Conversion Kits.

A while back, I had an 88 Toyota 4-runner that I did a conversion on in order to swap from the original 3.0 V-6 to a Chevy 400 small block. My goal was to gain torque and horsepower and high performance while off road and on road activities. Along the way, I found that it was relatively easy and at the same time the cost was around the same amount as if I were to just go out and replace 3.0 V-6 by myself.

Its a tight fit but the adapters I received from Advance Adapters in California were very easy to use, Id like to mention Advance Adapters due to their unprecedented customer service! their adapters fit like a glove and their motor mounts were nothing short of amazing, thanks again to advance adapters.

When I did this conversion I had a lot of concerns , one in general was the wiring since I was dealing with two different manufacturers it was important for me find out what needed to be done to insure the harness would provide the support necessary to insure reliability. I achieved this by going through Painless Wiring, the harness is spendy but is the simplest way to achieve your goal.

The transmission ended up being a Turbo 350 transmission by Chevy. One note, if you're planning to do a conversion remember this, if you have an automatic Toyota, you can't use the original transfer case... you must use a standard or manual transmission case, due to the availability of adapters for the Turbo 350 or 400.


Two more concerns were the drive shaft and the radiator. The drive shaft must be shortened, in order to compensate for the length of the tail shaft of the Turbo 350 transmission, this can be done at any reputable drive line shop. The radiator is the biggest problem, you must purchase an after market radiator that is at least 3 core and for this conversion the engine compartment is so tight it restricts air flow and the purchase of electric fans is a must. The motor tends to run hot.

With all this in mind , once done, this is a ball busting; 'Vette eating; gnarley 400 horse power night rider. Climb any mountain race in the mud or lay down rubber for a full city block... as my son would say "scary". Have fun and drive safe.