What all would I need to install a JDM motor in my 4runner?

Blown head gasket on my 1996 4runner sr5 fwd, and might as well just get a motor with less wear and tear and miles. Saw where JDM has them for around $2800 but do I need to get a swap kit or what?

 

How do you know it will have less miles?

My engine at 291k miles purrs. If it popped a HG, I'd just replace the head gasket as long as I wasn't stupid and overheated the engine.

But if you go with a newish motor, I'm not sure why you'd need anything? You have everything already with your old engine. Just swap over whatever comes missing or isn't right. The block\heads which is what you're really buying should be the same across all cars using that engine version.

Now as far as..."while I'm in there is there anything to replace?" I'd get a fresh TOYOTA rear main seal and replace that on the new engine.

 

JDM's average about 50,000 miles, though that's 50,000 Japan miles.

 

How do you know?

Every junkyard says their stuff is low mileage.

Everyone knows it's a lie. How is JDM any different?

 

I can't prove it, but I'm confident in that average based on research and discussions with importers before I bought one for my van. I've also seen pictures of them torn apart. But its an average, so YMMV. You never know how many miles any given JDM engine has on it. Given Japanese laws though, getting a very high mileage one isn't likely.

 

Is that a 5VZ? it seems like you could do better than $2800 if all you need is the engine.

 

Emissions equipment on the jdm might be different.