3RZ/5 Speed swap to 3VZ frame

I rolled my 1996 4Runner that had a 3RZ/5 speed. I really enjoyed my powertrain set up and am not looking forward to switching to a V6. I’m trying to figure out my options for how to move forward. There are very few 3RZ 4Runners in my area, 90% 3VZ/automatic. I know the frame is different so I’m wondering what it would take to either swap my old powertrain into a 3VZ runner or body swap a 3VZ body onto my current frame. (fairly certain it’s still straight)

I’m aware you will need to relocate the transmission crossmember, but I also have not been able to find pre-fabbed engine mounts yet. Wiring obviously would need to be replaced but I have all of that.


So since I have full powertrain ready to go from the engine all the way back to the axles, I want to know what it would take and where I can find supporting products for a swap. Is there anything else to consider when doing that?


I’m not asking what you think I should do, I’m asking for an explanation for different routes and what each would take so I can decide what >I<want to do. There are already plenty of forum posts with the same question littered with people saying “it’s not worth it” without going into detail as to what, why and how to get the job done.

Thank you!

 

Paradise Racing was the only person i know that swapped a 3RZ into anything and built parts for it. There have been a few people swap them into Celicas and Corollas over the years, i put a 3RZ in my 2wd tacoma that came with a 2RZ but everything was the same it swapped out. I think the trans crossmember and different motor mounts would likely be the only hurdle other than swapping the wiring and all. If you dont have the ability to fab this stuff you might not easily swap the engine and trans over because i doubt anyone makes mounts you need, they are typically going to be backyard fabbed from someone in need.

Hot dang i was wrong

https://www.chilkatdesigns.com/product-page/2rz-and-3rz-motor-mounts
https://www.lceperformance.com/Motor-Mount-2RZ-3RZ-Conversion-p/9010070.htm
https://toyonlyswaps.com/product/3rz-2rz-bolt-in-conversion-mounts/

 

When people swap to the newer engines they almost always stick to the same engine configuration because things like motor mounts and transmissions will stay compatible. You'll have a hard time finding info of 3vz->3rz, I'm sure it's been done. You'll have to swap a lot more parts than if you were using a 5VZ.

If I were you I'd look for threads swapping a 3vz for a 22RE if that exists, because 22RE can be swapped for a 3rz and a 3vz->22RE seems like something that you're more likely to find info on than 3vz->3rz. You might have an easier time finding a 22RE 2nd gen 4runner than a 3rz 3rd gen. I tend to see more 4 cylinder 2nd gens than 3rd gens.