Who else will be rebuilding their engine/transmission when it comes time?

[OldRigNewParts]

#FromMASStoo. A well cared for motor is good for well over 300k no problem, 400-500K is doable. My current 3rd gen, I bought with 1 quart of oil in it from a jackass (low oil switch wire was broken off), and it was running a long time with suuuuuper low oil with 139K on the clock. I filled it up and drove it 30K more. It was ok at 1st to my amazement, then it started to use like a quart a day. I dropped motor from a rust bucket scrapper with 112K, bought it for $1,200 had a guy install it for $500 (which is way super low, its 20 hr book time), I'm at 235K on that motor now, runs good.
I do about 1K highway miles a week. I have good luck with wreck motor swaps, Tacoma also. Only needed to swap cause of idiot abuse factors, like radiator completely empty. I tried a used 3rd gen auto trans swap on my last rig, it only lasted me about 3 months, I won't do that again, just rebuild. I scrapped that rig at 330K, original good running motor with blown auto trans.
Motors are worth the swap. I think there are enough good motors around in the rust belt that it makes sense looking for a good low mileage swap. (I like to see it in the car running with verified mileage with digital odometer, or paperwork to verify analog clock before I commit) Its cheaper than a motor rebuild, and quicker unless you rebuild another donor motor while you're still driving your rig. The 3rd gen motors are legendary.
My current 3rd gen has a 5 speed and the 1st/2nd syncro is getting crunchy with 280K, So I'm swapping it out with a scrapper I just bought that I drove 90 miles to test. I'll keep the old 5 speed transmission for a rebuild.

I guess that my hesitation about buying a donor motor, you never know what it's been through. I know exactly how this truck has been used since new because it belonged to a close family friend who babied it all the way to 190k and most of that was highway miles. Even though it might cost more to rebuild the motor, I would be much more comfortable doing that than only having an idea of what I'd be getting in a donor motor.

 

[Scramble]

I was really,really into saltwater aquariums for a while.. still have this one. But at one time I had 5. If my wife knew how much I had in this thing....[emoji15][emoji15]

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Very nice, they're a lot of work. I've always had turtles. I have one tank now.
I'm also in high end audio/vinyl & home theater. I'm a Metalhead & Audiophile, my stereo goes to 11! :becky:

 

[OldRigNewParts]

This ^^^ Like any other hobby or anything you are enthusiastic about, it’s more a labor of love. I’ve seen a lot of Runners on here that I would hate to even ask how much was spent on them..most of them know they will never get the money back that the have shelled out, but if you enjoy it at the end of the day, that’s all that matters... and never tell your wife how much things really cost..[emoji15]



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It's insane to think you'll ever get any money back from a 3rd gen build. It's not in classic truck category yet and even if it does reach classic status, it'll be decades before you'd ever see any ROI. I battle with myself knowing how much money I've been pouring into my build and I know if I had to put it up for sale tomorrow, I would be lucky to get $5-$6k for it. Once you start thinking of it as less of a thing and more of an experience, like a vacation, it makes everything feel better.

 

[Topgun]

Sourced my JDM through a garage in Kansas City that specializes in Honda, Acura, Lexus & Toyota (primarily a tuner shop). But prior to purchasing through them, saw them on line in the $800 range.

Quick google search yielded ... https://jdmengineworld.com/product/jdm-5vz-fe-engine-only/

I know nothing about jdm engine world or their engines that was just the first result I got.

I used to be a Acura Tuner Junlie back in the day and became a big proponent of low mileage JDM engines.

 

[gamefreakgc]

This ^^^ Like any other hobby or anything you are enthusiastic about, it’s more a labor of love. I’ve seen a lot of Runners on here that I would hate to even ask how much was spent on them..most of them know they will never get the money back that the have shelled out, but if you enjoy it at the end of the day, that’s all that matters... and never tell your wife how much things really cost..[emoji15]



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My wife knows and she's ok with it. She's awesome! I should get her something special for Valentine's day.

 

[OldRigNewParts]

My wife knows and she's ok with it. She's awesome! I should get her something special for Valentine's day.

You're lucky, man! Every purchases begins with me trying to explain why I need this. I just tell her everything is for safety.

She saw that stupid Hyundai commercial in MOAB and instantly gave me the evil eye.

 

[Ifirefight]

It's insane to think you'll ever get any money back from a 3rd gen build. It's not in classic truck category yet and even if it does reach classic status, it'll be decades before you'd ever see any ROI. I battle with myself knowing how much money I've been pouring into my build and I know if I had to put it up for sale tomorrow, I would be lucky to get $5-$6k for it. Once you start thinking of it as less of a thing and more of an experience, like a vacation, it makes everything feel better.

