Should I put a new motor in my 93 4runner or juust put a new headgasket in this one and send off the heads??

I can get a 3.4l motor for $1,500 (my roomate works at a salvage yard) but arn't they a biotch to get in?

and the headgasket is going to cost about $1,500 labor and all.. =o/

 

How many miles on your 3.0L?

If you know someone who can do the engine swap, I'd go that route. Be prepared to spend a whole lot more money though.

Jim

 

yea see we just want the thing to run so I can drive it instead of the mustang!

and the 3.0 has I think like 150,000?

 

Well, you could get some more mileage out of that 3.0L. If all went well with the gasket replacement, you could probably add another 100k onto the mileage.

I might have to reconsider my vote. Sometimes you just gotta stop dropping money into old things to keep them going. The headgasket is Ok in my book...it is a repair to keep you going.

The engine swap might not be worth it. Take a serious look at the condition of the rest of the vehicle. Is it worth keeping it through the life of the 3.4L? Or, would it be better to do the gasket, sell it, and buy a 3rd gen...?

Just some points to ponder,
Jim

 

Good rule of thumb for an engine swap is to double your initial estimate to cover the OSIFAT factor (oh s*** I forgot about that), mabye a bit less for the 3.0-3.4 swap.

 

1500 doesnt sound like a discount deal. I just got a '97 V6 3.4L 55k put in my '96. Got the engine for $1500 off http://car-part.com/. Install was $1000. Second time around install was $800.

 

mm If I had a '96 I could get the engine installed for $400..BUT I have a '93. So it's not going to be as easy..

 

If the truck is just a winter vehicle, then I would just get the old engine fixed.

 

The $1500 I was refering to was the price for a 3.4L motor. You mentioned that your friend works at a salvage yard, thus I would think you could get one even cheaper since I got mine for $1500 knowing no one.

 

Hmmm. That's kinda hard for me to answer. If you have the $$, I'd just sell it and get a 3rd gen. However, If you don't have the $$ for a 3rd gen, then I suppose new head gaskets would be what I would do unless swapping for 3.4 would be cheaper.

You should have a head gasket recall on that, right? Or did I miss something (very possible).

Have fun all.
DH6twinotter

 

Get the 3.4!

 

I'm considering a 3.4L swap with a TRD S/C. Would be a nice setup.. maybe even a 3.8 v6 Chevy Vortech and Vortech S/C it.

 

I just went through the same problem. After replacing the valve cover gaskets of my 1993 Hilux Surf, in December, the head gasket blew on the 10th of January. As much as it broke my heart, I couldn't see sinking anymore money in a 10 year old vehicle.

Since I live in Japan, I bought the 2003 Hilux Surf SSR-G with the 3.4L engine. Scheduled for delivery on 5 February.