A little background info-
Found a 1990 4runner 3.0 with SR5 with pro comp lift, tint, flowmaster, etc. Basically all the ascetic stuff done. Used as a commuter, all work done by shops and never wheeled. Head gasket popped and guy didn't want to shell out the money to fix it. Just had timing belt, water pump, radiator etc done less than 20k miles ago. Didn't really need the truck but I wanted to upgrade commute rig (88 runner) so I can begin family wheeling with it.

Ok, enough blah blah. I read Katie's head gasket job, TNRabbit's and Bumpin' Yota's write ups. All full of valuable info. I downloaded the FSM and have started a parts list, but have a few question's and need help from the pro's on what I have missed.

Here's where I am:

1. Complete Gasket kit from ENGNBLDR
2. Head bolt kit from ENGNBLDR
3. Have injectors cleaned and tested at CruizinPerformance
4. Knock Sensor Wire (OEM)
5. Knock Sensor (OEM)
6. Basic Tune up (cap, rotor, plugs, wires) (NAPA)
7. All three drive belts (NAPA)
8. PCV Valve (NAPA)
9. O2 Sensors (not sure where to get)
10. TVV (OEM) (I broke it...of course)
11. Injector spacers (OEM)

**not going to replace timing belt or water pump or t-stat they were done not too long ago**

My questions are:

1. Do I need to purchase other gaskets that are not in ENGNBLR's kit?
2. Am I missing anything?
3. Advise on where to get 02 Sensors? (cali truck remember)
4. Any other advise?

 

1. You may need to, depending on how much work you are doing, and what you are replacing
2. List looks good so far
3. You can find them anywhere, but MAKE SURE you get Denso. DONT get Bosch.
4. Get the wires at the dealer. Those aftermarket ones are trash.

 

I have new OEM Toyota 3.0 parts you may be interested in; cap, rotor, wires, knock sensor & wire, O2 sensor -

and many other parts that were going into my former 3.0 rebuild. I'm kicking myself for buying all of this and now I'm stuck with these parts. Let me know what you need and I'll give you a good deal on everything.

 

I would recomment two things:

1. Get the Toyota gasket kit. It is more expensive, but you get their original headgasket plus a lot more gaskets than you get from the engnbldr kit. If you do want an engnbldr gasket kit I have a complete one sitting around (never even been opened) that I bet we can work out a price for.

2. Get Toyota headbolts. No reason not to.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think I will go with all OEM stuff. I have read mixed reviews on the ENGNBLDR stuff. You get what you pay for right?!

 

cadman PM sent

 

it is weird to read about all the recent knocks against engnbldr. when i did my HG job about 6 months ago, people ONLY recommended his gaskets and headbolts.