128keaton

Yup. Good day to do it, not. Anyway, I'd be pulling the whole engine apart, so pulling it will be an option. While I'm in there, it will be possible to change the clutch, so that is definitely something I'm doing. Where did you guys get your clutch and throwout bearing? Also, what is a good price to expect for the machining work?


I really do not want to do a 3.4 swap, just because of the lift + harness, and having to deal with everything related to that.

Janos01

Are you going to just replace the head gasket or do a full rebuild? The price will very depending which route you take.

128keaton

thinking full rebuild, since the compression and oil pressure is so bad at this point. But, its all pricey, and its something hard for someone who's summer is just getting started, and this is his only car.

Also, just for curiosity, what gaskets are included in http://www.engnbldr.com/toyota-3.0-v-6.html the gasket set listed there <<?

This was a site recommended on Pirate4x4, and the website is older styled, so quality

128keaton

Been doing a lot of research. I'm happy with my 3.0L, for the most part. Just hate the speed/hill issue. Anyway, without quotes from actual shops and just looking on these forums, I'm either looking at $677 with the original heads and block. $1780 for a new block and rebuilding heads, or $2325 for a new 3VZE dressed.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I have not rebuilt a 3.0 but other motors I have rebuilt or just bought a rebuilt motor and with some shopping around, I have bought motors for about the price it would of cost me to rebuild one.

Rebuilding takes quite a bit of time while waiting for machine work, parts, cleaning, and assembling. If it is a project, I do like to rebuild it, for a daily driver, I will just buy a motor.

I see you have 1780 for a new block and heads. What would be the cost for new heads? Sometime the heads can be in bad shape with the water ports corroded, warped, cams worn... Anymore I just buy a new head unless it just needs minor work to bring it back into shape.

128keaton

Actually, that was for just a new block and shipping, I'll look at just heads. Really, I just need money at this point, in order to do this. Hopefully, if I can get away with reusing the head, I will. Thanks for the advice! Here's to hoping!

Janos01

When I did my rebuild last year, the machine shop was able to reuse my same heads and short block which cost me $2700. As long as the heads and block are not damaged or warped, you should be able to get them rebuilt if you go that route.

When I had the top end of the engine rebuilt (HG, heads, ect) local shop charged me about $1600 and they were sent to the same machine shop.

"I'm either looking at $677 with the original heads and block. $1780 for a new block and rebuilding heads, or $2325 for a new 3VZE dressed."

The prices above that you quoted are not bad at all. If you are looking for a reman long block rock auto sells them for about $2600.

Otherwise, let us know what happens.

cbr600rx7

Buy a long bock crate engine with a warranty. Saves you time and pain. Transfer all if your stuff onto the crate motor and be done with it. Not all machine shops are perfect and the chance of human error is there. If it's a crate motor with warranty that fails it's pretty easy to get a replacement at no cost. Most machine shops don't offer 3 year 36,000 mile warranties and there is a lot that can go wrong I'm a 3VZE. Your definitely looking at $2000 minimal for a rebuild.

128keaton

See, I keep thinking about that. But it would take a long time for me to get that amount of cash. Having my car down for that long would be a major inconvenience. We've rebuilt a couple of engines at my house, so we aren't worried about screwing it up. Where is this $2000 you are getting? $320 for a master rebuild kit, $500 on machine work (based on the quotes im getting locally), $50 for a radiator flush and fix, roughly $200 on a clutch (maybe less, depending on what is reccomended) is only $1070. If someone can find me a good 3VZE for that price, I'm happy to purchase.

That is one thing I don't quite understand. If you actually work at something, and fix it, you don't have to throw it away. I'm fine with purchasing junkyard heads and/or block. This is my DAILY driver, not some toy I throw around on the weekend. I'm not some cheap charlie trying to fix with minimal cash, I literally just dont have money to fix it.

If I had my way, I'd find a 3.4L to swap. But, with how much work and MONEY is required, its not worth it to me. The 3VZE does fine for me, no complaints.

Question: thinking of an AISIN clutch, reccomended elsewhere for $120. Does anyone else have a good clutch suggestion? Don't need anything 'super duty' or the likes. Just something basic, that works.

Janos01

I would just stick with AISIN or an OEM one. If it hasnt giving problems in the past, why switch.

128keaton

Yup! That works for me! 225k on the original clutch, so its time for a new one. Glad this one lasted this long

cbr600rx7

The 3VZE is a tough motor to rebuild. But if you have the experince and tools to do it your self then you can save a lot of money. My biggest fear would be getting the timing and valve adjustments spec on. When I said $2000 plus I was referring to some one dropping the hole motor off for a rebuild.

128keaton

Ah, we have the tools! We can rebuild him! The valves will be adjusted by a shop, not us. We can probably do it (rebuilding a rear-end without clatter!). I see, well, it will be a challenge, as is any motor, but it will be fun. My father has had this apart a couple of times over the past 23 years, and has replaced the HGs before too. Will be fun!

cbr600rx7

Lol I personally like the SBC and ford 300s for there super simple and easy rebuilds. The 3VZE is a little intimidating for me. But if you have the ability, tools, and time you can definitely cut your costs way down.

And +1 for the OEM clutch kit unless your running her hard on the trails.

128keaton

If I ever take her out, it is usually super slow, and nothing strenuous. It goes against ALOT on this forum, but MPG is important to me, more than SAS, big tires, or a lot of trail capability. I've taken it through ditches and light trails with nothing stopping me.

coopster

If you do go with getting heads serviced, make sure they are familiar with Toyotas. I had mine done few years back, and they managed to break a cam shaft. Guess they can be pretty tricky to remove and retighten properly. I fortunately had a junked motor that donated the camshaft. Or make sure "its on them" if they break it.

Janos01

Good luck on your rebuild man. Post some pictures of the work if you can.