problems w/ blown head gasket

the head gasket in my 97 tacoma has blown. should i have it repaired or have a new (to me) engine installed?

 

I would pick up another motor. It's cheaper and quicker and I could do it myself, but that's me. Unless you've done extensive work on your truck, spending a pile on a newer motor is foolish IMO.

 

It all depends on how comfortable you are tearing it apart on your own. If you are comfortable and capable of doing so, it will be the cheaper route to go, given you're not paying for labor charges. But, if you're not comfortable doing so, I'd look into both options: repair or replace.

Other things to take into consideration are:
-How long was it overheating for before it blew? Could lead to warped heads/block, which requires further work or replacement
-How many miles are on it and how well has it been maintained? Have you invested enough TLC into it to make it worth salvaging?
-How much is a used take out motor from a like vehicle? If you score a decent priced one in decent condition, it may be cost effective overall (factor in R&R labor, of course).

Many decisions to make. Only you, or your mechanic, if you have one, truely know your engine and how well it's been cared for. That little piece of knowledge can be a big deciding factor. Good luck!