I have a couple of other threads going with regard to blown 3VZE HG and the 3.4 conversion with regard to CA smog check.

I can buy a reman from Orient. They will also rebuild my motor, if I can wait about two weeks, plus two way shipping time. I live near Pismo Beach, CA and as far as I can determine there isn't a trustworthy and reliable local shop for the rebuild. If someone knows different, please advise.

The motor has 226k miles and has been well maintained since new. I helped the original owner of the 4runner negotiate the purchase new. I ended up with the 4runner when my friend died.

Should I trust Orient to have started with a quality core or should I ship my core back and have them rebuild the original motor?

It occurs to me that keeping the original motor means that years from now, when 2gen 4runners become collectors items, matching numbers might be a good thing for the resale value. ;-)

 

I don't think it matters, either way you are going to get a good product from Orient. FYI though: They do use Fel Pro gaskets for the headgaskets, Fel Pros are cheap, I would ask them to use Toyota