05' Revolution / Rebuild V$. Buying a new 2019/20 taco

My Story,,,My choice...

The Old..
I bought my toyota pre-runner V6 4.0 SR5 tacoma certified rebuilt salvage title with 37,000 miles for $11,000 bucks in 2013 --Daily Driver-- It now has 141,000 miles , leaking head gasket, Bilstien adjustables, 18" wheels (zinix), bald BF Goodrich A/T


Im now the unfortunate victim of the weak head gaskets of this particular model. Ive contemplated using a head Gasket sealer,, rolling it into my toyota $tealership and trading up into a brand New 2019/20 toyota tacoma. SR5 V6 4wd access Cab / Dbl Cab .... $6000+/- trade in value for my current truck + another $8,000-$10,000 down payment 1.9%+ financing @ $40,000+ / 60 months ((plus CA tax ))
with insurance, roughly $500+ per month for the next 5 years, No Mods, Stock n $tuck...


After shopping several mechanics,,and head gasket repair pricings i get quotes for $1300+. To really check the heads , block and gasket replacement. $ome estimates are way higher with engine removal. ($2200+)
i Also looked into used engines (quick but susceptible to the same issues that got me to this point),,, re-manufactured (quick,,warranty, but the cheapest aftermarket parts) ,, and Rebuilds. (slow,, quality parts, +warranty)

After shopping ive found a reputable engine builder who can Remove, test/check block & heads, valves, tear down/ bore / shave rebuild and install for $3000+ 3-5weeks. 1yr Warranty

Step 1 Full / total Engine Rebuild estimate $3000 +(water/oil pump, gaskets/seals (all), timing chain kit, Belts, estimate $3300+

Step 2 Front end 2005 -->2012 conversion (lights , grill, hood, bumper,brackets) estimate $1200+

Step 3. used suspension lift kit. (icon, OME, etc..) estimate $2500

Step 4 New wheels & tire kit estimate $2500

Step 5 Misc. headers , CAT, exhaust $1000 +

Ive acumulated parts over the years,, (new brakes, overhaul gasket kit, fan clutch, water pump oil pump, AAL, CAI)

By comparison nothing beats a new truck,,, But value per cost,, they both get you to the same place , in the same amount of time.

Brand New Truck @$40,000 dollars (New +4wheel Drive ) VS.
Converted 2005-->2012 with NEW engine & Mods (no 4wd) for $12,000 dollars
This option will still have a decent RESALE / trade in value .. Plus Sentimental value...<--

This later option will also allow me to purchase a Real Estate in a top tier , well destined southern State city that will draw an income stream of close to $500-600+ per month....then get a new truck........Seems like a no brainer.

 

So the story begins,, i was able to catch a great deal on the Rebuild.(labor) $2250 I did help in the process, (categorizing parts) , Cleaning etc.. I was also able to supply some parts of the rebuild not included in the fee. ( OEM overhaul kit, water pump, starter, oil pump)
We got the Engine Yanked out with speed,, couple of hours,, and the tear down began... here's the culprit..

 

Are there any visual differences in the old vs new gasket?
And props to you for tackling this job. It’s a big one for sure.
Thanks for the update.

 

Block was torn apart,, measured,,,(in great shape) and cylinders,, and crankshaft measured, inspected,, and the rebuilding began.... Crankshaft journals got polished,,and valves were Cut and re-lapped. I went with new pistons and rings,,Bearings, and alll new seals rubber pieces throughout the engine.
Things moved way faster than i wanted,,,but for the price i was paying,,,i had no complaints.

 

no noticeable differences,, but that particular gasket was Discontinued by Toyota,, After looking at the engine as a whole,, i think i went overboard,,,,but a head gasket job was gonna cost me $1600+ regardless...

 

Did you have the heads rebuilt?
If so did they mill them any at all?

 

If they did milll them you may need a custom head gasket to make up for the amount they milled from the heads. It seems these trucks can be pretty picky about timing.

If the didn’t mill any. You should be fine.
Hope you get it back running soon.

 

No milling,,everything was square and level.. no warping. they just did valve job.. Honed the cylinders,,new pistons , Rings,, Getting in parts for the Front end swap,,
New headlights ,, Taillights,,, grill , hood, etc... all the bumper pieces,,, im trying the Aftermarket parts,, so i hope it all fits..

 

I believe @Torspd has built a few 1GR engines.
If you find yourself lost maybe he can answer a few questions?

 

You did way more than most, getting the valves lapped. Good job. Most just throw on new head gaskets, and maybe ARP studs, then call it a day.

 

I agree with the choice you have made to rebuild but I would not expect a ton for trade in value down the road with a salvage title. Best to plan on keeping it to drive into the dirt even after you get a new ride.

 

After you rebuild it that truck will last you another 20 years man

 

The "MATH" and the "wallet" says re-doo ... example the taxes on a new truck alone,,,, is $5k+ here in California So,, i i figured a "newish" fully mod-ed 2012 "looking" , 0 engine milage, new rims / tires with no Monthly payment,,
just ordered parts for front end swap,,(brackets/ clips,, misc pieces)
i go pick up from bumper cover = side extensions and valance tomorrow $160
New Wheels,,, i got a "steal deal on" --Fuel-- ??? its a secret.. but got them for $1100

i hate to say it,, but i wish i didnt have to swap out the hood,, its the biggest ISSUE,, from hood scoop,, to hinges,,to lock mechanism
i got the hood in a great deal,,,,but all the extra parts,,,,cost more than the hood itself.. (hood scoop insert +parts and shipping =$140



Now starting with interior,, little things..
today
center console divider, and tray, ah ah..ha.. keep all my reciepts from this shit..
glove box organizer,,
new Air cabin filter.
im gonna remove the seats,,, Shampoo the carpet ,, seats , and door panel..,, and then SUPER DETAIL the interior.
fix that overhead temp/compass, and change out all interior Bulbs this weekend.
My goal for the interior is Everything stock except the radio / media console. but really show room clean. My interior has been well preserved..so shouldnt be an issue.

 

Your year model has less emissions crap to go wrong. Throw in some @mightytacoman cam gears for extra HP. Cheap and easy.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/exhaust-cam-gears-with-3°-retard-for-v6-1gr.618266/

 

The engine builders were more inline with Old-school american hardware,, so i didnt want to push them out of there envelope. I initially was going to put more Power worthy components,,,,, eventually this will be turn into an overlander,,, so durability is the optimal option.

 

They were willing and able to get it done, and that's all that matters.

IF you ever did want the benefit of the cam gears, in the link above, then that is easy enough for one man.

 

Most parts for Swap are in ... just a few more pieces..

 

almost finished,,, took way too long,, and my mistake was "if you want something done right do it yourself" especially if you know how.

Engine rebuilt $2800
Detailed the interior myself (shampooed carpet, seats..etc.)
front end swap $600 + parts $1100
New paint job (not great) $1200

coming,,
lucky for me i got new wheels from a good friend..(fuels)
new tires $1k
new drive train (u-joints/ Bushing kit/ steering rack) $750 installed
new front bearings, brakes, (had them for a year already)
center unit, sounds, alarm , and electircal tibbits. $1k

New truck..looks the same as the old truck... just newer , and no $600 car note

 

V8 swap???