What can I expect from a new engine?

My 96 tacoma 3.4L V6 is starting to run a little sluggish, especially up hills. I was looking into a new engine for it, found this 3.4L 5VZFE, and was wondering what I could realistically expect from an upgrade like this? The truck has 270k miles on it and really has no problems at all other than the general sluggishness, it does have some sentimental value as it was my father's truck and I would love to keep it running for as long as possible. So how long could this realistically extend the life of this tacoma?

 

Any check engine light problems? Excessive oil use? Mine has 280,000 and runs real good, only failure so far is the alternator, that was at 279,000 miles...I have replaced the plugs and wires a couple of times....before you go spending huge, figure out what the current problem is...just my opinion...

 

This. If you feel tired do you ask for a heart transplant?

There's a good chance a simple tuneup would resolve the issue. If you want or need to dive deeper, compression testing (including leakdown) and an oil analysis by Blackstone labs will tell a lot about what you are working with.

 

no excessive oil use, no temperature problems, replaced the clutch about 15000 miles ago, really that is the only serious work I've needed done. I know that my dad used the truck a lot for towing, probably more than a Toyota should tow, and that it was mostly on highways, that's why my head jumped straight to new engine. I will definitely take it in for a tune up before going all out on a new engine, I was just curious if that was a route worth looking into or if I would be spending big money for only another year or two

 

The sign of a tired engine will be low cylinder compression pressure. If you know a mechanic, why don't you let him do a compression test. If the pressures are low then I' d consider an engine swap. If the pressures are ok, I'd save my money as the new engine will more than likely perform the same as the old one.

The 3.4 isn't a ball of fire by any measure, just a workhorse that lives a long time. Good luck.

 

how long ago was the timing belt replaced and did you ever have your valves adjusted? that's where I would start, then check for things like dirty air filters or restricted cats.

replacing the engine wont do much of anything unless your old one is burning oil and smoking

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Taco...d&pid=100005&rk=3&rkt=6&sd=231577626972&rt=nc