Engine seized... swap engine or sell?

So the engine blew on my very beautiful '94 2nd gen 4Runner
We had a very special last week together up in Acadia but..
while driving probably a little too fast up in the mountains what was a small oil leak tuned big somewhere along the way and it seized up , yes i know this could've been avoided I did check the fluids before I left, I knew there was a small leak- I will feel horrible forever because I love that truck so much please don't ask me if I checked the oil) something blew im not sure

long story short I am trying to figure out if I should spend the money for an engine swap
*I am looking for a reliable / trustworthy mechanic near Pittsfield , ME to give me a realistic quote

OR
Attempt to sell the whole thing with the shit engine
She has beautiful bones , great wheels , new shocks and other parts underneath , engine bay is clean it was on the west coast and shipped over I had been driving it around town and then took her on a big trip and that was the end of that motor ) interior has a lot of wear on drivers seat but others are okay (I keep covers on the front seats and no one knows !)

if there's anyone interested in this for parts or to do an engine swap themselves I will take any offers


Also if you know any good mechanics preferably near Pittsfield Maine all recommendations and advice appreciated

Ps I am currently on strike (local 829 with the writers) so money is tight for a bit BUT I love this truck more than anything

I can accept this could be the end... maybe



she's very pretty , black , v6 4x4 3.L (blown) engine , in Maine .

Sorry this is long will add photos asap
any help appreciated

 

Money tight sit on it and drive something else. Hopefully you have another vehicle. Repair when money isn't tight.

Or sell it.

 

I agree, either wait until the strike ends and money is no longer tight or sell as is or for parts.

Edit: if you decide to swap engines, do the 3.4 swap. More horsepower and better MPG's.

 

I'd mothball it until your financially stable. You'll be doing a 3.4 swap, but I'd wait until after you were getting income again.

If you can store it there are some procedures you should carry out so it doesn't end up being another worthless faded 2nd gen in a field.
1. Drain as much gasoline from the tank as possible (ethanol gasoline goes bad fast and can ruin a fuel system). Using stabilizer wont do enough.
2. Overinflate the tires to 50 psi this will prevent flat spots from forming
3. Disconnect battery
4. Give it one last wash and wax so nothing is deteriorating the paint
5. Buy a car cover if parked outside
6. Put peppermint extract pods (I recommend ones by Victor) in the vehicle and under the hood, these actually repel mice unlike those scam ultrasonic things. You'll have to replace them from time to time, but critters are the enemy of vehicles being parked a long time.
7. Chock the wheels, leave in gear, and don't use the handbrake (they can seize after a while)

If you don't have the space to store it, sell it.

 

You'll always regret it if you sell it

 

anyone know a rough price estimate on the swap from 3L to 3.4L..... i know its bad but how bad ?

or if looking for buyers ....should i put it on facebook marketplace?


really appreciate all of the input / help

 

If you sell it, you will regret it 'til the day you die. Do the engine swap. (Stuff an LS in it)

 

Here is a link to a 3.4 swap thread on the YotaTech forum. This will give you an idea of what is involved in a 3.4 swap.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f160/

Here is my $.02….

If you want a 3.4 under your hood, buy a 3rd gen 4R.

If you want to keep your 2nd gen, buy a rebuilt 3.0 “long block”. Any competent mechanic can remove the engine and swap all of the accessories to the rebuilt engine and reinstall. Clean rust free 2nd gen 4R’s are getting hard to find.

Good luck.

 

My condolences. I also have a green 94 just like that. Mine had the HG blow earlier this year and we went with the swap. Local yota specialist shop had a low mileage wrecked 3rd gen that they harvested from. All in all, I think I was out around $7k. $5.5k for the parts and the rest for labor. The expensive parts aside from the engine were the new exhaust headers, engine wiring harness, and the ECU for a manual truck. It's not all sunshine and rainbows on the other side though cuz I've had gremlins to work out like them not hooking up the 4wd vacuum lines and a high idle for some reason. I think it will be worth it years down the road but it's been a headache of a year. Wish you all the best.

 

She is beautiful. Keep her!