turns out it wasn't the timing belt that gave out on the highway. According to the shop, it "is probably a bad valve" and there is no compression at all in cyl no. 5.

meaning, it probably isn't worth it to rebuild it the right way on a 250k mi engine, and my best bet is to find someone who will swap a JDM/lower mileage engine into it.

So, the $500-800 timing belt job has quickly become a $2000+ engine swap, or I can give up and sell the T4R for $1000 and buy a cheap honda civic until I graduate in a year and a half.

This sucks so bad. I can't afford this. My last car (A '03 Toyota MR2) took a fat dump on me when the transmission blew, and I dumped $1500 into that just to sell it for a loss to get a 4runner which I hoped would last forever. or at least until I graduate and get a real job.

damn

Sorry to hear that - I feel your pain. Maybe get a second opinion?

Yeah, I'm towing it to another shop that does engine swaps to see what they think and what they would charge

Good idea. Sorry to hear about your engine. Hopefully you find out some better news.

Sucks in a big way. you should do what ever makes your life easier i.e buy a working cheapo commuter etc. you know'your capabilities and finances make'a'decision based on that. Engine swap is tedious job but not that complicated, a torque wrench' rent a engine hoist, a good socket set depending on your capabilities and tool situation or call around to see if you can get a shop to do it for cheaper. Salvage yard motor or Craigslist parting out would be a good bet pricing wise. It's these hard circumstances that make the the rewards sweeter and build character. Good luck.

yep, but been through this once before. transmission on the MR2 blew, cost $1500 in parts and three months of weekends fixing it myself. a dozen tedious things holding me back like a rounded bolt that took weeks to find a way to saw off without removing the entire freaking engine.

I don't want to go through that again. plus, this time I'm at college in a complex where I just park in a parking lot. and not even as many tools as I had last time, just some sockets.

My money is probably better kept for rent and food, because I'm already struggling... I would go deliver pizzas during school to pay for it but, well, you know.

Commented on your other post; but your profile says your location is SC.

PM me and let’s talk.


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