135,000 miles needing a new engine Advice

Ever thought about a 2uz swap lol

 

I recently bought a 70,316-mile engine out of a wrecked 4Runner from LKQ. They provide pictures of the vehicle and the VIN so you can run a CarFAx. It turned out this car was wrecked in February and I bought the engine in April. So the engine had not been sitting long. I could see where the car was put into service in Orlando FL and when the owners took it in for service at the Toyota dealer. They left a good maintenance trail. LKQ provides a replacement warranty. Most shops around here use LKQ for used engines and transmissions.

https://www.lkqonline.com





Here's a video of the engine after I had just started it up. Spent a lot of time and money replacing rubber components and prepping parts for the installation.

https://youtu.be/14VqqPiTlTc

 

Personally I'd rather pull the motor and swap rather than rebuilding, it's much easier. I'd do JDM or one from a local junkyard though I'd want to see where it's coming from like the post above.

 

After debating on 2 decisions I simply wasn’t ready to move on to a 2nd gen yet lol

I worked with my local Toyota dealership and decided on buying a new short block from them. I was surprised Toyota still made new blocks. It was expensive but it came with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor. I still have faith in the 5vz hoping it lasts a long time

 

If your heads are in good shape I would get a Toyota OEM short block from the dealer. I had a similar problem, 124k and it spit a rod out. $2500 for the short block + $600 for OEM gaskets and misc.

 

That’s exactly what I did. Was 3000 for the block and 400 for the gaskets etc.

 

Are you happy with the results ?

 

I think this may be the summer of spun rods. I'm seeing too many since April.

 

Stop taking advice from Mexicans. What did the Manual say?

Sorry to hear about that, hope a little humor helps. That isn't a lot of miles, especially with Toyota's reputation. But sometimes age is harder on one than miles. But the good news is that it looks like you should be able to get her running without too much expense.

 

Hahaha !! good point 16 years is a long time maybe it had a long idle life lol

 

OP, do you mind if I ask how much the block cost? When you say block what exactly does that entail? Sorry -- I am not as technical as many on this forum so just trying to learn.

 

Sure it ran me 3,000$ plus a 400$ gasket kit. Camelback Toyota had it for 2,700 but couldn’t ship it. To be honest I’m still learning that too. I can pretty much handle anything that Bolts on but with the engine I’m very novice. Described to me as the lower end of the engine rods and pistons but I’m sure someone can better explain

 

Runs great, no issues

 

Long block is a block, pistons, rods and crank. All the hard stuff is done. Just bolt on all your parts ( heads, oil pan, ect. If you have alot of miles I would get the heads done

 

OP, thank you. If I understand this correctly, say my 2005 hits 200K miles and something bad happens to the engine. I can get a new block for $3K and change and keep driving it? I find that pretty comforting. Do you happen to know the part number of what you ordered? Just for research purposes I would like to ask the one or two Toyota dealers around where I live if they can get the part and how much. I am no where needing it ... at least I hope ... but good info to file away.

Pairodice, thank you for the explanation. Those of us with training wheels on appreciate the insight.

 

you can get a new complete block for well under 3k, even with new hoses and installation.

 

I guarantee you premium fuel had nothing to do with it. I have run premium with my supercharger since almost new back in 1998.

I would find a truck if you can that was in a crash that you can actually do a carfax on.

That’s one of the safest ways. JDM motor you have NO idea what your getting even if it’s under warranty or cheaper to have to remove the engine again and replace it is a huge amount of work.

When my head gasket popped at 480,000 I found and engine 90,000 miles that was still in the wrecked truck and was running when I inspected it. 1500.00 later and could not have been happier.

4 years later and 120,000 more miles later was a wise choice 4 me.

 

Here's a 66,000 mile engine for $2500 removed with all accessories included: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/ptd/d/phoenix-2004-toyota-tacoma-double-cab/6940587964.html. The transmission is $1000 exchange. Or $3400 for engine and tranny.
I have emailed the guy. That's why I know the prices he's asking. I wish I could justify buying the eng/trans. But I decided to just hope mine lasts a few years. The guy told me there is a shop next door to him that will do the swap for $750.

 

thats an insanely cheap labor cost.... would love to see some testimonials on how good a job he did. Ive seen sub 1000 dollar engine swaps and everything is shoddily done, zip tied wires, taped hoses, and mish mashed connections. Pretty sketchy to get an engine done by just anyone, i would need a really solid reputation in order for them to earn my business

 

Wow, for 66,000 miles original I would be ALL over that if I was going to keep my truck if I was you.
Engine is more important
Typically it’s about 1500.00 labor for an engine swap depending