Dreaded Head Gasket Failure - Looking for engine swap advice

[00_4runner]

Hey everyone!

It's been quite a while since I have had time to get on the forum and even longer since I made a post. Glad to see the community doing well!

Anyway... as the title indicates... I have a coolant leak on cylinder #5 and its time to do something about it. I have an 05 4Runner with about 195k and I figure that due to the age and hassle of replacing the gaskets (and all the associated work/maintenance) it will be easier (perhaps fairly similar in cost) to just drop a used lower mileage engine instead.

My main question is... can I swap any 1GRFE 4.0L into its place without worrying that the ECU (or any other issues, tranmission etc.) will prevent the swap from working or create a big headache for me? As far as I can tell, the engine is a direct swap from the V6s found in 2nd gen Tacoma's, FJ Cruisers and 03-09 4Runners. I would like to buy a newer engine (07+) and just drop it in. Most parts sites list that the mentioned V6s are compatible with the above models and years.

Thanks in advance! Picture for attention :wow:

 

[CarolinaLGRW]

I picked up a salvage 1GR from an '07 Tacoma w/85k miles when my HG failed at around 210k... well I'm sure it failed earlier but that's when I started getting misfire codes after a cold start.

It was definitely the right choice over a rebuild, I think I paid around $2800 for the motor and $800 to my mechanic to do the swap. No ECU, trans issues to speak of and I have close to 270k on the clock now. Just make sure the salvage motor was built after 11/2005 I think that's when Toyota fixed the HG issue.

I did have to replace the passenger side cat a few months later but that was probably a side effect of burning coolant and didn't impact performance at all.

Good luck!

 

[00_4runner]

I picked up a salvage 1GR from an '07 Tacoma w/85k miles when my HG failed at around 210k... well I'm sure it failed earlier but that's when I started getting misfire codes after a cold start.

It was definitely the right choice over a rebuild, I think I paid around $2800 for the motor and $800 to my mechanic to do the swap. No ECU, trans issues to speak of and I have close to 270k on the clock now. Just make sure the salvage motor was built after 11/2005 I think that's when Toyota fixed the HG issue.

I did have to replace the passenger side cat a few months later but that was probably a side effect of burning coolant and didn't impact performance at all.

Good luck!

Awesome! Just the feedback I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[AuSeeker]

I picked up a salvage 1GR from an '07 Tacoma w/85k miles when my HG failed at around 210k... well I'm sure it failed earlier but that's when I started getting misfire codes after a cold start.

It was definitely the right choice over a rebuild, I think I paid around $2800 for the motor and $800 to my mechanic to do the swap. No ECU, trans issues to speak of and I have close to 270k on the clock now. Just make sure the salvage motor was built after 11/2005 I think that's when Toyota fixed the HG issue.

I did have to replace the passenger side cat a few months later but that was probably a side effect of burning coolant and didn't impact performance at all.

Good luck!

Awesome! Just the feedback I was looking for. Thanks!

The build date you need to look for is 12/05 or later, 11/05 and before still had the old head gasket design.

 

[rumfoord]

I had the same thought when my HG failed in my 2005, went back and forth on swap or repair. Opted for repair, I know that's not what you're looking for but just keep in mind doing the rebuild will give you piece of mind knowing what's going on in the engine vs buying something that could have issues like another HG issue. Yes there are theories that the design changed at a certain point but found it hard to find a concrete "this year is good". Then trying to find an engine in that year range was another challenge. Anyhow, just wanted to put that out there.

 

[earthrealm]

for an engine thats already been pulled from the truck, is there a way of checking the manufacture date??

 

[00_4runner]

for an engine thats already been pulled from the truck, is there a way of checking the manufacture date??

As far as I've been able to figure out, no there isn't. That's why I've been looking for an engine out of a newer Tacoma/FJ

 

[hinmo24t]

was telling someone the other day that it is nice owning my 4runner (140k on 2004 v6) running well overall...its nice owning this rig as opposed to financing (financed a wrx before my 4runner, stupid decision on my part)...and though it might be a little insensitive, and i hope it doesnt happen, but if HG or transmission goes, its nice knowing i can worst case spend about 3k and have her up and running again. hoping to have this thing for a long time.

 

[Ventil8]

I concur!

was telling someone the other day that it is nice owning my 4runner (140k on 2004 v6) running well overall...its nice owning this rig as opposed to financing (financed a wrx before my 4runner, stupid decision on my part)...and though it might be a little insensitive, and i hope it doesnt happen, but if HG or transmission goes, its nice knowing i can worst case spend about 3k and have her up and running again. hoping to have this thing for a long time.

I bought my T4R brand new in feb 2005 and have 164,500 miles. If/when a HG fails I've debated whether to spend $3000?on an engine swap or repair the HG or buying another 4R. Currently, I'm planning to keep my 4R for a minimum of 20 years and I would totally spend the money to get it up and running. A helluva lot cheaper than buying a brand new 4R and I would not finance a new $40,000 4R either. I did stupid money stuff in my 20s, one of them was financing a brand new 4R. Lesson learned and that's why I take care of her so much. Our 15 year anniversary is coming up next year

 

[mechahayai]

I know this is an old thread, but I have an 05 V6. I'm currently looking for a motor/tranny combo to swap. Will both the motor and tranny from a Taco or FJC slip right in or will I have to swap over electronics with it?