ENGINE SWAP V6 Tundra to V8

Hey guys hope everyone is well. I have a 2012 1GR-FE 270 HP 2WD. 180K miles. I've had this truck for years with lots of mods and work put into it. I will never get rid of it, there simply aren't enough reasons. It has treated me well and I have put thousands into good-quality mods through the years. The engine is more than underpowered with 33s at the end of the day I want a 5.7 or a 4.6. She gets by but eventually, I'd like to make some custom changes. I know it will cost money but I've done plenty of work in the past. My main concern is knowledge and preparation. Being prepared and well-equipped will save for lots of future issues. I will have the ability to buy the parts needed I'd just like the advice of anybody that might have some info on this process. I have a 5 SPD auto with the stock rear axle. What needs to change? Here is a list of what I have so far which is essential to swap.

1. Engine > 4.6 or 5.7
2. Trans > As far as I can tell all second gens with a V8 were paired with a 6 SPD not the 5 SPD which I have
3. ECU & Wiring Harness> What do you guys recommend for electronics? I don't have the ability to buy a parts truck due to land availability in the city right now but its a possibility. I'd like options if I were to do it separately.
4. Rear Axle & Driveshaft? Not sure if this is compatible.
5. Cooling system, A/C ?
6. Fuel system? Is anything here compatible?
... Feel free to pitch in! Lots of prep and thinking is needed but this is a dream project of mine. It's achievable with time and preparation as well as your help!

 

Your sentimental attachment to the truck will be expensive. Best bet is sell the one you have and buy the one you want. But if you’re truly stuck in the engine swap mindset, you’re in for a lot of work and a lot of $$$. Cheapest route is wrecked donor truck. Find somewhere to keep it while you swap parts. Find your model truck wrecked (cab configuration and all, may as well make it a 4wd so you can swap that too) and start to swappin. Having the whole truck will be immensely helpful so you don’t leave out any important parts for the swap you didn’t realize you needed. You’ll also have access to any crossmembers and mounts that may be different.

 

I definitely see the value in a parts truck. Lightly wrecked 2014 in my area can be bought for less than 8K. I could get a 2012 wrecked for much less. I don't have much interest in a 4x4 swap. I wouldn't get to use it in south florida so there is not as much value in the extra work and cost. The job seems simple enough at the end of the day at the base these trucks are all the same more or less from 2007-2022. I can do most of this work myself as well. I have family and friends with extensive knowledge and experience. The hardest part would be swapping out the heavy items. I do want to find out if any mounts are different because I have not heard anything about those changes between configurations. I could see the labor being worth around 5-7K for a swap like this if not more especially in a place like Miami. Doing it on my own would cost in total I'd say less than 8K. Maybe less depending on the donor. Realistically this is cheaper than buying a new truck, all in I have more money put into this truck than I could get on trade-in for a ridiculously overpriced 5.7 tundra. If anyone has additional info fell free to fill us in!

 

I have a 2008 4.0 Tundra as well. I'd love to see how this engine swap goes.