Looks like I need a new engine for my 91 4runner. Old engine is kuput...blew head gaskets...i don't even know where to start...Need help on where to find a new engine or even a used one.

V6, SR5, 4 wheel drive.

anyone have any ideas?

 

pull the heads have them resurefaced get new headgaskets put heads back on. or find a new motor ebay or wreaking yards

 

It all depends on how much you are wanting to spend as you could do a 3.4 swap. But rebuilding your might be cheaper, might be more expensive. Just have to figure out what you want, then we can give better advice. Otherwise everyone is gonna tell you to drop the 3.0 and get a 3.4.

 

I am thinking I want to get a rebuilt engine as my old one has over 250k on it...

 

Can't you get a crate motor from Japan, with like 30,000 miles on it for like $600-$700?? I have been looking to do that to my '91 runner - but i can't find where to get those... I just heard through the grape vine that you could get those motors... anyone around here know???

 

I am in the same boat you are in https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/r-i-p-3-0-you-were-good-me-60275/

Keep in mind that if you put another 3.0 in there, you risk it blowing again. This is one of the reasons I decided to swap in a 3.4.

 

Try Midwest Engine Supply in Cleveland, OH.
They sell used Japanese engines that are compression tested and have a 1 yr warranty (If I'm not mistaken). I bought an engine(3.0) from them several years ago and it cost about $1100.00 IIRC.

Keep in mind, You wil have to re-use your intake plenum, exhaust manifolds, and a few sensors since these engines are not US spec.

Overall, I was happy with the whole experience.

 

It went 250,000 miles. How big a risk was that?
There are a lot of sources for rebuilt engines and overseas imports. Use Google. Check Ebay. Use the search feature here on Yotatech. For starters:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615
http://www.jasperengines.com
http://www.enginesr.us
http://www.powerpro2000.com
http://www.reconengines.com
http://www.orientengine.com

 

Use Orient Engine (that last link from Flamedx4). The engine is $2000 and that includes shipping it to you and shipped the core back to them. And it has a 3 year warranty. That is where my engine will come from if it ever comes to that.

Man I just looked at their site and they went up $200.

 

I think your least expensive option would be a top-end rebuild. As long as you didnt hurt your crankshaft/block, that might be all you need. Maybe while you are in there, you could get your ports englarged (and get oversize valves) and polished. That might gain you a few hp, something the 3.0L desperately needs.
You could also do a 3.4L swap, but unless you know where to find a 3.4L that is all there (electronics, intake, ect) it might be a lot of work and expensive. However, I think that overall the 3.4L would be a better engine than the 3.0L.
Cap'n

 

I was in the same boat a few years back.
Head gaskets had leaked, cyl walls were pitted. Compresson lost in two cyl.
It needed an overhaul.

Went the 'rebuild' way.
I priced out some options and was convinced by a 'builder' that the rebuild was the way to go and that he'd get me twice the power.

After over a year of downtime, $10,000 and getting royaly screwed by that 'builder' (a company called Dead On Arrivial Racing owned by Tim Jenkins) I finally got it running.

It's got maybe 15% more power than stock. Only really good thing I can say is that while the power still comes on at 3000 just like stock it doesn't run out at 4500 like the stock engine will. This one will pull hard up to about 5500, then it tapers off until it hits the revlimiter.

Frankly I'm totally disgusted with my 3.0 and not one more dime will go into it's repairs (other than maintenance.) When it gives up it's outta here.


For the $ & time I spent on this FPOS I could have put a LS1 in with a whole new driveline.


If I had it to do over again I would NEVER put a penny into the 3.0, just not worth it. The return on investment just isn't there.
Price out a Vortec conversion. I think you are under $2500 and you'll have way more power.

 

Ditto... They're great folks to deal with and they don't charge for the core until 30 days from original shipping.

Highly recommended.

 

With over 250k on the bottom end, Id look at a full top and bottom rebuild or a replacement of the engine. Cost should be a big factor here.

If you can get a top end rebuild for pennys, and you are looking to sell within the next year or so, then that might be the way to go. If you are looking to hold onto it, then a new engine would be the most likely way to go unless you can get your engine fully rebuilt for quite a bit less than an engine replacement.

Reason I say this is that most engines dont go over 300k without the owner having the bottom end done. So why sink the cost for a top end rebuild when its really close to needing a bottom end also, unless you do it yourself for little cost or have a buddy.

Ive heard good things about Jasper engines. Thats about all I can contribute.

Monstermaxx, Ive been down that road myself. I wished Id spent the money in a different way.