to 3rz swap or not to 3rz swap?

toyodaaddict · Jan 14, 2014

Id realy like to get some opinions from you guys . I swapped a 22re into my first gen toy 2 years ago, it was a high mileage motor then and is now ready to go any day (knocks/rattles/comp:redneck

. So the big question is 3rz or rebuild the 22RE?
it looks like ill be into the RE about $1800 for a good rebuild and a bit more for reconditioning the injectors, ect.
With the prices im seeing the 3rz will likely cost me around $2800 maybe more all said and done

. the price quotes im getting on these engines/accessories is nuts. Is the 3rz worth all that?
I drive the truck to and from the trails about 80-90 miles one way and id like to make longer runs, possibly out of state. i just want a reliable engine that i dont have to worry about and the power to get outa my own way sounds nice to.
Any useful info like where to find a a 3rz/ect reasonably priced, what is a reasonable price, where do i draw the line as far as miles on the doner? Also how do i ensure i dont get screwed? its not like i get to hear any of these motors run and i doubt junkyard joe is the most trust worthy. Anyway if youve taken the time to read all this let me know what you think, i could realy use some guidance from you guys with more experience than me. thanks

WHITE TRASH1 · Jan 14, 2014

2rz over 3rz. Same basic engine but the 2rz has no balance shaft to spin its bearings.

A 22re can be built for less than $1800 easily. The rebuild kit is $220 from engnbldr.com, a BRAND NEW head is $350. Add in a few hundred for machine work and tune up parts and an evening to assemble it.

Glenn · Jan 14, 2014

I drove a 22RE truck for about 13 years. It had some mods for performance, but it was getting tired.

My current truck with the 3RZ is way better. Climbs hills easily that I would have had to downshift on my old truck. Better gas mileage too. Just a better all around motor than the 22RE.

toyodaaddict · Jan 15, 2014

Glenn said:
I drove a 22RE truck for about 13 years. It had some mods for performance, but it was getting tired.

My current truck with the 3RZ is way better. Climbs hills easily that I would have had to downshift on my old truck. Better gas mileage too. Just a better all around motor than the 22RE.

this seems undisputed and why im real hesitant to spend my cash on another RE.

toyodaaddict · Jan 15, 2014

WHITE TRASH said:
2rz over 3rz. Same basic engine but the 2rz has no balance shaft to spin its bearings.

A 22re can be built for less than $1800 easily. The rebuild kit is $220 from engnbldr.com, a BRAND NEW head is $350. Add in a few hundred for machine work and tune up parts and an evening to assemble it.

Iv heard this before, that you can rebuild a 22re for about $1000. If i was confidant in my ability to pull this off id do it and pick up a RZ when the opportunity comes along. however I dont know jack about motors or having machine work done and i cant afford to screw it up, though its very tempting.

2rz vs 3rz do you realy think the balance shafts are that big a deal? i would think with a 4cyl the extra hp an tq would be nice. as well as the 3rz getting its power lower in the rpm range. my truck does see some street time. what happens when balance shafts fail, can you just go in change the bearings and be good? this topic bugs me because id hate to have regrets. i noticed that the guys at chilkat seem to like the 2rz and a few others but the 3rz seems dominant.

WHITE TRASH1 · Jan 15, 2014

When the balance shift bearings spin they wipe out the block. There are balance shift elimination kits but you'll get a bit of vibration from the engine. The 2rz and 3rz are basically the same other than the balance shift and displacement. 2.4 liter vs 2.7, if I was to do it I'd run a 2rz with a 3rz intake manifold since it flows better and is a direct bolt on and I'd put a header on it.

Glenn · Jan 15, 2014

I bet balance shaft issues are really rare. There are lots of 3RZs with 200K miles and more out there and no problems.

Alan · Jan 16, 2014

Hi all,

I know that a 22R/R-E is a 2.4L engine, but what displacement is this 3R-Z engine?

Is it the post 1995 2.7L Toyota I-4 engine found in Tacoma PUs?

Thanks,

Alan'

dfowlkes · Jan 16, 2014

Alan said:
Hi all,

I know that a 22R/R-E is a 2.4L engine, but what displacement is this 3R-Z engine?

Is it the post 1995 2.7L Toyota I-4 engine found in Tacoma PUs?

Thanks,

Alan'