Future planning for new 3.4L engine in my tacoma.

[Arclight]

I had my engine rebuilt by a reputable local machine shop. I bought a Harbor Freight cherry picker and pulled it in my driveway. The shop picked it up and delivered it rebuilt about 2 weeks later. I purchased genuine Toyota timing parts, water pump, oil pump and gasket set. I let them source everything else. I also replaced the knock sensor wiring harness (definitely do that while you're in there!) and the temperature sensor. I needed a new crank and had a cracked head.

I've had it for about 25K miles with the Supercharger, and no issues. Any good machine shop that rebuilds Japanese motors and heads should be able to handle the job.

Here's my experience:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/60-t-100-forum/633346-5vzfe-engine-noise.html

Arclight

 

[Clutch]

Definitely worth looking into. Thanks.

You're welcome.

I have no idea of the quality, but it is an option...I dunno I rather have a built in Japan used engine, than a rebuilt in the USA version. At least that is my fuzzy logic.

True, I replaced quite a bit under the truck. I think I'd rather put money into the tacoma rather than have a truck payment for five years.

Yeah...mine is getting to the point I don't trust it anymore, one of the best vehicles I have ever owned but, not sure if it is worth throwing money at it anymore. Around 250K miles it started nickel and diming me. Not bad, but it is really showing its' age, not sure if I could ever sell it though, it is like an old pair of favorite Levis.

 

[Arclight]

You're welcome.

I have no idea of the quality, but it is an option...I dunno I rather have a built in Japan used engine, than a rebuilt in the USA version. At least that is my fuzzy logic.

The engine guy told me they have another shop they'll recommend for used motors. He says it's around a 3-in-4 success ratio. Like 3 out of 4 times they get a good one, and 1 in 4 times the motors is a dud.

Arclight

 

[OutdoorAZ]

I've got a 2000 4x4 with 211,000 on the clock. Engine still runs strong, going to need to replace it at some point though. Currently i need a new steering rack, power steering pump and brakes front and rear. This is gonna add up

 

[SNOWDOZER]

Thanks for all of the fast and informative responses. I definatly won't do the install myself as I don't have the means or the time for it. It'll go to a shop and will use one of my dads extra cars.

 

[Clutch]

The engine guy told me they have another shop they'll recommend for used motors. He says it's around a 3-in-4 success ratio. Like 3 out of 4 times they get a good one, and 1 in 4 times the motors is a dud.

Arclight

That isn't too bad actually...always a chance with used stuff anyways.

 

[sctracker]

Honestly I would buy the used motor from Japan, get a cherry picker off of craigslist and pull that motor and swap it out. 2 years ago I pulled a 3.0 liter v6 out of my 88 4runner and put a 3.4 in. I did it with a cherry picker, 115 piece craftsman set and some gusto and it wasn't all that bad, it was a lot of fun and I learned a ton about my rig. I had never done anything other than basic motor maintenance beforehand. Granted depending on your work and stuff you might not have the time but it was a worthwhile experience regardless of how much money I saved.

 

[Arclight]

Honestly I would buy the used motor from Japan, get a cherry picker off of craigslist and pull that motor and swap it out. 2 years ago I pulled a 3.0 liter v6 out of my 88 4runner and put a 3.4 in. I did it with a cherry picker, 115 piece craftsman set and some gusto and it wasn't all that bad, it was a lot of fun and I learned a ton about my rig. I had never done anything other than basic motor maintenance beforehand. Granted depending on your work and stuff you might not have the time but it was a worthwhile experience regardless of how much money I saved.

If you decide to go the JDM engine route, this is the least sketchy JDM importer I found when I was doing my research:

http://www.jdmenginepro.com/contact.html

Arclight

 

[slides]

Look at the JDM engines, a guy on t4runner.org did a swap for $2,000. I would swap it and do a charger while your at it, or look at the possiblities of thorwing the 4.0 in there.

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Jim Putney, from 22RE performance in Chico, is a Toyota specialist and one of a few I trust with Toyota engine work. I install a few motors a year here at my shop and I have an engine building background, but I don't build them anymore. Not enough profit in them. If you got one I could install it for you.

You don't need to go with a factory Toyota engine. A lot of years have passed since that engine was first used and a good shop will know the tricks.

 

[Arclight]

This is what I did - ask who the local shops trust to send import heads out to, and you quickly learn who the 1-2 good outfits in town are.

Arclight

Jim Putney, from 22RE performance in Chico, is a Toyota specialist and one of a few I trust with Toyota engine work. I install a few motors a year here at my shop and I have an engine building background, but I don't build them anymore. Not enough profit in them. If you got one I could install it for you.

You don't need to go with a factory Toyota engine. A lot of years have passed since that engine was first used and a good shop will know the tricks.

 

[montypower]

Why replace the 3.4L prematurely? I've seen these with 400k plus without rebuild. I still say it is the best motor Toyota has built.

 

[SNOWDOZER]

Why replace the 3.4L prematurely? I've seen these with 400k plus without rebuild. I still say it is the best motor Toyota has built.

I'm not looking to do this tomorrow. Things like this have to be planned for in advance as we don't just have $3k-$4k laying around and I'm not one who likes to put that much debt on a credit card. I also like to do a ton of research on something as important as my beloved truck.

 

[SNOWDOZER]

Jim Putney, from 22RE performance in Chico, is a Toyota specialist and one of a few I trust with Toyota engine work. I install a few motors a year here at my shop and I have an engine building background, but I don't build them anymore. Not enough profit in them. If you got one I could install it for you.

You don't need to go with a factory Toyota engine. A lot of years have passed since that engine was first used and a good shop will know the tricks.

Thanks for the info and I may contact you for more info and appreciate the offer of installation.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Toyota doesn't do crate motors, at least what the parts guy told me. They'll do installs but the engines aren't directly from Toyota, they are 3rd party.

I bought a factory 22R short block, but it's been several years ago now. Made in Japan. I went with an Engrbldr (Topline) head. I think you are correct that they don't sell complete engines, but you can AFAIK get each of the major assemblies independently and put it together. But my memory is that there is/was a long block part number but couldn't tell you availability.





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