Extreame eco modded 4Runner project

[dennis1a4]

Hey People,

I really like my 4Runner for it's off road capabilities but it's power and fuel economy really suck. Because of this I decided to build a new vehicle that will do what I need, and have the power and economy that I want.

So why does the 4Runner get such bad mileage? The aerodynamics and the motor. So how do we fix it? Replace the motor and improve the aerodynamics. The way I decided to do this is by dropping in a VW TDI AHU engine and replacing the body with a '94 Integra.

Here's where I'm at now.


It's been about a year, and it will be another year before it's on the road, but I'm enjoying the build so who cares about time.

If you want more info check out my site Toyota Integra TDI

There's over a dozen build articles and over 500 pictures in the gallery all in high resolution.

If you have any questions you can ask them here or on my site. I'll be updating this thread as the project progresses.

I've enjoyed reading some of the builds on here and I hope some of you will enjoy reading my build.

A photo chop of what it might end up looking like:


-Dennis

[kir_kenix]

Cool project. Maybe you can have 2 sets of tires: one beefy set for offroad and one LRR set for fuel economy.

I'll patiently follow your build! Can't wait to see the project completed.

[dennyt]

Wow, that's ambitious! Here I am hemming and hawing about which Subaru engine to swap in, and you've combined the engine, chassis, and body of 3 different makes!

What are your thoughts on final drive gearing and cruise RPM?

[Jeece]

Ahah, I love it!

[dennis1a4]

Originally Posted by dennyt

Wow, that's ambitious! Here I am hemming and hawing about which Subaru engine to swap in, and you've combined the engine, chassis, and body of 3 different makes!

What are your thoughts on final drive gearing and cruise RPM?

The rmp's at cruise was something that I looked at way before I started gathering parts for this project. I didn't want to spend money on something that wouldn't drive right. I've made a spreadsheet where I can try different transmission, diffs, and tires to find the right set up for what I need. It will be avalible to download once I get the design section of my site up in a couple of weeks.

Right now I'm planning on using 32" tires with the stock trans (G58) and 4.10 diff gears. cruising at 100kph my engine will be operating at around 2300 rmp's.

One thing that would make this better would be to do a 5th gear swap with a G54 trans. I will probably do this if/when the transmission gives me trouble and needs to be rebuilt.

[dennis1a4]

Originally Posted by kir_kenix

Cool project. Maybe you can have 2 sets of tires: one beefy set for offroad and one LRR set for fuel economy.

This is a good idea. I'm thinking of getting some DuraTrac's because they're pretty good on the street and have the look that I'm going for. I'm all for fuel economy, but after the amount of time and money I'm putting in to this thing, I want it to look cool

But tires wear out and so I'm sure I'll try different tires later and see how they effect mileage.

If anyone has any recommendations for an aggressive looking tire (~32" tall) that has LRR, let me know.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by dennis1a4

So why does the 4Runner get such bad mileage? The aerodynamics and the motor. So how do we fix it? Replace the motor and improve the aerodynamics. The way I decided to do this is by dropping in a VW TDI AHU engine and replacing the body with a '94 Integra.

Cool and ambitious project


Now I don't want to spoil the fun, but a good part of the aero and mechanical drag is coming from the 4Runner's drivetrain and massive wheels.

Oh well, sorting 2 out of 3 problem areas ain't too bad

[dennis1a4]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Cool and ambitious project


Now I don't want to spoil the fun, but a good part of the aero and mechanical drag is coming from the 4Runner's drivetrain and massive wheels.

Oh well, sorting 2 out of 3 problem areas ain't too bad

Well the whole reason of this build is to keep the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner, so getting rid of the drive train and massive wheels defeats the purpose. If I was going strictly for fuel economy, it would be a completely different design. I'm planning on building a full belly pan to help with the drive train drag, that and couple of other tricks But first I need to get it running and on the road.