Engine Rebuild vs Swap Cost

Chandler_Ross

Chandler_Ross

New member
So my 5vz has been knocking for some time. I believe I have two separate issues with it. One has been diagnosed as a piston slap due to the motor being run hot, most likely melting the piston skirts. The other sounds like a broken wrist pin or flywheel. The piston slap quiets down after it's warm, but it's still there. The other sound is more of a tapping at idle after the motor has warmed up. Long story short I'm faced with two options. Rebuild or swap. Not knowing how extensive the damage is, should I even consider a rebuild? And I'm really looking at this from a cost effective standpoint. But I don't want to sacrifice future reliability. Other than the knocking, I don't have any issues with how it runs. No shuttering or stumbling. No power loss. Cranks up every time and has never given me any problems. I'm sure it's just a matter of time though...

With that said, I'm really just hoping for someone with the same type of situation to chime in and offer some guidance. I've seen rebuild kits go for about the same as a used motor. And all of the local used motors around here have pretty high mileage. Does it sound like a rebuild is possible? As far as I can tell, them motor performs like it should. It just sounds like crap. And my God is it embarrassing...
 
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Buy a low mile used engine from Japan. There is a store in Dallas selling these engines. IF you can find locally, make sure it is running before purchase or ask for a warranty.

Rebuilt toyota engines are not really good as an untouched toyota engine.
 
nissanh said:
Buy a low mile used engine from Japan. There is a store in Dallas selling these engines. IF you can find locally, make sure it is running before purchase or ask for a warranty.

Rebuilt toyota engines are not really good as an untouched toyota engine.
Click to expand...

Why Dallas? Links? Just planning for a in-case scenario.
 
I meant to ask this in the beginning, it was almost the main point of the thread. Haha. What would the ballpark price be for a rebuild? And how much for a swap? I plan on having a mechanic do all the work since I don't have the tools. Or the know-how. Assuming it's done right, with no cut corners, how much should I expect to pay?
 
I think both route is going to be very costly. you can always go to the junk yard and pick up a few hundred dollar motor but you don't have any garantee it'll run for a really long time.
 
Found a few JDM motors for around 1300. Also found a few local ones with about 135k to 160k on them for around 800. I really wanna try to find one with about the same mileage as mine if I don't go the JDM route.
 
Chandler_Ross said:
Sounds like there's a story there... Haha. As in way too much are we talking 1500-2000 too much? Or higher?
Click to expand...

The majority of your cost will be labor. Since that's the case, I'd say don't go with a used motor with an unknown history. Get a long block from a reputable company. No point in skimping on the motor to save a few hundred when the labor is going to cost well into the thousands. Search around and you'll find when it's all said and done if you do it right with quality parts and work your bill will likely be between 3-5K. At that point you may consider buying another rig and selling/parting out yours.

That being said, you can save a ton by pulling the block yourself. It sounds intimidating, but there are ton of resources out there to help you. And really, since you won't be rebuilding the motor yourself it's a matter of unbolting and disconnecting and then putting it back together, nothing too complex. Take your time and you can work through it. The few special tools you need you can borrow, rent, or even purchase since it's relatively inexpensive compared to dropping the truck off at the shop.

If you do decide to have a shop do it, the margin of difference between used, rebuild, or long block is small compared to labor costs. Do it right with quality, don't skimp there. That'd be penny wise and pound foolish.

Best of luck!
 
Chandler_Ross said:
Also found a few local ones with about 135k to 160k on them for around 800.
Click to expand...

This would be ideal if it has a warranty and you could drop it in yourself. Plus you'll get to know your rig a LOT better. 800 + miscellaneous crap/gaskets/tools and you can probably be back on the road for 1000-1200...
 
Yes, I think that's safe to say. It's a time consuming job.

You can call a few reputable shops in your area to get a few ballpark estimates.
 
There's a reputable guy around here that will do the whole swap for around $3000 including the used engine. I'd say $3000-$4000 out the door would be more typical.
 
Sell it to me and let it be my problem... :)

I'd swap in a used motor and call it a day. For the most part these 5VZ's are pretty damn tough. I bought a used one with over 200K on it for $350. Dropped it into the truck, ran like a champ.

The motor swap in these isn't terribly difficult either. I'd suggest maybe finding a few local forum members, throw some beer and food at them and get to work. You could do it in a day.
 
PitbullRescuer said:
Sell it to me and let it be my problem... :)

I'd swap in a used motor and call it a day. For the most part these 5VZ's are pretty damn tough. I bought a used one with over 200K on it for $350. Dropped it into the truck, ran like a champ.

The motor swap in these isn't terribly difficult either. I'd suggest maybe finding a few local forum members, throw some beer and food at them and get to work. You could do it in a day.
Click to expand...

Too bad Chattanooga isn't full of people like us who like working on their runners. I would try to do it myself. I'm just afraid I'd do more harm then good. I did some research online and I keep seeing labor in the $700-800 range for just having a motor pulled and put back. Any reason why this wouldn't be the right ballpark for a 4Runner? Most of the info I found was on jeep motor swaps. Go figure... Lol
 
I know this thread is old but did you ever get your engine switched out because I'm in your same shoes and wanted to know the outcome
 
this is hilarious.... 2500 for an engine rebuild...

okay, IF one did their own work, and took the long block to someone to rebuild, the cost is almost as good as a JDM...

Five Star Engine Exchange

these guys are in phx, I called today and they quoted a 3.4L toyota would roughly be 1400 out the door if I brought my own engine, this would be 100% new parts in the entire engine. with a 1 yr warranty on the engine itself unlimited miles! (long blocks only)

I've had them build a 200ci for my mustang before, had great experience with them and true to their word/work.

turn around time is what ever you need, they can rebuild your engine or rebuild one from their stock.

now I know this doesn't help people out side of az, but it's the idea that there are shops out there that can rebuild these engines. I recommend digging locally.

a 1300 JDM engine with "low miles" or a 100% rebuilt engine with a 1yr local warranty
 
Only way I'd go rebuild is if I rebuilt it myself using only OEM parts. I've estimated that it would take nearly a decade once you consider my desire to work on cars coupled with my OCD. Engine and tranny rebuilding is as shady as bodywork that doesn't involve an insurance claim. I'd recommend the JDM route. Whoever mentioned $3000-4000 for a swap has been getting screwed on auto repair.
 
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