Approx. 230k original miles on 3VZE motor & tranny. Failed smog a few years ago because of a burnt valve and has been non-op since in the garage.

Open ended question... So what should I do with it?

Thinking new motor... How much is it going to cost?

5vze swap Probably doable for <$3k if you get a deal on a motor...

Would be nice but don't want to deal with new exhaust and wiring. Already have $$$ into 3VZE headers.

Replace it with a "good-used"?
This one has only 95K miles.....

You could run it while you take your time rebuilding the old one?

Or..
swap the motor, then sell it, use the cash on something else.

If you plan to keep the Runner, I would pull the block and rebuild it. I would bore the block and consider some head work. This along with the headers, a moderately open exhaust, and a better intake should give you good results. If you do the work yourself it should come in under $2k, about $1500-2k cheaper than doing an engine swap.

This is assuming you have a 5-spd and not an auto. If you have an auto tranny, I would sell the Runner for what you can get and buy a 3rd gen w/the 3.4. You can find them starting at around $4-5k

http://engnbldr.com/toyota_30_v6.htm

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I would bet that that bottom end is still in pretty good shape. I would probably just rebuild the heads.

As my grandpa used to say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Hi Ken,

Ditto on what ErikB said. Just rebuild the heads with new gaskets/head bolts and you're good to go. I rebuilt the top end on my Dad's 94 3 years ago (~90K miles ago) and it's still going strong. Cost was under $500 IIRC.

If you go the rebuild route, make sure you get new head bolts, do not re-use the old ones.

I rebuilt the top end on my '89 V6 3.0 back in the spring. It had dropped a valve seat on the #6 intake. I had the head shop put in all new exhaust valves, new guides, cut the 11 good seats, and install an oversized seat to replace the one that dropped.

It was $950 with a complete Felpro gasket set for the entire motor, new head bolts included from the head shop, and they tanked/blasted my intake and air plenum. I pulled the motor to replace all the seals while I was in there.

If you do the job, and you are going to keep the rig, you would want to do the following:

timing belt
tensioner
tensioner spring
water pump
thermostat
knock sensor jumper wire
hoses/belts

Possible things to replace:

Knock sensor (under the intake, expensive to replace, but hard to get to later).
idler pulley, if worn and notchy

You could quickly get up to $1200 or so for parts and labor on the simple head rebuild.

Mike