with substantially less miles on it than my current one (210k). I just have a few questions about the whole process as I have never swapped an engine before and never done mechanical work to that degree. First, what other parts do I need to get to make the engine run? I know I will need a lot of new electronic parts and whatnot, but if anyone could list out the things I would need it would be much appreciated! Secondly, I just recently got a new tranny, so would I be able to get by with still just using that one? I know it’s the tranny for the V6, but since it is brand new I have some hope? Finally if anyone has any advice or tips for swapping engines, especially in 4runners, please let me know!

 

Welcome!
I've swapped out old carbureted Chevys back in the day, but doing a V6 to V8 with an electronic management system is much more complicated.
Make sure you get the ECU, wiring harness, sensors, and fuel system for the donor V8.

Although the A750 is essentially the same transmission, your V6 4Runner could have a different transmission management system that may or may not be compatible with a V8 ECU.

The V8s came with a Full time all wheel drive system, that has a center differential lock and a 4Lo option. So in a lot of situations, the Transfer cases are different between the two vehicles.

Unless you are 2wd and your donor V8 and ECU is 2wd, then you might be good to go, unless the bell housings are different, and that I have no knowledge of.
Good Luck and keep us posted!

 

You looked into a URD supercharger? Would prolly make more power than a 4.7, be cheaper and more reliable.

 

I know this is an older thread, but I'm attempting to swap a 2093 4.7 into a 2006 SR5 4.0 4x4. Everybody is saying it's almost impossible. I have the engine, transmission, t-case, ECU, and complete wiring harness. Everyone is still saying it's damn near impossible. If you were able to successfully do It, please let me know and any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks! J. Tyler

 

Honestly I am amazed people would try this. Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to just find another similar 4runner the way you want it ? If you do pull it off hats off to you as a mechanic.

 

If this would be your first attempt, If it was me, I would only attempt this if I had access to every piece of wiring harness, control unit, ecu and sensor you could grab. I am glossing over a lot here to be brief in my response. You will have to have a strong technical desire for this journey.

At least then it would come down to implementing/fitting every component into your receiver vehicle.

Even with all of the above, This would be a very daunting task to attempt on a first time basis. But as they say, Only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

On a side note... I once knew someone who wanted to install a Duramax in his 1500 truck. Let that sink in for a sec.... He found the donor vehicle that had been wrecked and begin the process. After several years of working on his vision, The guy ended up having the donor truck sold, Parted out the diesel engine and took a loss on his daily driver that was the recipient of this "upgrade".

At the end of the day, He ended up buying a brand new truck, Oddly enough it was not a Duramax, But a 5.3.

Good luck!

 

There isn't anyone who has done more UZ swaps in the world than Kelvin over in New Zealand. They didn't get the 4.7 over there, but he knows these engines, ECUs, and harnesses better than anyone. Hard to get the Kiwi accent at first but he is a pretty funny guy also.
https://youtu.be/MDES9Pbfkv4

 

I swapped a crate 502/502 Ramjet into my Safari AWD. I swapped the AWD t-case for a (if I remember correctly) NP-241 along with a 4L80E and a custom Ford 9" rear. Engine was computer controlled with its own ECM, transmission also had its own ECM. Cruise/A.C./ABS/air bags....it all worked when I was finished. I then took it on a 2 week ride throughout the east side of the US. Why? Because I always wanted to do a swap and people were telling me that it couldn't be done.

Bragging? Maybe, but I'm very proud to have pulled it off. So that's me telling you that if you pull it off, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment no one can take away from you.

However, it ain't all unicorns and pink ponies. When you run into snags/issues, you'll be consumed by the problem(s) until you correct them. Can't quit, right? And get ready to be seeing wiring diagrams in your sleep LOL. All that cash you've sunk into it, there's no going back now.

Speaking of cash, a "more" complicated swap will cost you. Cash you'll more than likely never get back. Cash for the donor truck (don't even think of getting just the engine, get a running donor which you can pull harnesses/components from). Budget for OE Toyota manuals for your present truck and the donor truck.
If you really are gung-ho for this, also forewarn the wife/gf/ff that you'll be spending your spare time wrenching.
One of the many other things to budget for will be a 2nd car for transportation while your shit is up on jack stands for a few weeks/months. I own my own business (HVAC) and answer to no one if/when I leave early from work. I started in March and was up and still only made my first test run in August.

l the above to say what? If you really have your heart set on it, be prepared for the journey. Please post back if/when you pull this swap off!!!

 

You just stated one of the only good reasons of being self employed!!