I would contact some of the various Toyota dealers that sponser sites like this and get a quote from them for an engine. If nothing else to compare. Might find out it is about the same price from some of them.

Basically go to some of the Toyota boards and look through the Sponser sections and call up the toyota dealers.

This one sponsors the MR2 site: http://www.lithiatoyotaparts.com/par...?siteid=215542

Think custom tacos has one as well not sure about this site.

 

Something to think about in this age of poor quality control!!

Most engine sellers will stand behind there products but since your paying for the install your people are not going to swap a engine for free.

Went through a nightmare with this a few years ago

 

OP, not sure where you're located but I'd steer clear of "brand new" or reman'd engines. My experience with them in 2 previous vehicles (both 1st gen 4Runners, both 22RE) is that the bearings and pretty much anything rubber go out on these things after 10 - 30k miles. Sure they're "brand new" or "professionally remanufactured" but they don't always use the best quality parts. And the "brand new" engines are usually sourced in China and are complete crap.

With your engine, what makes you think a junkyard engine is going to be better than the one you already have in your vehicle? In my opinion you're just buying someone elses problems... its a total crap shoot you really have no idea how the previous owner maintained their vehicle... whereas you know exactly how you've maintained it. If you've been that hard on your truck that you're not confident the head gasket is your only problem, the gamble on a used OEM engine might be worth it... but if you've been good and the only thing wrong with your current engine is the head gasket, I'd say take it to a reputable marquee specialist (i.e. a garage that only does Toyotas) or the dealership and have them give you their assessment.

Cheers,

Ryan

 

Replaced gasket at a cost of around $1600. Hope it lasts. 180k on truck today, let's hope I get to 280 before any more major engine problems.