86' Trooper 3.4l swap

594 Views 21 Replies 7 Participants Last post by trendie, 1 mo ago

Brayden Hulsey

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

I'm starting to grow pretty tired of the sluggishness from the 2.3l in my 86' and looking for a nice power upgrade. I've heard the 3.4's are great swaps for the 1st gen troopers. Should that be something I go after, or are there better options out there? I'm not the most well rounded person on Isuzu's so I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

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jtac

· #2 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

I think a 2.8L Turbo Diesel (4JB1T) would work fine. Irmscher used that engine in both 2 & 4door versions, it has close to 120HP and 220Nm. I saw a 2.8L swap into an 86' and it works fine. They modified the flywheel, input shaft, clutch and housing. The starter in the 4ZE1 is on the opposite side of the original 2.8L tranny. They kept the original 4ZE1 clutch.
You can also use:
3.1 TD (4JG2), 3.0L TD (4JH1T)
Check the max torque that your tranny can handle.
If you want something bigger and stronger you can use a 1UZ-FE by Toyota, like this one

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI0yK5J7trtWPmPk9gE6zzdWKGQf333RA

Tentin

· #3 · 2 mo ago

With a 2.3 your bellhousing is gonna have a different pattern than troopers that came with the 2.8. So you'll need a donor transmission among other things I imagine. Just some food for thought. A potentially easier swap could be a fresh 2.6 with a performance cam installed (ie a Jerry cam). Won't make nearly as much power but still a decent upgrade over a stock 2.3.

Brayden Hulsey

Discussion Starter · #4 · 2 mo ago

Tentin said:
With a 2.3 your bellhousing is gonna have a different pattern than troopers that came with the 2.8. So you'll need a donor transmission among other things I imagine. Just some food for thought. A potentially easier swap could be a fresh 2.6 with a performance cam installed (ie a Jerry cam). Won't make nearly as much power but still a decent upgrade over a stock 2.3.

Thanks for the idea. I was also thinking about maybe doing a 3.2l trooper swap? Electronics would be a nightmare, but I'd really like to at least break 200 HP. I'm going to be driving it all the time, and as you well know, troopers and interstates don't exactly mix 😂. I wonder how the 2.6 would fair if I were to give it maybe 8 psi of boost? I guess we just have got to find out.

Tentin

· #5 · 2 mo ago

www.planetisuzoo.com

89 Trooper 2.6 4ZE1 Turbo build.

Well the manifold finally arrived. It looks great and there is less than 5mm deviation in the piping. I'm gonna post the build as I can w build tips and info w pics. So far the block is done. Bored 20 over magnafluxed and cleaned, Jerry sent me a set of his last 20 over high compression...

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Here's a recent 2.6 turbo build on the forums

www.planetisuzoo.com

2.6L turbo in my trooper

Ok so a few wanted some pictures of my build. I was busy last night dropping the motor into the trooper, but here are a few pics of it before I did. I'll do a writeup of everything I did once it's running. Hopefully in a month or two.

www.planetisuzoo.com

www.planetisuzoo.com

And another thread with a lot of good information

Another option could be a turbodiesel swap, ie 4JB1-T / 4JG2-T. But they're expensive/rare

trendie

· #6 · 2 mo ago

4JB1T or C223T will bolt in using factory mounts, everything else will require work.
The C223T will require a different bellhousing, but C223Ts are hard to find and not worth the time vs other swaps unless you have the pats laying around already IMO. I think I read that a 4ZE1 will bolt up to a MSG5, but you have to get a little tricky with the flywheel and clutch combo to make it work. Youll also have to acquire the components to swap to a hydraulic clutch from a 88-91 model as the 86's are cable.
Everything else will require a different transmission entirely.

Im told the transmission crossmember on the 84-86's also does not unbolt which will make trans removal and install a major pain.
It would be cheaper. easier, and quicker to buy a later model trooper with a i4 or V6. The v6 trucks also have a popular 3.4L swap from a 90s firebird.
If you really want some smooth power there is an adapter kit out there to mate a toyota 1UZ v8 to a MUA5.
Or if you just want to be done the Red 1989 RS with the 1UZ swap might still be for sale for $8K.

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Brayden Hulsey

Discussion Starter · #7 · 2 mo ago

trendie said:
4JB1T or C223T will bolt in using factory mounts, everything else will require work.
The C223T will require a different bellhousing, but C223Ts are hard to find and not worth the time vs other swaps unless you have the pats laying around already IMO. I think I read that a 4ZE1 will bolt up to a MSG5, but you have to get a little tricky with the flywheel and clutch combo to make it work. Youll also have to acquire the components to swap to a hydraulic clutch from a 88-91 model as the 86's are cable.
Everything else will require a different transmission entirely.

