My Cruiser needs a new motor does this cost seem outta line? Consider SFBay area.

[Mad Matt]

I would be screwed if this happened to me, but if you have the funds I feel like you should do it right the first time. Sure there are cheaper options, but a v8 swap done right is going to cost you at least that, same with a diesel swap, so it seems all relative. 20 years from now a well maintained 80 with an OEM driveline will be so coveted.

 

[Arclight]

When the 5VZFE in my T100 started going, I found a machine shop here in SoCal (Same Day Cylinder Head) that did a complete rebuild for about $2200, including parts. I sourced a full Toyota OEM gasket set, water pump, timing belt and components from Toyotapartsman, just to be safe. I think I was in it about $3,000-3,500 with belts, hoses and some other things. Time-wise, it was two full weekends of work to remove/install, and machine shop offered freee pickup and delivery.

If you're closer to $5K with someone else doing the work, that doesn't sound too bad. I guess it comes down to what shape the rest of the truck is in, and what your next best option for replacing it would cost.

Arclight

I would be screwed if this happened to me, but if you have the funds I feel like you should do it right the first time. Sure there are cheaper options, but a v8 swap done right is going to cost you at least that, same with a diesel swap, so it seems all relative. 20 years from now a well maintained 80 with an OEM driveline will be so coveted.

 

[Mayne]

I got it to smog yesterday. How? I've no idea, but it buys me some time! I'm going to purchase and short block from CDan @ American Toyota and source a cylinder head, gaskets, timing parts, Ect. I'll have the better part of a factory long block by the time I need it to go in. Cost will be about $5k, but the worries will be less, and I won't have to go into debt to do it.
Mayne.

 

[Root Moose]

If it passed smog I really question that you need a new engine. Did the guys that wanted to charge you $14k say you need a new engine?

Run away, take the machine to a different garage!

 

[Mayne]

No they hadn't seen the rig yet. I had a leak down test done, and the first three cylinders are pretty under spec. The rings are well worn, a new motor is gonna have to happen, but not today luckily. During my deer trip a few weeks ago, the truck went through a quart in 650-700 miles. To say I freaked out was an understatement. I dropped another quart in, and 1200 miles later I'm only a half down. I'm Baffled. My regular shop is all for dump oil in till it don't pass smog. So they aren't looking to take me to the cleaners. But, I was looking into cruiser specialists to do the rebuilding, as another 300k would prolly get me close to retirement if I can still afford the fuel.
I'm The kinda person that says fix it when the mechanic says it's weeping oil and can go another 30k before it's an issue. I've Driven junk before, and I don't care to be there again... Call it a weakness....
Mayne