It might cost you $2000-2500 to have a rebuilt engine put in (less if you do it). Can you find a used truck in as good condition as you describe and with a new engine, for under $2500? Probably not.
And you know the complete history of your truck.

 

I did rebuilt engine route once, ran me 1800 bux. Engine crank split a yer later (6000 miles only). Second replacement, I went with a working pull from LKQ, (came out of a 94 4 runner, factory assembled, only 45000 on it's clock nothing better). ran me a bit more, about $2500, but it has survived 20K so far with no problems.

on a side note, I would like your crankshaft if you scrap your current block

 

So many of these 3VZEs have multiple head gasket failures, it's a risk to put any motor in. Your risk could be lessened considerably if you find a motor in which the rebuilder milled the block and heads, and used mls gaskets (multi-layer steel). Properly installed mls gaskets are MUCH less likely to fail, so long as both block and heads are milled (those gaskets require a smoother, flatter surface than graphite gaskets). If a rebuilder used them, it would show me that they were serious about doing a good job.

Also, the warranty given by the rebuilder will tell you a lot, as will comments or reviews by any customers. Avoid D.O.A. Racing - the list of customers ripped-off by them is long.

The other option, and I think a better one but more difficult and expensive, is to swap in a 3.4l v6. That's a much better motor - more power and better gas mileage. And much more reliable to boot. If my truck were in as good shape as yours, that's the route I'd take.

Search this forum and yotatech for info on the swap. The motor will bolt up to your existing tranny, but you'll need a small body lift, and you'll need - in addition to the motor and sensors - the wiring harness and computer from the donor truck.

 

motor ?

I was in the same boat you are in now. And after lots of searching and talks with people who own toyotas, I decided not to take a chance with the same motor so I did the Tacoma 3.4 swap.

The motor swap is easy provided you get the entire motor and accesories from the donor vehicle. It has taken me some time to complete it since I only work on it after work and after helping the kids with the homework.

I am down the the last stage (the wiring). Although I am not done with mine yet, I had a chance to drive my friends truck with the same motor swap. And I must say it is definitely worth it. Night and day.

There is absolutely no way I would even consider rebuilding the 3.0.

If you have kept your truck in the shape you mention and you loved it so much, I recommend you consider the motor swap. The motor with ac compressor, ps pump, alternator, wiring, computer, etc cost me $1200 at a local wrecking yard. The donor was an 02 Tacoma TRD.

Good luck....

 

I was in the same boat you are in now. And after lots of searching and talks with people who own toyotas, I decided not to take a chance with the same motor so I did the Tacoma 3.4 swap.

....

Good luck....

I just noticed you were in the good ol' Republik of Kalifornia, as I am. Are you going to get it referee'd or have you already done it? I just want to know the legalities of the 3.4L Taco swap.

I'm thinking of rebuilding my 3VZE next spring, but if I don't have to jump through all the gov't loopholes I would rather do the swap.

 

I wish I was as handy as you guys, swap an engine? windshield washer blades is as far as I go!
I'm gonna have to see how much a swap will cost (I believe that labor will be the major cost here) and take it from there.
Thanks again for your input.

 

Unfortunately I think you'll find the labor to swap a different type engine would be more than what you would spend on a Tacoma with the 3.4 already in it! I would say that would be a better option, but there is a huge problem with frame rust on those. Last year Toyota announced it was offering to buy back at 150% of book value 850,000 Tacomas because their U.S.-made frames were rotting to sh*t.

So... looks like your options are taking a chance on another 3vze, not very appealing, but maybe with mls gaskets you'll get lucky, or selling the truck and buying something else.

 

i'm a fan of keeping what you got. you know the history.

FYI
I’ve been doing a great deal or research on the head gasket issue. I’m sure this is old news for most.

1) there was a gasket issue due to regulations in the states barring asbestos in gasket material thereby rendering the gasket inferior. Toyota corrected the gasket issue in ‘95, purged all previous gaskets, and submitted a recall for the years prior.
2) the heat generated from cross over tube off the rt header may cause the valve(s) in the #6 position to burn. It can also work harden the electrical components and the water hose back there. So far, the only solution for this is fabbing a down tube on the right manifold with the cross over tube routed under the motor.

There are those who have several hundred thousand miles w/o the recall maintenance w/ no issues.
I have over 200,000 on mine, and no ralative issues, but I have no idea if it has been thru the recall.


This is only what I found so far. and may not be complete.

 

my '93 developed a slights rod knock at 173K, since i didnt have the money to drop a new engine in i doctored it up with some 20W50 and oil additive and traded it in at a dealer.... i miss it though:sosad:

 

I know how you must feel. I've had my truck for 14 years now - one of my longer relationships, lol. I know I would miss it.

But, sounds like you made the right move. Especially if you find yourself driving an 02 runner with a 3.4.