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I have finally decided to pull the trigger and start this project. I have been reading, and thinking about this since I got my truck almost 9 years ago.
My truck currently:
1999 Tacoma ext cab, 3rz, 5sp, 4wd.
My plan is to run a 2002 non-VVTi 2uz-fe (4.7L v8) from a Tundra.
The engine came with an 2004 engine harness. (all 2uz-fe's are the same from 00-04) However there are some things i have found about the 2004 ECM that make things tough for this swap.
- In 2004 Toyota started storing VIN's in the ECM.
- In 2003 Toyota switched to an electrical throttle pedal and got rid of the throttle cable all together. All Tundra's are drive by wire, but from 2000 to 2003 Toyota used throttle cable.
The VIN in the ECM makes things tough because the VIN in the ECM will not match my Tacoma's VIN and show up on inspections. I might be able to have my Tacoma's VIN put in the new ECM, but I found a 2002 engine harness for a good price. In 2002, the 2uz still used a cable actuated throttle body which will match my Tacoma better. So I spent a little extra on a different harness and save money on ECM programing, and hassle with drive by wire. (I now have a 2004 Engine harness FS if anyone wants it)
A few random shots of the engine:
Broken camshaft alignment pin
This engine was said to have 194K on it... No lip at the top of the bore, and you can still see the cross hatching.
This is cylinder 4.
This is the left cylinder head. #4 cyl is on the left.
Mark of the Beast!
The old cam gears on the fleebay camshafts
Once the cam gears where put on, I found that the alignment slots on the cam gears have been notched and now have some play. This play is probably what broke the alignment pins in the 1st place, that and loose cam gear bolts.
Any questions, tips, or knowledge is welcome. Please feel free to include yourself in the discussion.
My truck currently:
1999 Tacoma ext cab, 3rz, 5sp, 4wd.
My plan is to run a 2002 non-VVTi 2uz-fe (4.7L v8) from a Tundra.


The engine came with an 2004 engine harness. (all 2uz-fe's are the same from 00-04) However there are some things i have found about the 2004 ECM that make things tough for this swap.
- In 2004 Toyota started storing VIN's in the ECM.
- In 2003 Toyota switched to an electrical throttle pedal and got rid of the throttle cable all together. All Tundra's are drive by wire, but from 2000 to 2003 Toyota used throttle cable.
The VIN in the ECM makes things tough because the VIN in the ECM will not match my Tacoma's VIN and show up on inspections. I might be able to have my Tacoma's VIN put in the new ECM, but I found a 2002 engine harness for a good price. In 2002, the 2uz still used a cable actuated throttle body which will match my Tacoma better. So I spent a little extra on a different harness and save money on ECM programing, and hassle with drive by wire. (I now have a 2004 Engine harness FS if anyone wants it)
A few random shots of the engine:
Broken camshaft alignment pin

This engine was said to have 194K on it... No lip at the top of the bore, and you can still see the cross hatching.

This is the left cylinder head. #4 cyl is on the left.

Mark of the Beast!

The old cam gears on the fleebay camshafts

Once the cam gears where put on, I found that the alignment slots on the cam gears have been notched and now have some play. This play is probably what broke the alignment pins in the 1st place, that and loose cam gear bolts.
Any questions, tips, or knowledge is welcome. Please feel free to include yourself in the discussion.