Engine replacement: Used, JDM, or Remanufactured?

[mtbtim]

I always appreciate your input, Tim and your videos have helped me a bunch in the past. I will take any well-meaning advice from anyone to help me make the best decision.

I'm leaning away from the used engine, bit my mechanic threw me a curveball today. He looked at me and cocked his head as he asked, "have you thought about an LS swap?"

What do y'all think of an LS swap?
My biggest goal with any decision will be dependability and longevity. That said, I sometimes pull a small camper and the thought of more oomph is attractive. It will continue to be my main daily driver.

If you're going to consider an engine swap, why not keep it Toyota and do a 2UZ Swap? The 4.7 liter V8 is a bomber engine. Some have hit the million mile mark.

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[JWaldz]

First, [MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION] & [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] I think you have both established that this is a very large forum and not everyone is always going to see eye to eye, so please discontinue the back and forth on the post. If either of you feel personally attacked, please reach out to one of us mods or the admin and we will address the situation outside of any threads.

Second, [MENTION=218705]Skunkworks[/MENTION], having been in this position, it's honestly personal preference. My level of comfort, value, and mechanical knowledge is what ultimately led to my decision.

I personally replaced my engine myself when my #3 cylinder went. Going that route, I went with the best engine option for me at the time, buying a used engine from a mostly Toyota junkyard. This was not only affordable but minimal maintenance for myself to make work.

Of course, I inspected what I could before time of purchase to deem the engine in working condition, as well as bargained my way into a 1 year warranty, which most junk yards don't do (I knew an higher up employee there, so that probably helped).

What works for others though may not work for you. Make the choice that's best for you, you and your family's time, and the bank account.

 

[Endlessblockades]

If you're going to consider an engine swap, why not keep it Toyota and do a 2UZ Swap? The 4.7 liter V8 is a bomber engine. Some have hit the million mile mark.

This question comes purely from my own ignorance, but can you do that swap on a biannual-smogger as recent as a 3rd gen in CA without a whole bunch of BAR hassle?

 

[octanejunkie]

With 114k miles I’d think about buying the used engine and replace the head gaskets and timing belt and Check the valve lash.

Do you know the compression of the used engine?


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That would likely void the warranty

You could also do a head tear down to see exactly what your dealing with before deciding which course of action us best for you..

This is what I would do, personally since it's half the work to a swap and if no cylinder damage, a rebuilt set of heads keeps you on your bottom end.

 

[brillo_76]

I know folks like the jdm engines. I am just wondering if they are realizing that they may have low miles or km on them. If i am not mistaken, Japan is an island and quite a bit of it is large cities. So with that being said.

How do you know your jdm engine hasn't idled enough to have 100 to 200k miles on it? With lower oil pressure at idle, is it possible that low mileage engine has quite a bit of wear on it?

I know they say low mileage but so does the local junkyard or the crate engine someone is selling used. Most junkyards will lots of time guarantee an engine for 90 days.

Granted, I guess they can compression test the engine to verify its good and fully functional.

I was just thinking about this and maybe they have a crazy engine and transmission inspection procedure that answers all this..

 

[mtbtim]

This question comes purely from my own ignorance, but can you do that swap on a biannual-smogger as recent as a 3rd gen in CA without a whole bunch of BAR hassle?

Well, we're talking about Commiefornia. Will it go easy with the smog referee? I think it depends who you get as your referee. If all the smog components are there and there's no CELs, yes it can pass smog in Commiefornia.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Well, we're talking about Commiefornia. Will it go easy with the smog referee? I think it depends who you get as your referee. If all the smog components are there and there's no CELs, yes it can pass smog in Commiefornia.

Thank you, Comrade!

 

[mtbtim]

Thank you, Comrade!

Hey Comrade, are you gonna join the Timmy the Toolman party on September 10th at my place in San Jose?

 

[rukia]

I went reman on my 2002 Limited and don’t regret it. Yes, it was the most expensive upfront, but it’s been dead reliable. I thought about JDM and used engines in stock, but there’s just too much guesswork. Used engines in stock are hit or miss, and warranties mean nothing if they fight every claim.

 

[Previologist]

Anecdote is pretty worthless, but here comes one anyway. I have 65,000 miles and 5 years on my JDM Previa engine. I have had no problems and no complaints.

 

[jgue467]

When my time comes....my choice.

Toyota Engines

 

[Hungryhawk]

What I missed or possibly not stated in these posts is during your 265,000 miles when did you adjust the valves? I would rule out a valve problem before tossing the engine.
I have read exhaust valves get tighter with deposits over time and miles, which matches up with causing compression loss.

 

[wjamyers]

When my time comes....my choice.

Toyota Engines

I'm looking at them now, 9 month lead time .

would you mind summarizing your conclusions about "why them"?

I've been out of it for a long time and not following along who, what, why, etc.

 

[BuffaloBass]

So far our $3400 "GEARHEAD" reman is running well. Well for 185hp/215 ft lbs that is.

Great oil pressure. ( almost too much!) No leaks. All good.

Would i pay $5500 for a 185 hp 5VZ from YOTA1. No friggin' way.

My 13 Highlander has some scoot. I may have done an LS or more likely a Cumming RS2.8 swap into the 4 runner if i wanted to spend 5K plus. 181 hp is hard to adjust to for a old man that drag races. Either one would be + 200% more ft lbs. Forget about HP, its FT LBS we need.

Yet the TacoYota ( Mexican) rebuild from GEARHEAD is running flawlessly. Coming up on 1000 miles and ready to switch to 100% synthetic 5-30. Will she run good for years??? Donnow yet, but i can recommend them.

Even though i may have to put a BLOWER ( TRD) on this 5VZ before it sees 7000' altitudes again. old farts dig TORQUE.

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