I’ve seen it over and over again when I did auto body restorations.. someone would bring in a bare bones mustang and want it restored, I would try and explain that it will cost about the same to restore a nice convertible or fastback and those would be worth more in the long run. But every body had a sentimental attachment to the vehicle so it had to be that one..
I Watch Barrett Jackson auction and cringe at some of the prices they let them go for.. I know they have 3 times that amount in them. Not all but a good portion do.
Again, it’s a labor of love NOT a smart investment to get a return on your money. In the end it is worth whatever anyone will pay for it... don’t get me started with my firearms collection...[emoji849][emoji849][emoji849]


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[aontkos]

Unfortunately I had to go the remanufactured route when my transmission died around this time last year. It was an easy choice to make since my engine is running well and my truck is virtually rust free (and a new transmission is cheaper than a whole new vehicle), but there always seems to be mixed reviews on most remanufactured engines and transmissions. I made the choice to spend more in order to get the best warranty possible, which meant that I bought my remanufactured unit from Jasper rather than Toyota. Time will tell if that was a good choice...I'm still skeptical that the remanufactured transmission will last as long as the original.

It will be interesting to see how these decisions change through time. I'm not terribly knowledgeable about this, but I believe the 5VZ-FE was not produced after 2004. It's going to be more and more difficult to find low mileage units to swap in. I wonder how long the JDM engines will remain relatively cheap?

 

[Scramble]

I’ve seen it over and over again when I did auto body restorations.. someone would bring in a bare bones mustang and want it restored, I would try and explain that it will cost about the same to restore a nice convertible or fastback and those would be worth more in the long run. But every body had a sentimental attachment to the vehicle so it had to be that one..
I Watch Barrett Jackson auction and cringe at some of the prices they let them go for.. I know they have 3 times that amount in them. Not all but a good portion do.
Again, it’s a labor of love NOT a smart investment to get a return on your money. In the end it is worth whatever anyone will pay for it... don’t get me started with my firearms collection...[emoji849][emoji849][emoji849]


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I watch those BJ auctions on Velocity too. Someday I'll get an old Muscle car. Cougars are cheaper than Mustangs & I think they're better looking, 1969 351 Cleveland Convertable! Also 442's are cheaper than Chevy's & Pontiacs... Old's dont seem to go for as much. ah to dream! LOL I've seen restored 1950's pickups go for 15K, you know there's at least 50k in that restoration!

 

[Ifirefight]

I watch those BJ auctions on Velocity too. Someday I'll get an old Muscle car. Cougars are cheaper than Mustangs & I think they're better looking, 1969 351 Cleveland Convertable! Also 442's are cheaper than Chevy's & Pontiacs... Old's dont seem to go for as much. ah to dream! LOL I've seen restored 1950's pickups go for 15K, you know there's at least 50k in that restoration!

I live here in Palm Beach, go to the BJ auction every year.. I sware I’m going to go one of these times with 10k in my pocket and see what pops up..


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[BrianSD_42]

Definitely curious who has actually done or paid for rebuild, kept it vs selling and then how long has it lasted.

Also what is defined in this thread as a rebuild. Top end, bottom end? What are you talking ...

I went ahead with the used engine swap. There is risk in every choice.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Definitely curious who has actually done or paid for rebuild, kept it vs selling and then how long has it lasted.



Also what is defined in this thread as a rebuild. Top end, bottom end? What are you talking ...



I went ahead with the used engine swap. There is risk in every choice.

To me a rebuild is main and rod bearing replacement. Pistons and rings. As well as rebuilding the head. And then putting it all together. If the bore is worn than a overbore is in the cards along with larger pistons and rings.


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[jgue467]

To me a rebuild is main and rod bearing replacement. Pistons and rings. As well as rebuilding the head. And then putting it all together. If the bore is worn than a overbore is in the cards along with larger pistons and rings.


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+1 and don't go cheap, put a new oil pump on. Ask me how I know. :cowboy:

 

[Rock_Rat]

No brainer for me. Original owner - sentimental attachment. Replace both the engine and transmission when the time comes. New performance tranny from IPT for around 3500 with a high stall converter, MAYBE throw a manual in there instead. (better option). Rebuild the engine using chromo rods pistons etc., and have fun with a high performance rebuild. Take my time and have one helluva machine that I hope stays in the family another 18+ years. Unfortunately, I've gotten rid of too many vehicles in my lifetime that I sure wish I kept.

 

[gamefreakgc]

No brainer for me. Original owner - sentimental attachment for me. Replace both the engine and transmission when the time comes. New permance tranny from IPT for around 3500 with a high stall converter, MAYBE throw a manual in there instead. (better option). Rebuild the engine using chromo rods pistons etc. and have fun with a high performance rebuild. Take my time and have one helluva machine that I hope stays in the family another 18 years. Unfortunately, I've gotten rid of too many vehicles in my lifetime that I sure wish I kept.

If my transmission ever fails I'm going manual 100% of the way. My old Toyota Pickup was a manual and fun to drive, it's my only regret when I let it go.

