Ok guys talked to ORS today and they said the 3.4 would not work with my '95 auto trans due to computer problems. So i need to get this Runner back on the road asap so i guess my question is should i replace the head gasket or i can get a remanufactured 3.0 from Nippon Motors for $1500.00. Do you think the new motor is a good idea since it will be drop in or would i be better off to just replace the head gasket on my motor now. If i go with the head gasket should i look for any particular brand on gaskets and what else should i replace while i have it tore down. Any advice would be great, thanks

 

or you could put in a 5-speed

 

Or you could use a tranny out of the newer runners and bolt up a dual ultimate.

It only takes money.

 

Why don't you get the tranny that went with the 3.4L?
I am sure they have that for sale as well.

The easiest will be just to replace the head gasket if there is no engine damage.
If you suspect damage, go with the remanufactured motor or do the swap.
The swap will be satisfying but a hell of a lot of work and money.

 

I would love to put in a 5 speed but this is the wifes Runner and she hates to drive a stick. Thats why i gotta get this done asap because the only thing she has to drive right now is my Taco and its a 5 speed. So you see where im coming from?

 

Thats the other problem not sure if there is any damage. My wife said the temp gauge was buried in the red zone a couple of miles from the house so who knows what may be damaged. Im thinking the remanufactured is the choice at this point. You guys think $1500.00 is a good price?

 

thats not a bad price since i got quoted $1200-$2000 for 3.0L's with 90,000-200,000 miles on them. the $1500 is for a remanufactured one right? heck toyota quoted me $110 for a new dist., timing belt, labor the fix my motor and i said heck with that and out came the 3.0L and in fell the 3.4L

 

Ya know I hate to say "told ya so" But these are the kind of things that really kind of get to me when everyone jumps on with "throw in a 3.4" and have never done such a swap.. If just the HG was blown, he could of had the truck back for $300 in parts..

 

Is this the place? http://www.nippon-motors.com/toyota.htm

If so, I didn't see the 3.0 listed, maybe I missed it.

 

Yea thats a remanufactured but just not sure what i wanna do. $500 for parts on the headgasket or $1500.00 for motor and a lot more labor. Geeeeeez im not sure what to do

 

how many miles are on your motor right now?

 

Remanned will be the safest bet for sure.
Check with these guys for a good deal:
http://www.nippon-motors.com/index.htm

 

a guy in a thread started by 914runner on the odw says you can use your auto. he might be worth talking to. 914runner's thread

 

Go with the motor. Here's why IMHO...
I'm in the middle of a head gasket issue myself. The dealer has replaced the head gaskets THREE times, in the matter of a month. Still hasn't used new headbolts. I've stopped giving him yotatech tips...he doesn't tell ME how to put out fires.
Now, you'll hear people here tell that they did it 200k miles ago, and it's still going. But there's been a lot of posts lately on the subject (Is that weather-related, or are the symptoms just more noticeable when it's cold?) and some people are saying 60K, 20K, 80K. Do a search on head gaskets and 3.0. Maybe a poll is in order...asking those who have done the headgasket repair what their second choice was, and would they rather they did that?
Costs for repairing the head gasket, at a shop, are astounding. Expect $1500 - $2000, as it sounds like there's gonna be some warpage due to the overheat. Run out is 0.0039 or less over any 2" span. The cylinder head will need a trim. The block might need to be replaced. $$$$ .
Just to open it up to check the damage can cost, too. Ball park guesstimate $2000.
Yes, if you have the skills you can DIY for a lowball $300, but a head gasket is not the job for a rookie wrencher.

If you can get a 3.4 for $1500 and then jam it in (2" lift, or hoodscoop required) for $500-700, your almost even. Except you'll have a solid motor with some options to build on.

I didn't do the swap. My wrenching skills are just getting to that point. NEXT time (there WILL be one ...it's a 3.0) I'll do the swap!

YOUR best option ...3.4 with the 5 spd. Teach the wife how to stickshift with the original clutch. When she's got it (and she will) do the clutch...WIN/WIN

 

If you have the skills I would do as Blair suggests.
If you are not at that level, I would go remanufactured....if the motor really redlined, it is not to be trusted.

 

I like Blair's idea...teach the wife a 5-speed and be done with it. That will be a nice setup in the long run!

Fink

 

If the engine is not damaged, then obviously leave it be.

If you want a new engine, get a 3.4

Then use one of the A340F tranny with adaptor to a gear drive case. This will allow you to source any 3.4 you can rather than being limited to ones that came in front of a stick.

I think that bolting in an auto rather than going through the hassle of adding a 5spd along with the engine availability make that part of it a no brainer.

 

Yeah that remanufactured was a 3.0 from Nippon Motors but wasnt listed on their site I had to call them. My motor now has 160,000 miles on it. I guess i will call some places today and see what the cost of the 3.4 motor and auto trans to see what the cost is.

 

Why don't you PM UKMeyers because he has talked to several people that have already gone through the swap before and can at least give you some emails and phone numbers. I think you should talk to someone that has done it already and they can answer your questions about what engines / tranny combo you really need and what will bolt up to what and work correctly.


I am not sure if you read this thread or not but you definately should.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...5&pagenumber=1