There are likely several discussions of this topic in the forum archives (hopefully TIka will step in here and direct you to some).
If you'd like an overview of what is involved in the swap, I found this guide from a company that specializes in this sort of work and makes
some of the necessary conversion hardware.
As for the expense, there is simply no way around the fact it will cost a great deal. While the engine swap does not appear to be much more
compicated than a like-for-like engine replacement, engine replacement jobs are time-consuming. Then you add on the time to install the
necessary conversion parts and, most likely, the time to refurbish the donor engine (which is going to be 20-25 years old if sourced
from a junkyard, the 5VZ engine was discontinued in 2004).
Is it worth it? That's up to you. I don't think there's any economic justification for the swap. Maybe if the original engine was toast,
the extra cost of converting over direct replacement could make sense. I would spend my money in other ways, but I was reasonably
happy with my 22RE-powered ToyHome. Your tastes and priorities may be different.
Good luck.
Buzz L.
Phoenix, AZ
Former '86 Dolphin 500, '89 HiLux, and '96 Tacoma owner
