I recently sourced a donor for my 5VZ swap that I mainly chose for the ECU and wiring harness. I picked up a 1998 M/T 4x4 4Runner with 300k miles and blown head gasket for cheap, while the head gasket was blown, I mainly wanted the 1998 ECU and wiring as it was pre-EGR but relatively universal in the ECU pinouts, etc.

As for the engine, I see a few different paths I could go and I’m curious about feedback from folks that used JDM engines, etc. These are the options I’m seeing:

1. Yota 1: Most expensive. Bite the bullet and have the engine rebuilt by Yota1 Performance. This is the most expensive option for me and is the only thing keeping me from doing it. I want the build done right and Yota1 knows their stuff, however their rebuilt 5VZs have gone up to starting at $4500 not including freight (~$500, I live in Michigan) one way, plus the shipping to California for my core which would probably be just as much if not more than the core charge of $500 itself. It’s a bummer I waited because only a couple years ago these were $3500, but that’s what happens. If I lived local I’d go for it, but this is tipping the scales for what’s reasonable for me.
2. JDM engine: This option is becoming more appealing. I can transfer all the stuff I need over from the 1998 donor I currently have and I plan on doing new timing belt, cam and crank seals, knock sensors, injectors, etc. anyway. The only concerns I have are the somewhat gamble that JDM engines are. Yeah everyone says 45-60k miles, but how do you really know? You also don’t know if you’re getting MLS or composite head gaskets till you get it. Curious if anyone has used JDM engines what their longer term experience was.
   
3. Lower mileage donor: Because I’ve got the ‘98 donor I could really pull any 5VZ and transfer over what I need. I might be able to find a sub-200k mile donor engine or wrecked donor and pull and swap. This would be possibly the cheapest but also a lot of work.
   
4. Rebuild the motor I have. This option is a tossup because parts add up quick, as would getting the block magnafluxed, bored, heads decked and pressure tested, etc. This would also take the longest.

The JDM option is pretty appealing, the main thing stopping me being the cost for what might be a gamble for what you’ll get. What are folks’ experiences with JDM engines that used them for donors?

 

Time aside, the only way you really know what you've got, is to choose your machinist, source your own high quality parts at the best prices,
and build an engine yourself.
Hard to go wrong following the FSM
Engine parts are not that expensive.

 

I definitely agree there. I've always found if you want something done right, generally do it yourself. The only reason I mention Yota1 is they've done tons of these and seem to really know the tricks that only come with time and experience.

As far as cost to do it myself, I figure about $1k for rebuild kit with pistons, bearings, etc., $300-$400 for complete gasket set with MLS gaskets, $1k-$1.5k to have the long block gone over (magnaflux, bore and hone, crank and cam polish, decking heads, etc.) which puts that at $3k so far not including time. I'm not saying it's out of the question, it's just worth consideration. If I pull a lower mileage USDM motor or a JDM motor, I could basically swap it right in after gaskets and seals and still have it gone over much later down the line if I ever wanted to.

 

Team,
i am looking for 5VZ- FE
service Manual

 

I’m also looking at these same options. I’ve found a few jdm retailers near me and planning to visit them when I get a chance, I figured if I visit the shop and see if there’s any inspection of the engines ie: compression test, then I can tell what shape the jdm engine is in.. I’ve rebuilt engines before and unless your shop is rigged up for it, then the tooling can get expensive. It’s also time consuming and if it’s your daily driver (like mine) then you don’t want your truck down for long.

my plan is to get a engine, on a stand , then replace everything. Including head gaskets and studs. I want to boost the truck once the engine is 100% .