I'm looking at older 4-door models. Since I'm not expecting to find a diesel, and don't want a Chevy motor, which engine would be the most reliable?

I have not had any trouble with my 1986 2.3, 4ZD1 engine. Other than replacing the timing belt this past weekend that's it.

How old are you looking to go? Vintage means a lot of things lol. When you say Chevy Motor I suppose your talking about the 2.8L V6. The 4ZD1 is a 2.3 and it is a good motor but its really under powered for a Trooper. 2.6L is better but still under powered. But still better than the 2.3 power wise. 2.6 is a gas version of a deisel lol, lot of stroke in that little motor. 2.8 Really isnt that bad and has a ton of power upgrade's too. 2.6 is a Vacuum line monster, they are everywhere on that motor. Not to sure on the 2.3 but I think it is carburated. Correct me if Im wrong.

I Have the 2.3l in my 86 trooper and as said above it is underpowered. But when I picked it up last year. I couldn't blow through the fuel filter. The air filter was black and the oil was sludge. But 15k hard hunting and gravel miles later it runs like a champ. so if you never need to go more than 65 the 2.3l will do fine
good luck
bashbrother1

Don't fear the Chevy motor <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .

I have owned both a 2.6 and a 2.8 v6 Troopers. Neither is fast, but if the 4 cyl dies all you can do is replace it with the same. But if the 2.8 v6 GM dies, like mine did. It can be upgraded to the 3.4 v6, pretty much plug and play. And the 3.4 is a whole other world compared to the 2.6 or 2.8 motors <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. The 3.4 v6 is what GM should have built from the beginning, not the 2.8 v6. I have owned 4 S10/S15 pickups. And put over 550,000 miles driving GM 2.8 v6s with nothing more than normal maintenance.

I've had 3 early first gen troops, an 87, and two 86's
All. 2.3's.
They are pretty gutless, BUT, they are pretty soid. My first one got traded in with 150K on the clock, and it ran like a champ. The second I still have, but it has become a parts truck for my 3rd, which is my daily driver. It has 250k on it.
I have a 60 mile roundtrip everyday, and 40 miles of that is hwy. It runs 70 MPH no problem,(it just takes a while to get up there!) and I am running 30 inch tires.
I also get between 18-21 MPG. Not too bad.

Thx for the info... I had an 86 TD model and a 90 v6. I miss the diesel,but really need a 4dr. My sons are now 6' tall teens and hate getting into the back of our 87 4Runner. My 90 model was fine except for TBI problems and who's idea was it to leave out a drain plug on the auto tranny?
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