Considering an engine swap in Guatemala

[bordertrouble]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 92 V6 'Runner in Arizona, which I drove through Mexico to Guatemala. I need to return to the US in a couple of weeks. I'm considering having an engine swap done here in Guatemala where the labor is cheap (about $12 an hour for a good mechanic).

I'm looking for advice, specifically:

My motor has 191,000 and has had the head gasket recall work. Compression is 115 in four cylinders. 120 in 1 and 110 in another.

My mechanic thinks he can find a motor with less than 100,000 miles and better compression. He thinks he can purchase the motor and do the swap for about $1200 US.

Does this sound like a good idea? What can I do to confirm the condition of the new motor? Is there anything I should look out for? The mechanic is German and has a very good reputation.

Will I have any issues crossing the border with a new engine VIN? Is there some kind of paperwork I need to fill out?

I'd appreciate any thoughts. In general, the 4Runner is in OK shape. No rust whatsoever, but the body has a few dings. I've repaired a few minor issues with the electrical system.

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

How can you even be sure that the current engine is the original?
Here's a piece of advice for you... If you do an engine swap... Don't mention it to your local DMV! The less they know the better.
No one is going to notice (or care) if your engine is not original, as long as it's the same or what they would expect to see in the vehicle.

 

[92-SR5]

If you are down there throw a diesel in that thing. It will triple the value in the states.

 

[4runnin83]

If you are down there throw a diesel in that thing. It will triple the value in the states.

And X99999 The value here on the forums

 

[KidVermicious]

I think I wouldn't want to drive from Guatemala back to the US on an engine I didn't know, unless you're comfortable with the idea of abandoning the truck if it goes tits up.

 

[4runnin83]

I think I wouldn't want to drive from Guatemala back to the US on an engine I didn't know, unless you're comfortable with the idea of abandoning the truck if it goes tits up.

Back in the day my dad used to buy shitty cars for 500 bucks or so, when they died he'd leave them on the side of the road w/ the title on the dash lol.

 

[fourwd1]

If you are down there throw a diesel in that thing. It will triple the value in the states.

But due to emissions regulations you wouldn't be able to tag it in about 45 of them.