[Geerlijd]

So last weekend I took a gamble and bought a 2005 4Runner SR5 4WD with 113k miles that wasn't running for $4500. I was hoping it would only need the head gasket, but got into it further and I think an engine replacement is best.

It clearly was severely overheated, top of radiator actually melted a little, and there is no compression at all. I think working on this motor is a lost cause, so I'm looking at options for replacement.

Options:
1. Buy a used V6, I have quotes on 2010-2011 Taco 4.0's with 40-60k miles going for $2800 - 3000 delivered. If I do this, I will likely swap motors myself.
2. Rebuild - Local mechanic will pull the motor, send to a good local shop (Holland Automotive Machining) for a full rebuild. Cost would be $5400 total and includes 1 year unlimited mileage warranty.
3. Sell, I should be able to get my money out of it, but really like the truck so I'm not inclined to do this.

Let me know what you think, and if you have any leads on a low mileage used motor in good shape.

[xPMAx]

A buddy of mine replaced his 3rd gen v6 through this site. Worth a free quote to see if you could get new for the price of rebuilt.

Crate Toyota 4Runner Engines for Sale - Crate Engines for Sale

[RPS13]

Is there a reason you can't swap in the same generation of V6? Replacing an engine is actually not hard at all. I'd rate it easier than a head gasket job on a V6 personally.

It really does just drop in after you make some space, then it takes very few bolts to put it in.

Go with the same type/year range of engine so it goes right in (don't try to swap in a later dual VVTi engine or something like that - odds are the factory changed something significant that'll make it very difficult to complete).

[CookieRoe]

Originally Posted by RPS13

Go with the same type/year range of engine so it goes right in (don't try to swap in a later dual VVTi engine or something like that - odds are the factory changed something significant that'll make it very difficult to complete).

THIS. 100% agreed. Get (don't try, GET) the same year engine and you should be good. The VVTi motor is different not to mention some cam sensor plug is different as well. Basically little details that make the swap a royal pain.

[Geerlijd]

Can you explain what's different?

So far, I'm seeing 2003-2004 4runners have one version of the V6 and 2005+ have another version. I'm looking at LKQ and they show 1GRFE 4.0L V6 fitment interchangeable for:
2005-2009 4runner
2005-2007 FJ Cruiser
2005-2011 Tacoma

I had heard the 2004 sensors didn't line up with 2005+, but is there another change I should be aware of? My 2005 has the VVTi engine . . . so I was leaning toward 2010 - 2011 Tacoma engines since I was able to find 4-5 year old engines with ~50k miles.

Thanks for the help.

[iBison]

If it were me I'd either get an 06 or later or if using an earlier one I'd replace the head gaskets while it was out, but that's just me, after having the #6 cylinder leak.

Where are you located?

[Geerlijd]

West Michigan

[iBison]

Originally Posted by Geerlijd

West Michigan

I bought a couple parts of a guy in the Chicago suburbs that was parting out an 04. If you want to contact him I have his number.

[nivlak]

Or this could also be a great time to get a V8!

[Geerlijd]

I'm leaning toward a 2010 or 2011 Tacoma 4.0L V6 replacement, since it seems interchangeable and is low miles.

Regarding the V8 option, is there a write-up on this? I have the V8 in my other 2005 T4R and love it. They are about half the price, but I have no idea what electrical gremlins I would find after the swap.

[Geerlijd]

Thanks for the offer on the 2004. I've seen write-ups indicating that has a different camshaft position sensor location, so I'm looking newer. Also 2003 - 2005 V6 seems to have the worst head gasket performance. A newer engine uses an updated head gasket which has seemed to be better.

[Geerlijd]

Thanks for the feedback. To close the thread, I ended up buying a used motor from 2011 Tacoma with 70,000 miles. Cost was $1900 for the engine, $250 for radator, water pump, thermostate, and $2100 in labor (decided not to install myself) = $4250.

[robaroni]

Keep us updated on how it turns out. How long the install takes? Any issues? Difference in performance?

[Walkenvol]

car-part.com is how I would have gone...find a lower mileage one that had been smashed all to heck in the side or back. Pull the motor and whatever else I needed. Part out whatever else was good and then get a couple of bills at the crusher. Played right, the engine might turn out to be little to no cost in the end.

[CookieRoe]

Originally Posted by Walkenvol

car-part.com is how I would have gone...find a lower mileage one that had been smashed all to heck in the side or back. Pull the motor and whatever else I needed. Part out whatever else was good and then get a couple of bills at the crusher. Played right, the engine might turn out to be little to no cost in the end.

Good point, BUT, how would you know "how good the engine is". I have a friend who constantly pulls motors from junk yards and install them on other cars. Sometimes you are good to go, sometimes you are completely effed. Sucks after all that work.

If my HG goes, I would prefer to get a reman even though it will cost ONE BILLION DOLLARS more, but at least I'd have the piece of mind that the engine is practically new.

I guess it depends how much aggravations you are willing to gamble with.

Sorry OP, I don't have a place I can recommend to you for a motor.