David Dewhurst|Car and Driver
- A Toyota specialist in Arizona has a new V-6 crate motor for Toyota trucks from the ’90s.
- It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s a durability boost that fits these trucks’ already stellar reputation.
- It’s expensive, but if you’re building your idea of the ultimate old-school Toyota, here you go.
The Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner both enjoy the kind of reputation for reliability that’s the envy of every other manufacturer. Add in the reflected glow of Marty McFly’s custom black pickup from Back to the Future—and the near-indestructibility of old Hiluxes and Land Cruisers—and it’s little wonder the fanbase for Toyota trucks stretches wide and deep. But if you’re using a Taco or ‘Runner properly, they’re going to get a bit tired after a couple of decades. Happily, there’s a solution.LC Engineering is a Toyota specialist based out of Arizona, one that has long built a reputation for specializing in the company’s four-cylinder models. If you wanted to build a restomod replica of Marty’s truck, these are the guys to do it: pop the hood, and Doc Brown would be exclaiming, “Great Scott!”LC EngineeringNow, LC’s doing a V-6. Specifically, it’s a full long-block crate motor, a 5VZ-FE 3.4-liter V-6, such as might be found in the first-generation Tacoma and in the third-generation 4Runner. The engine’s fitted with ARP studs and other mild durability upgrades, with ported and polished heads for a little more power. Not much over factory, though, so figure roughly in the 200-hp range; LC doesn’t list a specific figure.The cost is not inconsiderable at a wallet-crushing $10,000. This is not the motor for a battered bush-rig build when you could hit up the scrapyard for something cheaper with a few miles on it.ToyotaHowever, if you’re a Toyota fan who looks at the current 4Runner’s complex powertrain and less-than-pleasing four-cylinder engine note with a little suspicion, then maybe this crate motor could sit at the heart of your ideal project. A restored and tastefully upgraded early Tacoma or ’90s 4Runner would have a cool factor far above a newer truck. Plus, it’d have a vintage feel while still being perfectly usable in modern traffic.Imagine a single-cab four-wheel-drive Taco with a stick shift and a mild lift, with a tricked-out full-suspension downhill mountain bike hanging off the tailgate. Or a late-1990s 4Runner in full factory trim, with the rear window lowered so a Blue Heeler in a bandana can stick its grinning face out to smile at traffic. Trucks like these defined a golden era for Toyota, a wave of enthusiasm that the company is still surfing on. Now that they’re old enough to be vintage, people who grew up loving Tacomas and 4Runners have the wherewithal to buy the very best. This new V-6 crate engine means that the fanbase will be running steady for many years ahead.Related Stories
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➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsBrendan McAleerContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels.
Source: caranddriver.com