Im told the transmission crossmember on the 84-86's also does not unbolt which will make trans removal and install a major pain.
It would be cheaper. easier, and quicker to buy a later model trooper with a i4 or V6. The v6 trucks also have a popular 3.4L swap from a 90s firebird.
If you really want some smooth power there is an adapter kit out there to mate a toyota 1UZ v8 to a MUA5.
Or if you just want to be done the Red 1989 RS with the 1UZ swap might still be for sale for $8K.

Thanks for all this great info. My clutch is sticking really bad and the synchros are worn out for every gear in the transmission. So I'm considering just getting a later model trooper and swapping everything over to mine. My 86' was the first car I ever bought, and I bought it just a few weeks after I turned 14, so unfortunately the car has a lot of sentimental value to me. So as far as transmission and clutch go. They will be coming from the donor car that I am getting the motor from, unless it is an automatic which in that case, I will just rebuild the mua5.

trendie

· #8 · 2 mo ago

I 100% feel that, Im currently doing a 4JB1T swap in my 86 because Im too attached to mine as well.
if you decide to go the 4J route feel free to PM me with any questions.
I haven't done the swap yet(still amassing parts) but I can pass on any info I've learned so far.
Small nitpick is the 86 has the MSG5, which is the 4speed trans with an overdrive shoved in, they aren't very strong.
The factory 10bolt rear also isn't the strongest in the world and you'll want to look into sourcing an 88-91 rear end for its stronger 12 bolt(and locker/LSD/parts availability).
We are both pretty much stuck with the dinky front 8 bolt unless we swap in an 88-91 frame or go solid axle.

Brayden Hulsey

Discussion Starter · #9 · 2 mo ago

trendie said:
I 100% feel that, Im currently doing a 4JB1T swap in my 86 because Im too attached to mine as well.
if you decide to go the 4J route feel free to PM me with any questions.
I haven't done the swap yet(still amassing parts) but I can pass on any info I've learned so far.
Small nitpick is the 86 has the MSG5, which is the 4speed trans with an overdrive shoved in, they aren't very strong.
The factory 10bolt rear also isn't the strongest in the world and you'll want to look into sourcing an 88-91 rear end for its stronger 12 bolt(and locker/LSD/parts availability).
We are both pretty much stuck with the dinky front 8 bolt unless we swap in an 88-91 frame or go solid axle.

I was thinking of maybe just lifting the both the 86 and donor car off their frames and just swapping shells. I would assume that would work as long as the donor car is pre 91 since they all are essentially the same shell?

trendie

· #10 · 2 mo ago

yes.
2 mounts at the back need to be modified, and the harness runs along the frame on the 86, but on the later trucks it is routed through the body.

Enemigo

· #11 · 2 mo ago

I've been eyeballing this 3.2 and MUA-5 combo for sale near me for $250. I really don't have the room, or time for a new project. Maybe it's a good enough deal for you to have it shipped or something.

denver.craigslist.org

Isuzu Trooper Engine - auto parts - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

3.6L V6 Engine out of a 1995 Isuzu Trooper. With Manual Transmission. Motor looks very clean. Trooper it came out of was extremely clean. Was not the original motor to that Trooper. Not sure the...

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Brayden Hulsey

Discussion Starter · #12 · 2 mo ago

Enemigo said:
I've been eyeballing this 3.2 and MUA-5 combo for sale near me for $250. I really don't have the room, or time for a new project. Maybe it's a good enough deal for you to have it shipped or something.

Isuzu Trooper Engine - auto parts - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

3.6L V6 Engine out of a 1995 Isuzu Trooper. With Manual Transmission. Motor looks very clean. Trooper it came out of was extremely clean. Was not the original motor to that Trooper. Not sure the...

denver.craigslist.org

That is exactly what I need. Only issue is that it it's on the other side of the country as me 😭. Maybe he might be willing to ship. I have no idea what it would cost though. I'm out near D.C.

Enemigo

· #13 · 2 mo ago

It's only like a 30 hour drive each way. You can do it in a weekend!

Reactions: 1

Brayden Hulsey

Discussion Starter · #14 · 2 mo ago

Enemigo said:
It's only like a 30 hour drive each way. You can do it in a weekend!

Your right! The best part is, my finals are 32 hours apart from each other. Time to see how my civic likes the interstates 🤣

Brayden Hulsey

Discussion Starter · #15 · 2 mo ago

Brayden Hulsey said:
I'm starting to grow pretty tired of the sluggishness from the 2.3l in my 86' and looking for a nice power upgrade. I've heard the 3.4's are great swaps for the 1st gen troopers. Should that be something I go after, or are there better options out there? I'm not the most well rounded person on Isuzu's so I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Maybe I just swap over the whole drivetrain from a 2nd gen. I could probably find a donor car on marketplace and just strip it of everything. Never really been a big fan of wiring, so that will be a living nightmare, but I could keep pretty much everything. I believe they are like 220 HP or so, which is just what I am looking to get in my 1st gen, and i could probably even swap the rear end over too. Only thing I'm unsure of is the 8 bolt front end.

