sell or fix

so i have a 2nd gen in pretty good shape, only thing is the head gasket blew not to long ago, i’ve called around and to get estimates on swapping the motor and it in the ball park of 8,000. i’ll leave pictures of it let me know what you guys think i should do! all the advice is appreciated because i’m super torn about selling it.

 

Just finished mine. $1800 Japanese import, used 3.4L. $2000 fee to install by private mechanic in Colorado who has completed 2 successful swaps. Replaced clutch and radiator along with the engine. All associated additional parts (ex. Wiring harness, crossover pipe, etc. $3000).

 

damn dude, unfortunately i’m in california.

 

I’m curious what you might ask for it and how far from Las Vegas you might be.

 

I would check around more for prices on motors. That sounds really high. Search out some other Toyota people, you might find a hook up.

 

i’m looking to get 4,500 for it and i’m located ab 7hr from vegas

 

search around for crate motor..or a good used one...

 

Check with some of the facebook groups.

 

1mil X FIX!!!

 

the only problem is, my original plan was to swap in a 3.4 but after talking to some mechanics, i would have to get the truck inspected by the bureau of automotive repair since it’s not the stock motor. basically they were telling me i should just swap in another 3.0 if i want it to be my daily.

 

$5k for swap with new block. I know Japanese mechanic who does superb job.

 

WOW that red paint looks great!!! Is that original? $8k repair awe man idk. 8k and what you can get out of that beautiful would make a decent down payment for new T4R though.

 

So if it’s just a head gasket why are you looking to swap out the original engine ? Did it overheat to the point you think it may have damaged the bottom end.

I’m just thinking you could get the MLS kit from LCE, I’d do the timing belt and water pump too if you can wrench. If not take it all to your mechanic, have the heads resurfaced, maybe buy new head bolts too and have him do it. Should be way lower than 8 grand and your back on the road with a good 4Runner.

 

I just took another look at your pics. That 4runner is beautiful, I won't part with it. In 10 years from now it will be worth 15k. Just food for thought.

 

What do you want to do with it???

Drag race or creepy-crawly off-road stuff?

Honestly, that truck is pretty so replacing the head gasket is my vote, fer-sure. Less than $1k.

 

Well for sure I wouldn't spend 8000 on it. I believe you can find someone to do it much cheaper than that. If the bottom end is good I'd just do the head gaskets. I would expect to pay no more than $2000 to have that done and probably less than that. Plus, unless you find just the right person it's gonna be hard to get $4500 for it with it needing major work. I know they're kinda valuable now but assuming it did cost $8000 to fix it, the new owner would have 12.5K in it before he could even drive it. Good luck whichever way you decide to go with it.

 

1995 3.0 to 3.4L swap....
Vehicle Purchase+Engine Swap w/ Clutch, Radiator & Muffler TOTAL $8,200

See file attached.

EN

 

So what de you decide to do?
I did a little research on what it would take to repair your head gasket. Now I have never done one, but this video makes it seem like you could do it yourself. Check out this guys complete collection of videos. Worth the time. Keep me informed of what you do. Thanks and I hope this helps.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFX_Xq9WHTI

 

LOL Chaos. Love the image.

 

It is a link