Hi all,
I've read some threads on here about rebuild vs used (JDM's), and they provide some good info. I have a couple of questions that weren't covered in what I read, and of course everyone's experience is at different levels and I wanted honest answers based on my level.
Situation - I have a 1998 & 1999 SR5, both with the 3.4.
The 99 has the Toyota Supercharger on it and is a 5 speed manual. It has 194K miles on it, and when I used the Autozone OEM compression tester, 5 cylinders showed 120psi, and one was 100. It does run very strong still, though.
The 98 does not have the Supercharger and is an automatic with 172K miles. The compression tester showed 5 @ 120psi and one at 140 (that one throws engine check lights now and then and runs rough now and then but not constantly).
My thoughts were to get a long block from a junk yard or someone parting out a wrecked 3.4 and have the machine work done, buy a kit, and start building it up. Once built up, swap it into the 1998.
Then tear down the old one from the 98 and rebuild it for the 99 (the one with the supercharger).
Before I get into my questions, I'll let you know my wrenching level. I have been able to fix almost everything just by using a Haynes manual, and have ended up with good results. I have never, however, torn down and swapped an engine - on my own. My brother is a big diesel mechanic and has rebuilt many large diesel engines along with big block Fords. I've even helped him do 2 swaps on a Ford 460 and he's walked me through doing bearings and rings (years ago). I have him on speed dial, but he's across the country.
OK, questions -
1. I assume that when I pull the 3.4 out of the 98, I should be able to take that bell housing off and put it on the 3.4 short block I just rebuilt. Is that correct? Same for the 99 manual transmission?
2. Since this isn't a turbo but a supercharger, I assume that having a supercharger on one and not the other should NOT pose a problem doing what I outlined above?
3. I've read a few threads about rebuilding these 3.4's and some seem to mention that there are some tricky parts to it that seem to be specific to Toyota 3.4's. Are there parts of this rebuild that will fail due to secrets known only to those who have trained for these engines? Know what I mean?
4. 3rd generations are 1995 - 2002. When looking for a long block to get myself started, can I get any 3.4 from this range?
For now that's all I got.
I've looked at JDM's, and there's even one avail now for $1050, but I really don't want to be doing this again due to putting in a used one.
Then there's the Yota shop offering a short block for $1450 and a long block for $2900. I figure that the long block priced there will be about $1500 more than me doing the work, and the cost of the 2 rebuilds.
I guess worst case I can always fly my brother out to help do the rebuild (done it before), but he's never worked on Toyota engines.
Thoughts?
Thanks
I've read some threads on here about rebuild vs used (JDM's), and they provide some good info. I have a couple of questions that weren't covered in what I read, and of course everyone's experience is at different levels and I wanted honest answers based on my level.
Situation - I have a 1998 & 1999 SR5, both with the 3.4.
The 99 has the Toyota Supercharger on it and is a 5 speed manual. It has 194K miles on it, and when I used the Autozone OEM compression tester, 5 cylinders showed 120psi, and one was 100. It does run very strong still, though.
The 98 does not have the Supercharger and is an automatic with 172K miles. The compression tester showed 5 @ 120psi and one at 140 (that one throws engine check lights now and then and runs rough now and then but not constantly).
My thoughts were to get a long block from a junk yard or someone parting out a wrecked 3.4 and have the machine work done, buy a kit, and start building it up. Once built up, swap it into the 1998.
Then tear down the old one from the 98 and rebuild it for the 99 (the one with the supercharger).
Before I get into my questions, I'll let you know my wrenching level. I have been able to fix almost everything just by using a Haynes manual, and have ended up with good results. I have never, however, torn down and swapped an engine - on my own. My brother is a big diesel mechanic and has rebuilt many large diesel engines along with big block Fords. I've even helped him do 2 swaps on a Ford 460 and he's walked me through doing bearings and rings (years ago). I have him on speed dial, but he's across the country.
OK, questions -
1. I assume that when I pull the 3.4 out of the 98, I should be able to take that bell housing off and put it on the 3.4 short block I just rebuilt. Is that correct? Same for the 99 manual transmission?
2. Since this isn't a turbo but a supercharger, I assume that having a supercharger on one and not the other should NOT pose a problem doing what I outlined above?
3. I've read a few threads about rebuilding these 3.4's and some seem to mention that there are some tricky parts to it that seem to be specific to Toyota 3.4's. Are there parts of this rebuild that will fail due to secrets known only to those who have trained for these engines? Know what I mean?
4. 3rd generations are 1995 - 2002. When looking for a long block to get myself started, can I get any 3.4 from this range?
For now that's all I got.
I've looked at JDM's, and there's even one avail now for $1050, but I really don't want to be doing this again due to putting in a used one.
Then there's the Yota shop offering a short block for $1450 and a long block for $2900. I figure that the long block priced there will be about $1500 more than me doing the work, and the cost of the 2 rebuilds.
I guess worst case I can always fly my brother out to help do the rebuild (done it before), but he's never worked on Toyota engines.
Thoughts?
Thanks
