5VZ-Fe install used or rebuild?

[kball]

I found this

Engine Changes
Engine changes are legal as long as the following requirements are met to ensure that the change does not increase pollution from the vehicle:
The engine must be the same year or newer than the vehicle.

The engine must be from the same type of vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, etc.) based on gross vehicle weight.

If the vehicle is a California certified vehicle then the engine must also be a California certified engine.

All emissions control equipment must remain on the installed engine.

Vehicles converted to 100% electric drive, with all power supplied by on-board batteries are considered in compliance with the engine change requirements. All fuel system components must be removed prior to inspection. For additional information contact the ARB helpline at (800) 242-4450


Here

Replacement Parts Guidelines - Aftermarket, Performance and Add-On Parts Regulations

 

[kball]

Oops, never mind, I think as long as it's a 3.4 it would fall under Engine replacement...
So any year would work.

Replacement Engines
Entire engines can be replacement parts. As with any other replacement part, the engine must be identical to the original. If the replacement block or engine is obtained without emissions equipment, all the equipment from the original engine must be installed on the replacement block.
If the engine is not identical to the original then it is not a replacement part, instead it is considered an engine change.
Engine changes are a modification that must meet certain requirements to be legal (please see "Engine Changes").
Japanese Replacement Engines
Used engines imported from Japan can be used as replacement engines as long as the engine being used has been identified as functionally identical to the original engine. Please refer to the engine importers catalogue to determine if a replacement engine is legal for installation in your vehicle

 

[NTORACN]

A video of my tapping/knock noise.
YouTube - SDC11417

 

[NTORACN]

Gotcha. I'm starting to realize how loud this issue is.


I don't wonder if you have a broken or messed up piston skirt? Piston skirts that are messed up are usually louder at idle, and tend to quiet at higher rpm.

^That caused this sound:

YouTube - Turbo Neon Dyno (2.0L w/ stock SRT turbo)

UPDATE!!!

I pulled the motor back qn 1/20/11 and found 2 hurt pistons pictured above. Then on 1/25/11 I was involved in a VERY serious motorcycle accident. I've had 3 operations thus far to try and save my foot, and I have at least 2 more to go. Need less to say, I haven't rebuilt or replaced the 4 runner motor as I'm unable work on it. I'm hoping to get back into it once I get my foot issue resolved. I guess my son will have to drive my restored 1980 FJ40 until we get his 4runner fixxed. Any good sources of used engines here in So. Calif that you can share with me? Not sure if I'm going to rebuild mine or stab a used one in.

 

[BrianSD_42]

@NTORACN: Where is So-CAL are you?

I can recommend an honest shop in San Diego area, they specialize in Toyota Trucks and have *very* good rates. The Truck Shop, located in Miramar San Diego. Link >The Truck Shop - San Diego - Toyota, Lexus, Scion

I just went through a huge engine ordeal myself.

Sorry to hear about your foot man. Best of luck.

 

[NTORACN]

update

Just a correction, the hurt pistons looked just like the one's pictured by the previous poster. I used his pictures to show what my hurt pistons looked like.
Just got out of the hospital from a very complex skin graft surgery. 5 days in ICU then another 5 days in a regular hospital room. I hope to install a used 5vz into my 4runner once I get a little better and the doc gives me the OK to start playing in the garage again. Being off work for the past 5 months is gonna make this project harder to complete, any good used motors in the So. Calif. area that anyone knows of to help a brother out?

Thanks

 

[LittleCaesar]

I was in a head restraint to let the swelling in my spine subside for 6 months after falling down a mountain 200ft on a mountain bike that had no brakes outside Flagstaff. Not fun, but life moves on. I kind of looked like a miniature Frankenstein. Nothing but time and a high degree of will power can heal ya.

I would imagine Brian2sun would be able to help out since he seems to always have a good bead on what is in the local yards out there.

You can always try: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

 

[brian2sun]

I was in a head restraint to let the swelling in my spine subside for 6 months after falling down a mountain 200ft on a mountain bike that had no brakes outside Flagstaff. Not fun, but life moves on. I kind of looked like a miniature Frankenstein. Nothing but time and a high degree of will power can heal ya.

I would imagine Brian2sun would be able to help out since he seems to always have a good bead on what is in the local yards out there.

You can always try: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

I'll see what I can find..

 

[NTORACN]

I'll see what I can find..

Thanks for any heads up on a motor. Hoping the doc lets me start walking and getting back to work soon. 5 months off work sucks! Thanks for the help.

Randy
1998 4Runner 3.4L