Hi, I just bought a 1993 4runner sr5 4wd with 222,000 miles and a blown head gasket, for 700. Shes a little rough but she'll clean up nice. I've seen head gasket (valve covers ect) sets on ebay for around 50 bucks and 75 including head bolts. I've also seen a set from engnbldr.com for around 120 + headbolts. I was just wondering if anyone has had problems with the ebay ones. Should I wait 2 weeks till next payday and go for the engnbldr one? Or should I go for a different set entirely? Should I stick to OEM headgaskets? Should I get the headbolts as well? Also is there any better manuals than the FSM? Do you guys think I got a good deal?

Here's some pics for fun

 

Do not purchase head gaskets for the 3vze off ebay!

I choose to go with the Rock Gaskets for mine. They've performed flawlessly for me.

 

What would you recommend? I'd like to get a whole set

 

http://www.engnbldr.com/toyota_30_v6.htm

 

Sorry, to slow to edit that in time.

I'd by the set sold here.
http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/product122.html

I've been very impressed with the quality of the parts I've purchased from that site. Not too mention his prices can't be beat!

Edit: Yeah, that one, I knew it was there somewhere!

 

isn't that the same set engnbldr sells for $129 shipped?

 

Is it?

The one I meant to show there, finally found and editted in, is $99 + shipping.

http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/product122.html

I know he sells D&J Rock Products too, so it probably is.

 

HGS 950 Valve grind gaskets with seals 94.00 10.00 S&H @ engnbldr $104 total.

Total $113.36 with UPS shipping @ PD.

 

Aha!

Well like they say "a penny saved is a penny earned".

No reason not to by from engnbldr then. Highly reputable parts dealer is he.


Oh yeah, almost forgot, this is why you shouldn't by a set off ebay.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f123...askets-191393/

 

yeah don't get me wrong, I ordered my first timing chain set from PD before I knew about engnbldr. He's a good guy over at PD too.

 

Very clean Runner chad!
I'm jealous of those seats.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys.
I'm just gonna wait 2 weeks till next payday and get me the PD gasket set, bolts and timing belt and get it all done right at once. I'll just use this time to give her a much needed cleaning and minor repairs.Lol and thanks, she's 5 hours old to me xD. The drivers seat actually has a good rip on the side but the others are perfect

 

The FSM doesn't recommend replacing the bolts(unless damaged or they've failed or appear as though they might).Though I never have replaced mine, and have reused them twice so far, I won't argue that it's not a good idea to. If you can afford them, then by all means do. Timing belt is a good idea too. You probably don't know when the last time it was replaced if the vehicle is new to you. Smart move!

 

you said thats rough for $700? i think its actually pretty nice.

Don't bash me guys, but i've always had good luck with fel-pro gaskets form autozone and similar stores. idk just me, you guys tend to frown upon autozone stuff