2TR-FE Rebuild/Refresh

Great to read that this thing is up and running.

I do have a question, though. By your examination, was there any indication of what exactly caused the head gasket to go? I mean, I know it's caused by extreme high temps, but was it just lack of maintenance on their part, bad radiator, lack of coolant, etc.? I have the exact same truck (same color and everything), and I am at 190k, so I am hoping to avoid such a situation.

 

Great job @Loxsl! Glad to hear she runs good now, any idea what the final compression numbers ended up being?

 

I did not see any defined failure point of the gasket. I have a feeling that the valves were at least as much of an issue as the gasket may have been. They did put stop leak in so it's possible that did its job making it hard for me to tell. But the vlaves were super gunked up and likely did not seal well.

Compression was about 185-190 across the board. I'll do another check after break in. First oil change is today (50mi).

 

That's outstanding

 

@Loxsl Probably one of the best 11 pages I have read on TW.

 

I saw the same on mine, I think this motor would definitely benefit from a catch can

 

It was real nice to read a thread and NO body brought up tire size I get real tired of that crap.

 

Awesome work documenting the engine rebuild, I really applaud you. I know how much effort it takes to think about taking photos after every step of the build, wash the hands, pull the phone, take the picture, and dive back in.

 

Update! So far the truck is doing great! I've put over 700 miles on it and done the first two oil changes. The engine does have some noticeable vibration as a result of the balance shaft delete but it's not annoying. You just feel it more.

The LCE pro clutch is nice. Grabs well with no major increase to clutch peddle weight. Clutch point is a little smaller but not bad. If anyone is doing a performance build I'd highly recommend a lighter flywheel. The stock one is very heavy and results in sluggish engine movement. Again not bad but compared to my 335i it's a snail.

So far all is doing well. Just waiting on Toyota to do the recalls then gotta fix that ac!

 

Man that is the kind of update that I like to hear. Time for "snail" boost???

 

@mnovak

 

Just got the lightened flywheel. Cant wait to see what kind of difference it makes

 

I’m afraid to get that flywheel woth 33s but feel like it’d be better with my turbo

 

I'm running 33's so i'll give you some feedback! Though, I am also not 4x4 so there is a weight difference

 

Should just make it rev and shift better since the engine has less inertia. Which can bite you on hills or rock crawling.

No turbo for this. Just lift and 35s. Gonna make some bumpers and sliders. It sounds like Toyota may be replacing the frame as well!

 

Awesome update!
Made me smile reading about the clutch improvement. Like you say, if I stayed on pavement, I would go with a lighter flywheel. Off road, where I live, not so much.

 

Lightened flywheel feels amazing! Takes away that transient response lag time

 

Awesome job

 

Any update on the frame replacement?

 

Yep!

All done. Been driving it about a month now. Basically a new truck at this point.