adahlin

I got a '93 4runner 4wd 22re with 180k miles that I've been getting back into shape and next on the list is the timing chain. It been a slippery slope and now I'm looking at just rebuilding the engine. The engine runs well, but I'm having fun getting my hands dirty and learning how to do all this stuff!

Rather than having my truck out of commission for a month or two, I'm looking at getting another 22re and rebuilding it on a stand. Since I'm learning, that will let me take my time. My basic plan is to take the block to a machine shop and get it into really good shape, reassemble the lower end myself with a rebuild kit, and toss on an engine builder street RV head (or similar).

I found a 22re with 230k miles from a '90 4runner for $200 that currently runs well. The guy says it's had a piston replaced, timing chain replaced, but hasn't been rebored or anything. He thinks that it has an after market head on it too. It's currently in the truck so I can actually check it out while it's running. I plan on doing a compression test while it's running, what else should I check?

My other question is should I be rebuilding the block from my 4runner because it has 50k less miles on it? It seems to me like the one with 230k might need more machining, but once that's done does the 50k miles diff really make any difference in terms of reliability since I'm replacing everything?

Any other suggestions/comments? I'm pretty new to this stuff and would really appreciate any insights.

scope103

You might want to stop by a machine shop and price out the kind of machining you're thinking of. You can buy an engine that "runs well" for $200; how much are you going to gain by a rebuild, and how much will it cost?

Don't forget that, at best, you'll have a blue-printed engine in a 20-yr old truck.

adahlin

I actually already called a machine shop for a quote and it seems reasonable.. $150 to tank it, $30/hole to bore, $70 to surface it. I'm sure there will be other misc stuff so I'm going to assume at least $500.

And yeah, the fact that it's an old car isn't lost on me. Part of the reason I'm doing it that I'm a tinkerer and want to learn more about engines. Also, I'm going to be using it as a camping rig up here in Alaska, so I want something I don't mind getting banged up a little =)