OnMy3rdTac

Well, I wasn't expecting this. My 2002 Tacoma threw a rod last weekend. I just got it shipped back to the Denver area from Casper, WY.

I'm going to purchase a rebuilt engine and throw it in. I'm looking for some reputable places to do business with. Rockauto gets their longblocks from Marshall Motors.

I have the 3rz 2.7L in my Extra cab SR5.

Here's what I've found so far:

Craigslist - someone has a rebuilt for $1200
Japanengine.com has a New aftermarket crate motor for $1900 Shipped - 1 year warrenty, Parts only. Haven't found any reviews on this company.
Rockauto has a motor rebuilt by Marshall Motors for about $2000

I'd like a nice replacement engine for my truck, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Markus

Texas_Ace

Forget going with one of those rebuilt/crate engine places for this.

Just find one in a junk yard, it will be way cheaper and most likely run better/last longer. OEM toyota > rebuilt when it comes to long term reliability.

Search www.car-part.com

Should be able to find an engine without much trouble, usually they come with some kind of warranty as well. I would take a 100k OEM toyota motor over a rebuilt motor anyday in a situation like this.

Now if you want to make more power and thus build it stronger that is a different situation.

OnMy3rdTac

Thanks for the input. I'm alittle shocked. I found an engine with 117k down in Pueblo for $1,000. You'd put this in over an rebuilt OEM motor with a 3 year warranty. The rebuilt would be 2100ish after core.

-Markus

scuba

I agree with Ace. You don't really know what parts are inside of one of those rebuilt engines and you don't know if it was assembled right.

Texas_Ace

Yep, without a doubt. Some of those rebuilt motors are utter junk inside.

Both motors should last you about the same amount of time, why spend more?

Also look around, usually you can find them cheaper then that if you are willing to drive a little.

Also look at it this way, you can buy 2 used motors for the price of 1 rebuilt motor and those 2 used motors are basically guaranteed to go further then that single rebuilt.

Only way i would do a rebuilt motor is if i was the one rebuilding it and knew exactly what parts were used and exactly what machine shop did the work ect. even then unless it was the same price or cheaper think i would go OEM over rebuilt, can't beat OEM Toyota tolerances.

Just make sure you check out the motor before you buy it, if you can get a compression test. Also might pull the valve cover if you can to get a look in there. If everything checks out and it looks good, go used ALL day long.

OnMy3rdTac

The engine is about 150miles away. Not too bad of a drive. They said they'll run it and do a compression check before they pull it. What is a fair price for this bad boy?

2003 3rz 2.7L 117,000 Miles for $1,000.

Texas_Ace

If they are pulling it and testing it that is not bad as long as it comes with at least a start up warranty. It depends on the motor and where you are for prices. I have got motors for $300 and some for $4000. Just depends.

OnMy3rdTac

30 day warranty

Texas_Ace

Thats not that bad then, just be sure to look it over and get a compression test done before you buy it. Look under the oil cap for any white stuff (bad) make sure the oil is still there and clean ect.

OnMy3rdTac

I think i'm sold. Thanks for the help guys. I'll let you know how the swap goes.

OnMy3rdTac

Would you have any advice on whether to pull the engine and transmission together or just the engine?

If I pull the engine by itself, what do I need to unhook? When I unbolt it will it just slide out? Do I have to worry about the drive shaft or t-case?

I've got just about everything else off, and will pull it this weekend.

Thanks for the help,

Markus

Texas_Ace

I have never personally pulled a 4runner engine/tranny, there is more room in there then a lot of cars i work on so it might be a little differnt.

I am a big fan of pulley the engine/tranny as a unit though. I hate trying to get that transmission bolted/unbolted up under the car.