97 Tacoma Partial Restoration Engine/Paint

Just received my email from the block builder, and the head builder. Both pieces are in transit as of this morning, and should arrive by the end of next week!

 

Awesome! That's good news!

 

woooo! might as well go all out on this build while your at it!

im sure youve heartd it a million times in your profession, but check that frame for rust!

 

Thanks. Already been inspected. All is good. Frame is solid. Just ordered paint and supplies, as well as new clutch (racing clutch).

 

Ever thought about welding in some additional bracing anyway while you've got it that far torn down? Tube is not terribly pricy and you've got a welder.

Just my $0.02.

 

box the frame!

 

While boxing the frame may seem like a good idea, my experience has shown that allowing a reasonable amount of twist and flex is actually good. I have not heard or seen any of the Tacomas breaking at frame points or anything like that, so it is not a concern. I appreciate the thought though! If I had the tubing I might make my own bumpers, but that is not a high priority at this time.
Now if this were a Chevy, Ford or Jeep..... :grin:

 

Engine block has arrived! Now all I need is the cylinder head and I will be ready for assembly! Paint should be arriving in the next few days as well. We are building our own custom paint booth. It will be 16' wide by 20' long, complete with ventilation and sealed up tight as fort Knox against dust!

 

This means you can paint mine next!!!!!

 

Whoah! Hold on there. The paint job is a personal one. I'm no body professional. This paint job has been 4 weeks in the process just prepping and sanding. I don't think you want to be without your truck for that long. lol. I'm actually terrified how this will turn out. I have only painted 4 vehicles in my life. I am just hoping my truck doesnt end up with any runs! hahaha. I would not want to be responsable for problems in the finish. Fixing mechanical and electrical issues I am fine. lol. If you don't care how it ends up in the paint process, then we can talk! lol.

On a side note: The cylinder head has arrived! I have been taking spare time today carefully putting the balance shafts and timing gears into the new block, and will be swapping out and lapping the valves tomorrow if I have the time.

 

Engine assembly has begun! As you can see from the below photos, this 2.7l engine does not have just a simple timing chain set up. It uses 2 balancing shafts to help reduce engine vibration. 4 cylinder engines over the years have been known to have a pretty serious engine vibration, and without these counter-balance shafts, it would not make for a comfortable or quiet ride. The two shafts must be installed with the engine #1 cylinder at TDC or Top Dead Center of it's stroke. Since the head is not installed, you do not have to concern yourself with "compression" or exhaust stroke.
Both shafts were installed with the counter-weights on the bottom, and the balance shafts' chain installed properly. Then the tensioner (located in the middle, above the crankshaft) was installed and adjusted.
After this the timing chain for the twin camshafts was installed on the proper tooth of the crankshaft, and zip-tied to the chain guides. This was done because the timing cover has to be installed before the cylinder head is installed, and it prevents the chain from accidentally slipping off the crank gear, resulting in camshafts being out of time, and possibly damaging your engine.

Next up, Cylinder head assembly to include valve seals, valves, springs, and keepers!

Keep posting replies! It helps to know people are interested in this!

 

wow bill this isnt a build page anymore its turning into a haynes manual. very nice indeed. wish i lived closer so i could turn some of the wrenches on this project!!

btw, now would be a good time to make some custom headers for that beast!!! im just sayin.....

 

I'm gonna buy some headers later on. Right now I am maxed out on funds for this truck for the next 3 months! I don't think everyone realizes where I am at in this project. Right now I am sitting on about $2500 into this truck right now! For me, that is a lot!!

 

You my friend, know more about engines than i do. lol


I would have a hell of a time getting everything lined up.

Damn good to see it's all coming together though!

 

Wow. Just... Wow.

 

o i know what ya got put in so far...... that is why i said "build" custom headers. doesnt take much money at all. go to an exhaust shop and ask them for some drop pieces that is the correct diameter(some straight some with different bends/radius) then sit down with a sharpie and a lot of patience and measure mark cut repeat until you can piece together a header. you said you have a mig so you are set. thats what i used to do for the race engines in the dirt track car. they were 22r motors and then the 4yj (i think its been years so i forgot) motors out of the 80's celica's. it can be done just cost a lot more time then it ever thought about costing in money. but im sure time is just as valuable to you right now for your business as well.

 

Yeah, I just don't have the time to put into that type of setup. Small town, and I would spend $60 in gas just to get TO a muffler shop. lol. Not when I can wait a little while and buy a header for it for $155.00. lol. I am looking for one of those 2nd gen bullbars that someone may have sitting around the garage collecting dust. Just an FYI for those who are interested, I can't do anything on parts, but I do horse-trade on the labor for repairs in some situations. Just sayin....

 

atleast yours is a damn chain..... stupid timing BELTS!!!!

 

Yeah, I prefer timing chains to timing belts myself!