2TR-FE Rebuild/Refresh

Hey guys!

This is my first post here and as a new Tacoma owner. I just recently picked up this 06 for $800 with a blown headgasket. It's an sr5, 4x4, 5 speed, 2.7l, 220k. The previous owner had his mechanic tell him the gasket was going.

The truck was overheating so they drilled the thermostat and put stop leak in. Sounds like it bought him time to get a new truck, but then it started losing power. I did a compression test and got front to back, 125, 100, 145, 155. It actually ran ok and I drove it home. No obvious signs of issues except the compression.

The plan is to just do a basic rebuild and refresh. I am a machinist and can do any block and head work myself. Open to any suggestions on parts for the rebuild. I was looking at the yotashop kits for gaskets, bearings, rings and pistons.

I have a boat load of pics so I can likely post most of a step by step rebuild if anyone would care for that much detail. Last pic is where I'm at now

Let me know your thoughts!






Thanks for any input,
John

 

So you got $800 invested into it?
No brainier for me V8 swap .

 

Nice to have those kinda skills. Looking forward to watching the transformation. Good luck

 

congrats on a great buy, I would just go stock all the way.

 

Dude why would you not order the toyota d4d common rail diesel and slap in there? It even comes with the ecm. I don't understand. I am about to pull about perfectly good 2014 70k 2tr fe to do it in november.

 

Thanks for the responses!

I did give good thought to a V8 swap but at the end of the day it's time and money. It may seem like a rebuild is that as well but since I can do any machine shop work that cuts a huge amount of cost out and is definitely still faster then a swap.

I might do it some years later though. The diesel is interesting, but that's even more, since I'd have to change the fuel system too.

So much of this truck is in great shape. If it hadn't had some compression issues I'd never have got it for the price. Simple rebuild and I got a daily truck.

 

killer deal man!

 

www.lceperformance.com

Should be able to set some APR head studs. Maybe even a MLS headgasket, better than OEM.

You could do the counter balance shaft delete kit, but not necessary if staying with stock power.

 

Just as I was about to tag you and @MrCrowntown in the thread lmao.

@Loxsl - The 2TR is a solid platform that you shouldn't change. Anyone who blurts out "V6 or V8 swap it" knows nothing of what the motor is capable of handling...Trust me. Like Tor said, if you have the head off- I'd do a nicer headgasket with the ARP head stud kit, as it's worth the extra money for the insurance. The weakest point of these motors so far seems to be the hypereutectic pistons...but if you don't plan on going forced induction, you'll be fine.

We're pushing these motors hard and they're doing damn well. 2TR crew fo life!

 

I just need to buy a 2TR and do a crazy build!

 

You dont have to change fuel system for a diesel, just add and in line diesel filter and role. The pump in the tank will pump plenty for a injector pump. I have done two Toyota diesel swaps, all I did was add a filter, bypass the ecm so the pump will run when the alternator switches from ground to power and starts charging

 

I got a little further on tare down before work. I hope to have it all stripped so I can clean it and start checking everything in the next day or two.

Lcenginering doesn't have a 2tr bottom kit that I could find. I could to yotashops kit and just add the upgraded gasket. I need head bolts anyway so apr is an option. I could see forced induction down the road maybe but I don't know that I'm ready to commit to that and it's not like it will be faster then my other vehicles.

 

2TR short block and 3RZ short block are the same.

You should call them.

 

Got a perfect looking cross hatch.

 

Cool! Yeah I was planning on calling before buying. I have to mic everything first and find out how much if any machining I need.

 

Keep the updates coming!

 

wow $800 bucks is a steal

 

Ls swap.

 

Have you looked into how difficult this would be? Genuinely interested as it would be the tits.