Replacing engine with a used Japanese engine

GALE JONES

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA TACOMA
2.7L
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
280,000 MILES

My 2.7 3RZ engine has a distributor type engine it appears, but no distributor cap mounted on the right forward side of the engine for the spark plug wires. The plug wires connect to a marked one, two, three, four attach point. All the engines I see that are used from Japan show a distributor cap or coil pack at each plug. I am not sure if my engine is a distributor or coil pack at the distributor area of the engines I see on eBay. I want to replace my high mileage engine with a used engine from Japan if possible without having to replace my electrical wiring harness. Due you have any answers to whether I can use the distributor type engine? Thanks, Robert

Friday, May 19th, 2017 AT 10:16 AM

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

No because the computer is not wired for it so it would have to be rewired, new computer etc. Stick with what came with the truck. If it has distributor access then use it not the coil to plug type.

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Friday, May 19th, 2017 AT 12:13 PM

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,411 POSTS

As HMAC300 has stated, stick with what you have. Also, if you put something else you would need a new harness and computer but worse, good luck passing smog.

As a smog tech we are looking for modified engines, illegal cold intake systems or anything modified. Also, your vehicle does not have a distributor it has ignition coils with spark plug wires.

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Friday, May 19th, 2017 AT 10:59 PM