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Pulling a 3VZE out...

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3.5K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  csxmoose  
#1 · (Edited)
Would it be worth it for a guy to pull out the motor of his vehicle and throw in a remanufactured long block himself just to save $1700 in labor at a dealership... even when he has a good understanding of engines and mechanical jobs but absolutly no experience. Also it's his only mode of transportation and he has to bum rides and carpool with his roommate...

I'm fishing for confidence here if you guys haven't caught on by now... just need to know how much of a pain in the ass it is for a newbie or list some possible things I could screw up... if I even decide to do it. Make fun of me if you must.

I have a chilton too so I wouldn't be completly in the dark.
 
#4 ·
#5 ·
Everyone's different.

I wouldnt worry about the time issue; If you need it back in a hurry the dealership will be backlogged or a part will be on order.
You need a hoist. Take some of the 1700 you are saving and buy some tools you'll need.
A good engine hoist is only like 175-200, dont rent it, youll need it for several days.
Also, the amount of knowledge you will gain about your truck makes the money seem almost unimportant. Get as many manuals as you can find, and take it one step at a time. You should be able to pull it off, I reccomend finding a friend two heads are better than one.
 
#6 · (Edited)
After bickering with my dealership for about a half hour they decided to help me out a lot with my current situation. They agreed to take my truck in to their shop and install a new engine which I pay for but free of labor cost. I made sure their mechanics were up to standards too. They will also reimburse me for towing it across the state back to their shop so I think I hit a hell of a deal. Its nice when you actually find a decent dealership... but I'm still gonna be waiting for the catch.

Thanks to you guys who gave some good info on here... I learned a lot which helped me push to dealership. I still would of liked to do it myself but by the time it breaks down again hopefully I'll have enough money and my own tools.

I've been looking at a reman 3VZE from motorcrate engine sales at www.chspdx.com though. They have a decent warrenty and I haven't ran across any bad reviews so far. Any words of caution from you guys about an engine from this company?
 
#7 ·
maybe i'm lost here, but did you say you got a dealership to drop a new motor in for you free of labor???

where the hell is this dealership and when is the next available appointment date for my truck???


think they'll upgrade my 22re to a blown big block chevy? i'll give em an extra $50 bucks...:whatwhat:
 
#8 ·
Yeah I know... I must be a hell of a debater. I only had the truck since last August and the warranty company was gonna screw me in the ass so they felt responsible. And like I said before I'm still waiting for the catch so hopefully that doesn't come.

A weeks worth of learning everything inside and out about my truck and my warranty paid off. If you want something done at a dealership you have to go face to face with them, know your shit, and not get pissy unless they get pissy. It worked out pertty damn good.