esenecal

I've got a 94 5-spd extra cab V6 with 232k.
I am not interested in sound. Just want to protect my 3VZ-E. I have read in other threads about the problems with the manifold crossover heating other valves, and the increased back pressure. Is a Thorley header a worthwhile investment to prolong the life of the 3VZ-E or is it just a performance thing? I'm not a mechanic, but am willing to put the money into this rust and rot free truck if it makes sense. I'm looking for some expert opinion. Mostly I'm hauling firewood and commuting, but I want to avoid any long term problems inherent in the stock exhaust design that might put this engine at risk.

Thanks!

MaK92-4RnR

it does not protect anything, especially at 232k miles. The motor is a ticking bomb with no "red wire cut" solution. its gonna blow eventually. I had headers on my 4Runner for almost 37k miles and I still blew a headgasket at 157k. Take that 700 bucks you're gonna spend on headers and put it in a 5vz-fe swap fund.

esenecal

It runs tight as a nut. HG was replaced by Toyota in the recall. New timing belt. Fly wheel was ground with new clutch. My sense from reading the other exhaust threads was that the header helped keep things cooler, less stressed, and helped with mileage. But I guess not?? I like your idea of a 5VZ-FE swap fund. Is that the 24 valve 3.4 that runs in the 2nd gen Tacomas?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

3.4 was in Tacos, 4Runners and T100s 95.5 to early 2000s.

:wabbit2:

skoti89

and that is a great motor IMO. Prob around the same mileage as your 3.0. plenty of power too