Hey gang. I found a local motor for sale from a 1999 4runner with 228K. It has low compression and had "low power" when it was pulled. No wiring or ECU, just the motor. He's asking $350 obo. I would definitely talk him down, but would this be worth buying to start my swap?

My thought is that I can build it up a little stronger as I plan to have forced induction. I know it's a gamble and that there is going to be a lot of other items to my spend my money and time on during the swap (into my 1988 4runner 5 speed), but is buying a motor for this price that may only need a top end rebuild worth it?

What would you pay?
Am I crazy and should I just hold out for a donor truck with a good motor and 5 speed?
I'm in no hurry as my 3.0 is hanging in there and it's topless season!

Thanks for your advice and opinions!!

 

Uh; no electronics are the most costly part of any swap. No wires/ ecu I walk.

 

I think we all agree if your doing the 3.4 swap get the complete donor vehicle if possible.

If not then get a complete running engine with the engine harness and the ECM.

 

Save for a donor truck. The parts and pieces will add up quick. The donor may even have a better motor. It is out there, just got to be patient and search for it.

 

Ok ok, I'm holding off on this. Thanks everybody!

 

Terrys87, I was just glancing through your "Wifes 88 4Runner Rebuild" (great work by the way!) and it gave me a thought. What if I could snag this motor for a couple hundred bucks to use as a rebuild and still pick up a donor truck down the road? I've had my 4Runner for a decade and don't plan on it ever getting rid of it (I know, anything can happen). When I finally do the swap I would love to put a nice and freshly rebuilt motor in.

I got this idea when you said you were putting the current motor back in the 88, but had a fresh rebuild to throw in later.

I tend to overwork and over engineer. That being said, when I find a donor and let's say it's got 150k, I'm still going to want to rebuild it even if it runs good.

So what's too much to pay for this engine?

 

If it is just a top end rebuild I would think that is a fair price. I do like having a spare motor and tranny readily available so if I need one I can just throw it in. I have three trucks with the same drive train in them so it is handy to have. It justifies it for me in the long run.

If that motor came with the coil packs, sensors and other electronics that are good on it, those parts can add up quick. I dont know the 3.4 but what I have paid for oil pans, ac pulleys, manifolds and nuts and bolts a piece at a time can get expensive if you are not careful. What I do like about a slow and steady project and staying with the same drive train is you can build at a pace that fits your budget and time.

On a 22r motor I have bought 3 motors and I can buy them for what it cost to build one in my opinion. A rebuilt has some warranty where as my work I am the warranty. Not sure if that applies to the 3.4 motor, never built one.

The advantage of building one is I spend 25 a week on my projects so I can go slowly. Machine work can add up fast and when you bore one, the parts list just grew as well. Buying a rebuilt is a large chunk up front but is faster. Just depends on how fast you want it done. When money isnt an issue, I prefer to buy one already built. One reason I like working on projects, I can take my time and enjoy it. Working on a daily driver and even doing the same repair as on a project takes the fun out of it.

If it is a hobby and all hobbies cost something I would say go for it. For the time you are going to spend on it, you wont get your moneys worth for it but it sure beats playing golf in my opinion.

 

I should have updated this with some info I got last night. The motor is complete with all sensors, coils, power steering pump, alternator.... The guy swapped in a good 3.4 because he didn't want to rebuild.

 

I bought a coii for my 3.4 and it was 90 if I recall right, a rebuilt alternator is 100. Just some of the other thing you mention I feel it would be worth having.

 

That is a very good point. I'm going to check it out this evening and at least turn the crank by hand. If nothing else I'll have parts to use or sell.

Thanks for your thoughts and I'm looking forward to reading through your build threads!