Build or Buy

404 thousand miles on my 2.7L 02 and the head gasket finally gave up. No other issues just regular coolant loss and steaming tailpipe. Uses no oil and still has plenty of power. Has not been ran hot, as soon as I noticed it, I parked it. With 400K plus on the engine do I need to look at a remanufactured engine or will a head gasket replacement be worth it. Not a mechanic at all so either fix will be done by reputable mechanic. Build old or buy remanufactured??

 

I think this decision should be based upon your vehicle situation (is this your only vehicle?), and what are your long term plans for the truck?

Plan to be buried in it? Then I'd lean more towards rebuilding the whole motor, or buying rebuilt.

Might sell or offload it before long? Then maybe just fix head gasket or roll the dice on a $1500-2k junkyard motor.

 

if going just the head gasket route bue prepared for bad news once the head is off and the hidden bits can be seen

 

Got any leads on those $1500 junk yard engines? I need a block. Have head just need solid block.

 

https://www.car-part.com/mobile/index.htm

Search using this website. It searches in a proximity to your zip code. I see $1500-2000 5vz's in Phoenix (about 100 miles from me) all day long. Never searched for the 4 cylinder engine though, since I have a V6 Taco. I would think the 4-cylinders shouldn't be any more costly than the V6

 

I can't find anything under $3k. 2trfe if you see anything lmk.

 

What about a replacement engine from a company like Jasper Engines? The engine I bought from them was installed in 1999 and is still in that car running like a top with the new owner.
Never had a problem with it.

 

I didn't realize you were 2nd Gen, those are definitely going to be a bit more pricey than 1st gen motors. Good luck with the search. Another route to consider would be buying an entire wrecked truck with the engine you want, then part out all the other parts you don't need to recoup much of your costs.