YotaTech Forums - Questions about installing a new 3.0

Ok, so long story short, i have a 93 4x4 Pickup with the 3.0L that i somehow ran 4 quarts of oil low, which i dont know how since i checked the oil 2 weeks prior and the truck never smoked or leaked oil. Im still in the process of tearing the engine down, but its looking like im going to need a new one.

I'm new to the toyota 4wd world, but i have been doing a bit of research and reading in the last few weeks and ive seen all the engine swaps and what not, and after looking at the cost, ive decided to get a remanufactured long block from a reputable builder. I kow that many of you will say go with the 3.4L, but fact is i don't want a used motor that im not familiar with.

So, with that being said, i know that 3.0's are famous for leaks and head gasket issues, mine had 235,000 miles on it with no leaks and no blown gaskets, and if it wasn't for the oil issue it would still be going. Doing my little research, i read that installing headers helps out alot with getting rid of trapped heat and allowing the heads to run cooler, which really helped with the head gasket issue. Im pretty positive im going to go with the Doug Thorley headers, but my question is, is what exhaust components do i need to keep and which ones do i need to leave off... from what ive been reading the collector needs to be left off correct ??

Also, please keep in mind, this is a daily driver vehicle for work and occasional weekend play, so its not strictly an off road vehicle.

So thanks for your replies and also, any advice on where to go for a good reputable engine builder to get the long block kit would be greatly appreaciated !