97, to swap, rebuild, or call it a day?

[Edwardbikenski]

My son and i bought a 97 4runner 3 yrs. ago - all records, one owner, head gasket recall done @70k, 180k, $4300, Nor Cal. The head gasket has blown! 230k now. Retail shop estim. $2500, our mechanic (we are not auto mechanics beyond the basics) won't touch it cuz, "... it's a design flaw, and it will happen again..." But after reading a bunch on this forum and Yotatech, it looks like many owners ARE swappin' or rebuilding (but they are usually accomplished mechanics...).
If we rebuild: HG, timing belt, thermo, H2o pump, clutch too. Can we expect to get a another 100k or so?
If we swap: we need sugg. on motors. Don't want to put same in again if there IS a design flaw with the HG? We are in CA. It must smog when done. Is there a motor swap that might afford better MPG? (40 mi. a day to college - gas $ is killin' him). I've read about Chevy and Ford swaps... Calif. smog legal???
Or, should we just call it a day?
thanks
Dad

 

[runnyrunnerton]

I too have wondered this same thing. I want to supercharge my motor with 205,000 but was thinking of doing a full top end rebuild first. New head gaskets, remanned heads, TB, water pump etc. In the end is it cheaper, smarter to just buy remanufactured motor and swap it in?

 

[Steve240]

I would not recommend an engine swap. You will be into a lot more than you expect and will pay much much more than either fixing your current engine or buying a newer engine.

If I were you I would look for an engine out of another 3.4 engine out of something a little newer but which uses the same ecu so you don't need to do any wiring.

I'm not sure what the design flaw was with the head gasket. If it is a manufacturing defect in either the block or the head then your mechanic is right and it will fail again. If it was a probably with the gasket it's self than just put a new one in. I'm sure someone who knows more about that will chime in. I'm also interested as I have a 97 but it was never called for recall.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

No offense, Edward, sounds like your mechanic is confused between the 3VZ-FE and 5VZ-FE.

The 3VZ-FE blows head gaskets due to the block and head expanding from heat at different rates. You'll find this motor in 2nd gen T4Rs.

The 5VZ has some valve cover leak issues, but head gasket failures are not a common flaw.

Head gaskets are a tough job, but I'd never pay $2,500. IMO, find a new mechanic who knows a little more about Toyotas. This guy doesn't seem to know what he is talking about.

My first mechanic worked on all cars that came in. He frequently gave generic advice and used generic crap for parts. My current mechanic is a Toyota guru, who knows and drives 4 Toyotas. A good mechanic is invaluable.

 

[PNWRunner]

HG failures where a rare problem in the 96-97 5VZ, but it was strictly a problem with the gasket Toyota used and they would usually go in the first 50k. Ask me how I know...

I would replace the t-belt, tensioner and rollers, and throw some new HG's in there. You could easily watch it go another 200k.

 

[Edwardbikenski]

'93 4Runner not 97 derrr...

My son's 4Runner is a 93. It has the 6 cyl. 3VZ motor, not 6 cyl. 5VZFE.
I'd still like to hear opinions rebuild vs. swap
and if we swap, can we swap in the 3.4 5VZ motor?
derrr
Dad

 

[PNWRunner]

In the first post you said you have a 97, now you say you have a 93...

a 93 with a 3vz and 200k is worth its weight in scrap, refer to above if its a 97.