jimmerjammer

RBX- thanks for the reply. I was pointing out that my issue was caused by their workmanship/machining/torquing (I didn't overheat, etc...)---but they still- had no answer, and seemed like it was routine for them...
Clok--- at 10k miles, sounds like you are out of the woods for a lot of issues. Hopefully all runs well from here on out. From your previous posts- sounds like you are happy with the motor, glad you are and getting good results.

--- I also think they are "hit and miss". After properly researching them(definitely my bad on that one)- I found good reports--- a lot of bad reports. That's why I'm posting here and other places to help people learn more about them from my mistakes. I mistakenly trusted their Ebay reviews- then learned about the 60 day time limit, etc... Shipping times are normally good for those guys- I bet there are a lot of "buyer's remorse", but unable to put in a Ebay review when they finally have a problem... Especially with ordering time/shipping time/installation time/motor break-in time eating into that time limit. So, nobody can learn about their actual customer service(whether good OR bad...). I was hoping to have a solid motor that didn't fail- and not have to find out about their crappy customer service...

MUCH MORE IMPORTANTLY- My Good News:
-As previously mentioned. They sent newly rebuilt heads finally- I had them checked out by a local machine shop. They are flat, pressure tested fine. I could see some purple dye around the valve seats- It looked like CHS did inspect them before they shipped them to me.
-I pulled the pan- retorqued all bearings. All were torqued at least to spec.
-Waiting on Toyota to get head gaskets in (will have them in a couple days)- I'm thinking CHS used cheap gaskets- hopefully Toyota gaskets will give me some "insurance" if anything else is "off".
-when I was waiting- I bought a bunch of upgrades for this truck (headers,flamethrower injectors, martin crawler clutch). Might also look into the oversized VAFM mod. If the motor holds together, there might come a time where I don't understand what 3.slow actually means!

thanks,

Jimmy

skypilot

iTrader: (1)

Just a thought, see if there are ARP stud kits for this engine. They do hold better and may eliminate a recurrence.

jimmerjammer

Skypilot- thanks, I'll look into that. I'm definitely tired of installing/yanking motors on this truck- don't want repeat the process anytime soon...

Swim

Check out my old build. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...le-aav-226237/

I had a very modified 3.0... more so than what CHS is doing. I was turned off by these guys. They were rude, and didn't really want my business... even though I was willing to drop some serious money to get something that had never been done before. I know a few people that had a bunch of issues with them as well.

Here is my advice....

ARP head studs - This is a no brainer. This will pretty much insure that you won't have the issue again.

MLS Head Gaskets - This is the head gasket that I had my builder try out. Since then, this has become used by multiple 3vze builders.

With those 2 combined, you will not have another head gasket go bad.

maxscott1234

look like CHS has good reviews on e bay well what the new .. I look at Oregon Engine Re builders also but he said he reuses the head bolts never thought about that there cheep to buy ??

Dewrunner

Any updates on this motor? Anyone else take the plunge??

clok

iTrader: (2)

I'm going on like 12k miles on mine without and issues oh yeah I had a leaking cam cover plate but other then that she revs and pulls nice 12 miles to the gallon I got a heavy foot , I had the heads ported for an extra $200 and provided my own hi-rev valve springs and I replaced every part that basically connects to the long block lots of cash involved but I wanted a super reliable motor and that's the way she is behaving , the owner at raptor engines is Greg I told him when I ordered my motor I didn't want any funny business and wanted a proper motor from the beginning and that's what I got so far !

Dewrunner

Thanks for the update. Glad it is working out.