First gen salvage, what should I take?

There's a complete 3.4 engine with 50k miles on it that some grandpa totaled.
They want 800$ for the engine
It starts up, revs out, no codes are being thrown.

Should I get it or just take parts?

My 3.4 has 209k on it.

(For 800$ they pull it and strap it to a crate and load it into your truck)

 

is there something wrong with your engine?
i've got 223k on my 3.4, and i'm expecting it to go, at least, another 200k
thing is still smooth/solid

sorry that doesn't directly answer your question
but, if you're looking at buying that one cause yours has high miles...
you should still be good for a while, dude

 

I agree with the above..


But that (to me) seems like a great deal for the motor, especially with that minimal of miles.

But unless you need it or think you will need it, it will probably sit for quite some time. These motors are pretty damn bullet proof.

 

I expect my engine to go at least 350k
My engine is in perfect condition, running extremely solid, the thing is I know these motors and what they are and for 800$ I was thinking of buying it , wrapping it up in some protection and have it sit in storage until I need another 3.4 for something.

But should I get it for 800$?

I've only purchased a 2jz-GTE and know their value but is it worth 800$ from a junk yard?

 

If you say it runs good, sounds good, no codes... I think definitely worth $800. A lot of times you dont get to hear or run the motors. Especially being local to you, so no shipping.. Id say an awesome deal. I'd be hard pressed to pass it up myself. I know my motor will last another 10 years at least, but still. If you end up deciding you dont need it, you could probably make all your money back if not some extra.

You can check out ebay and see what this motor is selling for.

 

get it, it is a steal....

you can even 'freshen" it up a bit should you be so inclined...in your spare time...

 

I had that exact same scenario! 50k on the motor, totalled truck. They wanted $1000 and I got it for 800. I had 200k on the truck, it was a noticeable upgrade. Got better mileage and more power.. If you plan on keeping the truck do it

 

If I had the opportunity, I'd jump on that deal.

 

If I were you dude I would take it and build it into a sand rail. The 3.4 is a good engine and with a Tacoma drive train in it that thing would be legit.

 

I guess if you need the motor, this type of opportunity won't come around again for a while. Not a bad deal for them doing the dirty work pulling it for you. As another member said, being able to hear the motor start, run, and rev is a huge advantage. My local junkyard charges $350 for a motor, but it's a "you pull it" type place with 0 warranty and I can't see if it runs. (thinking back...$350 might be for a 4cyl. V6 motors might be more like $450, not sure)

If it was me, I would try to negotiate a few other things in the deal, just because. You know damn well they probably got the truck for like $400 or even free. Get the ECU thrown in and other peripherals. I would try to snag as much of the drivetrain as possible also. They will definitely cut you a bulk deal to get the truck that much closer to being crushed.



Considering the economics of it...$800 might actually be a bit much. The supply of these motors isn't low or anything. They aren't rare. A ton of Tacomas and 4runner had them. Both of these vehicles are constantly rotating through scrap yards due to frame rust, accidents, etc etc. And the demand is pretty low..because they never really break soo.... high-ish supply, low-ish demand. I bet nobody else in your area will buy that thing for $800. use that as leverage.

 

Yeah that would be badass. When i totaled my old T, i wish i could have brought the motor back with me lol. my taquito would be great with a 3.4 in her

 

If what the OP says is right, this is a motor with all the peripherals, verified condition, verified 50k mileage for $800. There's no comparison between your average pick-and-pull motor and this one.

 

Grab that up

Where did you find a 2RZ for 350? I paid 500 for a semi complete long block and was only able to check compression.

 

yeah I agree. Just FYI though, my local JYs price of $350 or $450 is for everything. Block, internals, oil pan, head, A/C comp., P/S pump, alt, belts, hoses, intake mani, exhaust mani, throttle body, distributor, valve cover, fuel rail and injectors. And you could probably sneak away with a flywheel, clutch, and some other small goodies. If you JUST wanted a long block, I think they'll let you have that for like $225.

I was saying maybe you could get the price down on the simple economic principles of supply and demand. The way you guys talk about these motors, it seems like nobody would ever need a replacement...so it doesn't seem like there would be any demand, other than a guy buying it as a reserve for when his original motor hits 350k or something.

TBH, if you have the space and spare cash I would buy the thing just for the accessories. It will pay for itself when your alt, P/S, or A/C compressor goes out.

 

$800 is a righteous price, complete engine, especially since he could check it and see/hear how it runs...

As far as the prices quoted for the pick and pull in Washington, DC, I have my doubts, most junkyards have a pretty good feel for parts pricing, and, as I have found from my own experience, YOU CAN NOT TAKE THEIR WORD ON ANYTHING...

I would need to see a receipt to believe Fast5speed's price quotes...

 

I'm talking about all motors in general. My local junkyard (called Crazy Ray's and recently bought out by LQK Pick-Your-Part) doesn't care what brand of motor it is. They just charge you for a block + head + etc etc.


But you'll never ever ever ever ever everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr find a Tacoma in the junkyards...around here at least. People in my area don't care if the frame is rusted to swiss cheese and was rear ended and crumped like tin foil. That shit ain't going to the junkyard. American cars on the other hand...they get taken to the JY when a fuse blows!

 

Or you could buy it, build the hell out of it and eventually drop it in your truck if desired?

 

"But you'll never ever ever ever ever everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr find a Tacoma in the junkyards"


So you quoted a generic price, not one specific to Toyota? Toyota engines command a much higher price, you were comparing what one would call, apples to oranges, so to speak...

OP, get the dang engine, it is a steal @$800....

 

I deal in used engines all the time now with this shop. I have looked for the 3.4L engines and they are pretty hard to come by. Now assuming shipping charges are around $350 for me when I get one, I usually find 3.4L engines for about $2000, including shipping, with 75-100k miles. So you are looking at a REALLY good deal there. Even if you just bought it and wanted to resell it, you could make a profit. I would suggest taking video and pictures of the engine running, as well as the dash showing no CEL, and the VIN plate. This will give you great negotiation power if you buy it for resale. I am willing to bet you could list it on CL and get $1200 for it easy.

 

It's a good deal, period. As for needing it, that's your judgement. If it was me and I had the extra cash, I'd buy it and have it around for either my own use or resale. As mentioned above, these 3.4's go for roughly $2-2.5k (at least in my area), or $1500-1800 for a longblock, less the manifolds and accessories. Good luck with your decision.
***One extra note- If it truly is a "grandpa" truck, your most likely going to get a well maintained engine that has had all it's maintenance.