Sell or Fix? 3VZE engine

CodeButcher

CodeButcher

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A buddy of mine has a 94' SR5 4x4 Auto. He just found out cylinders 1 and 6 are losing compression. He's looking at an engine rebuild. He's debating whether to sell his T4R or get the engine rebuilt. His T4R is pretty much stock but well kept and garaged. I don't think he's got more than 150k miles on the clock. How much do you guys think it's worth?
 
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Agreed, 3.4 swap. Not that much more than a rebuild. I love my 3.0, but IF it ever dies on me, the 3.4 swap begins h same day.
 
Probably worth only $500-1k with a blown engine, and I'm being generous. I'd probably just rebuild the original engine, sounds like blown head gaskets. The problem I find with buying a used engine, is , you never know what condition it's in. With the $ saved from building the original block, I'd put in a new factory brass/copper rad, NWOR headers, and maybe upgrade the heads.
regards
 
After some searching and reading, it's easier said than done. Cost wise, the shop I had my engine rebuilt cost me about $1700, top and bottom.

Though a 3.4 would be better, it's a matter of cost on a limited budget.
 
77'911 said:
Probably worth only $500-1k with a blown engine, and I'm being generous. I'd probably just rebuild the original engine, sounds like blown head gaskets. The problem I find with buying a used engine, is , you never know what condition it's in. With the $ saved from building the original block, I'd put in a new factory brass/copper rad, NWOR headers, and maybe upgrade the heads.
regards
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It's not a blown head gasket, it sounds more like the rings are broke. I thought the same thing, but it's both heads. It has not been overheated. It was mis-firing so he changed the plugs, wires and rotor. It was a little better, then the mechanic did a compression test, and 1 and 6 was really low like 30, I believe. It still runs, though not very well.

My other buddy bough a 93' 2WD for $600 with a real blown engine (rod stick outside of block). He had a fun time locating a engine, finally deciding to rebuild a donor engine just to be sure he got a good engine. He ended up putting $2000 into, and still needing some parts.
 
You might be able to find a working 3.0 cheap. Heck, I'll sell you mine for $700. Lol!

Finding a used running engine might be the way to go on a budget, but........
 
I would reccomend staying away from used. I bought two used motors that were both junk. You are way better off buying a rebuilt with a warranty and giving the old one as a core. Much less down time too.
 
Footofgod said:
You might be able to find a working 3.0 cheap. Heck, I'll sell you mine for $700. Lol!

Finding a used running engine might be the way to go on a budget, but........
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I would probably take you up on the engine, if you were close. ;)

I think the his engine block is sound, it just needs the cylinders re-honed and rebuilt.

It's hard to find a good running engine. My other buddy could not find one or did not look hard enough.
 
I called a guy who I got some parts from recently. He just happen to have a good engine already pulled out and is asking $300.
 
If time and money are an issue, buy a used motor for cheap. Do the headgaskets while its out of the truck, throw it back in and go.
 
I did everything else but the headgaskets... probably because i found out about the 3.4 halfway through the rebuild.

I didn't see if you had it apart or not, but it depends on the damage. mine had a cracked piston.
 
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