Next question: Is there any upgrade I need to be looking at while the engine is apart? As I said before, I'm versed in Toyota. If this were a 22R, I'd be slapping in an engnbldr 261 Crawler cam. As it is not, and they don't offer much in the way of parts anymore, is there a recommended cam for this little 2.6? The remainder of the setup is a Weber 32/36 conversion and a header (replaced broken manifold back in the day).

Should I consider a counterbalance shaft elimination kit? Why or why not?

I'd love to get a little more oomph out of it, yet remain 100% reliable in all conditions.

"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living." - John F. Kennedy

Proud owner of an 88 Montero (with a blown engine).