 

[Rock_Rat]

If my transmission ever fails I'm going manual 100% of the way. My old Toyota Pickup was a manual and fun to drive, it's my only regret when I let it go.

I've owned three 4WD vehicles, but I would only call one my "offroad" rig. Had an old K-5 blazer back in the day. It was a 4speed manual but mostly used as our workhorse in the family. It was somewhat mine but titled in my dads name. I plowed with it all winter and made some serious cash! (NY winters) Our family vehicle was the suburban. My first real rig was a CJ7 Renegade Jeep with a 304 in it back when AMC owned Jeep. It was a manual and yes, FUN to drive off road! I lived in Tucson Arizona at the time and used to take it in the Tanque Verde wash, through the desert, and on trails somewhere off the Mt. Lemon Highway. Remember running into a "clothing optional" camp" back in there with my friend and decided to play some volleyball with them. Weird, the score was always 7-7. No competition allowed. Boring! My last one was a Mitsubishi Delica when I lived in Japan, the rare manual, but it never went offroad. It was the Starwagon model and my base camp for all things outdoors. So realistically, I haven't spent as much time offroad in a manual transmission as most on here to truly appreciate the greatness a manual provides. My street car was a 70 and a half Trans Am with a 4sp but different than an offroad rig.

 

[amalik]

They already do. Not much info on their website but you can call them & order difference performance upgrades to the 3rz & 5vz. I almost want my 3rz engine to go so I can order a 800hp 3rz! :biggrin2: LOL not really that's probably a 20K engine. I'd go for a stage 1 with stronger internals for my S/C & have well over 300hp, probably around 7k. Perfect for the street & wheelin'. Stage 2 & up are really for racing.

Forget upgrade. I'm talking a legit 5VZ-FE that is 'rebuilt' when dead. I mean, I guess Jasper engines technically does it already now.

 

[Scramble]

Forget upgrade. I'm talking a legit 5VZ-FE that is 'rebuilt' when dead. I mean, I guess Jasper engines technically does it already now.

There are a few company's online like Jasper that rebuild or remanufacture but I cant recall their names. I'm sure a Google search will pull them up.

 

[octanejunkie]

+1 and don't go cheap, put a new oil pump on. Ask me how I know. :cowboy:

I've done a few SBC/F 350s and if you want it to last here are the things I would do or consider doing/having done:

• have the block magnafluxed and bores checked/honed or bored
• have the crank mag'd, journals mic'd and balanced
• have the rods length-checked and mic'd before assembling
• weight match each piston/rod assembly (assumes new pistons, etc)
• check the deck for installed height and straightness (deck if necessary, requires complete disassembly)
• chase all oil galleries and reseal
• have heads mag'd, checked/milled
• have all the valve seats cut/ground
• check/replace all valve guides and oil seals
• check/replace all springs (seat pressure)
• assemble and plastigauge all bearings
• use new fasteners and torque to spec
• replace all pumps (oil, water, etc)

Not many rebuilders do all that due to cost and time but it's worth it for piece of mind and a smooth running engine that doesn't fail in 1K miles

Transmissions require the same focus and attention to detail but I've never rebuilt one. If using a rebuild make sure the shop you choose of buy from is reputable and can give you references.

That being said, swapping in a used engine or trans is a crap shoot, but time and budget are real and we all have to make compromises.

If I were faced with the decision on my DD 4runner, I'd swap in whatever I could find because I need a running vehicle. If I were building it to last, I'd do it right.

 

[amalik]

I've done a few SBC/F 350s and if you want it to last here are the things I would do or consider doing/having done:

• have the block magnafluxed and bores checked/honed or bored
• have the crank mag'd, journals mic'd and balanced
• have the rods length-checked and mic'd before assembling
• weight match each piston/rod assembly (assumes new pistons, etc)
• check the deck for installed height and straightness (deck if necessary, requires complete disassembly)
• chase all oil galleries and reseal
• have heads mag'd, checked/milled
• have all the valve seats cut/ground
• check/replace all valve guides and oil seals
• check/replace all springs (seat pressure)
• assemble and plastigauge all bearings
• use new fasteners and torque to spec
• replace all pumps (oil, water, etc)

Not many rebuilders do all that due to cost and time but it's worth it for piece of mind and a smooth running engine that doesn't fail in 1K miles

Transmissions require the same focus and attention to detail but I've never rebuilt one. If using a rebuild make sure the shop you choose of buy from is reputable and can give you references.

That being said, swapping in a used engine or trans is a crap shoot, but time and budget are real and we all have to make compromises.

If I were faced with the decision on my DD 4runner, I'd swap in whatever I could find because I need a running vehicle. If I were building it to last, I'd do it right.

Rebuilding your own engine or tranny properly isn't some DIY on the weekend for the average home mechanic. There's a reason there are shops dedicated to just those 2 tasks.