Enemigo

· #16 · 2 mo ago

Might as well swap the front 10-bolt over as well. The rear on a 2nd gen is wider, so you might as well also swap the front suspension as well.

trendie

· #17 · 2 mo ago

Brayden Hulsey said:
Maybe I just swap over the whole drivetrain from a 2nd gen. I could probably find a donor car on marketplace and just strip it of everything. Never really been a big fan of wiring, so that will be a living nightmare, but I could keep pretty much everything. I believe they are like 220 HP or so, which is just what I am looking to get in my 1st gen, and i could probably even swap the rear end over too. Only thing I'm unsure of is the 8 bolt front end.

megasquirt here you come!
Honestly probably wouldnt be too hard with a standalone. Finding someone willing to tune it though would be another story.

Enemigo said:
Might as well swap the front 10-bolt over as well. The rear on a 2nd gen is wider, so you might as well also swap the front suspension as well.

the front 8 bolt is not swappable with a 10 without major cutting and welding to the 86 frame from everything I've read. it IS swappable on 87's, but 84-86 trucks weren't so lucky.

Enemigo

· #18 · 2 mo ago

Ahh, never mind then.

Ed Mc.

· #19 · 2 mo ago

If you could find a dead 2.8 Trooper or 4WD 3.1 Rodeo/Pickup with a 5-speed, there's your parts for the swap.

You could build a 2.8 into a 3.1 as well, with the proper crankshaft and pistons. You can also use bolt-on performance adders for even more hp and torque.

Since your '86 is carbed, you could do a very simple installation and use a V6 TBI intake manifold, with a 2-bbl carb. There are adapters out there that will bolt up a Holley 350 or 500 CFM 2-bbl carb to a TBI intake.

So you'll just use the stock 2.8 or 3.1 TBI intake and the adapter, and away you go. No pesky ECM or extra wiring to mess with. Bore the intake manifold inlet holes to 1-11/16" for better airflow.

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You'd also need a non-electronically-controlled distributor, just look for an early S10 dist, 49-states, with vacuum and centrifugal advance.

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You'll have to switch to hydraulic clutch actuation to run a newer transmission. A parts rig could supply what you need, far as pedals, master/slave cyls, and piping go.

Definitely upgrade the rear end, too. '88-'91 Gen I. V6 or 4-cyl, doesn't matter. As I recall our Isuzu Meister Jerry Lemond said the only issue was emergency brake cables. You may need to install an aftermarket universal set, such as you see being used on many classic cars.

If you use a '93-'95 Camaro/Firebird 3.4, you'll want to upgrade your exhaust for sure. 2-1/4" is free-flowing while retaining low-end torque. A 2.8 or 3.1 will like that size, too.

Instant Update: I found a file that I had saved with Jerry's comments on Gen I rear end swaps. Note the E. cables mention, sounds like not a big issue. Jerry is a Treasure and a veritable Fount of ZuZu knowledge!

84-87, with drum brakes just locate an 88-91 Trooper that did not come with the big tire package and it will bolt right in, you will have to make a minor adjustment in the parking brake cables, their hookup in the frame is diff, but easy to fix.

85-86 the rear of the rear drive shaft will have to be changed, just the yoke flange; on the 87, the rear shaft will need to be shortened about 3/4 inch not much at all.

Flanges are the same, master cyl and the brakes all bolt rite up. Only exception to this would be by chance if you have an 87 turbo dsl, won’t work, as it was the only year Trooper that came with a 4.11 gear ratio, to slow down the eng speed at road speed.

All other year Troopers came with 4.55 except the ones that had the big tire package 89-91 and they were 4.77, but they are extremely hard to find. Jerry

Good Luck with the project, keep us posted!...........ed

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DSUZU

· #20 · 2 mo ago

Other than a straight 2.6 swap, ANY other swap would be best if you have an entire donor vehicle. Note that for the first gens, the manuals and automatics use different frames (at least with the V-6s). You will also be looking at a cable (1986 vs hydraulic clutch system. I'm not sure how this jibes with the 1986 body, but some fabrication may make it happen. I recall seeing one 3.2 swap into a first gen several years ago. Dennis

1991 LS Trooper 2.8 V6 5 speed conversion (Sold)
1989 LS Spacecab 2.6 5 speed 4x4 manual hubs, Rodeo torsion bars, extended shackles, 2" lift, K&N air filter (drop in), dump bed conversion, burgundy interior change, warn brush bar. Engine is bored .020 oversize and upgraded to 1994 pistons, head and EFI system.
Previously owned: 1987 Trooper II LS, 1989 Trooper (parts only), 1994 Trooper 3.2 Auto, 1997 Rodeo 2.6 5 speed, 1993 shortbed pickup 2.3 (project - sold) 1992 Rodeo 4x4 LS (parts car, devoured by Spacecab needs) plus some 70 plus other non Isuzu vehicles over the years. 1994 Amigo devoured to provide head and EFI system.
Heavily damaged by engine compartment fire while driving on March 24th 2018, condemned by insurance company and taken on March 30th 2018

.

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