Re-build or replace

Hello,
my first post and it's a doozy...On the way home from work my radiator dropped all the fluid and by the time I realized what happened it was too late. Overheated. My mechanic says head gasket, #3 and #5 cylinder damage. He didn't sound too confident in doing the job so I've taken it to the dealer where I bought it. Won't be looked at till aug. 4th. My mechanic quoted 12k to replace with used motor. Are brand new motors really 20k...?? J.H.C.!! For the 12k I'd think I could have it rebuilt better than new...? All I know is trading or selling is not an option as I have been the only owner and it's been a beast of a truck. Another sad point.... only 107k on it. What would you do? Any input, advice, welcome. Thanks for reading.

Edit: what would a speed shop charge for a rebuild I wonder...?

 

New shortblock from Toyota

 

I like this idea. Thanks. Find out friday just how bad it is.

 

Don't be so darn shy. Where on planet earth are you located?

 

Lol...livin' the dream in the great state of Maine. Bit of a nightmare at the momment though...

 

Goodtimes on the back 40....

 

Verdict is in....
Had compression test done and was told #1 piston is below normal at 133psi. Minimum being 145psi. Said it's a ring issue and the motor is on the way out. Replacment with 98,000 mile motor quoted at 11-12k. A new short block just doesn't seem cost effective. Bigger labor cost...? Idk...
I shoulda been a mechanic...
Enjoy the day

 

Just a little update on the ol' rock warrior...
It sat for a few weeks before I decided I had to try something. I bought some k-seal stop leak, unhooked batt. to clear codes...didn't work. Bought another bottle...another bottle...4 bottles total of k-seal and kept adding antifreeze as well. Now, I still got bubbles in the resevoir and she smokes a bit but , no dash lights blinking anymore. I've been driving it to work for the last couple weeks. Runs great, plenty of power. Don't know how long she'll last or what all that stop leak will do but, pretty strong at the moment. Got the 2020 just sittin, saving miles. Lol.

 

I just had nine replaced in Sept-Oct, $10.6 with used motor. If you are in the Flagstaff area I would look at craigslist. There is a rebuilder there that claims $4600 in out and rebuilt.

 

Appreciate the info but I'm about as far northeast as you can get. Congrates on the new motor!

 

It's out of a 2012, unknown milage. It's my summer truck, I don't run it in the salt. I am in Buffalo. I figured the motor was cheaper than another truck.

I had 216K miles on my.

 

Waaay cheaper...trust me ...I know...lol.
Hoping the old truck makes it through the winter and keep the '20 parked till spring.
Was 5 degrees on the way to work today...she run like a champ...fingers crossed...lol.

 

I have a 2003 Rav4 as my everyday. So light, I am pretty sure it's better in the snow than my Tundra.LOL I know my Rav wins at the gas pumps.

 

yeah...that first fill up for me was a shocker... got to 20gal. and kept going...and going....lol.

 

Have you called any scrap yards in your area to see if they have any tundra engines? Or commit the ultimate sin and LS swap it! Glad to hear it is running ok at the moment. Good luck!

 

I'd really like to keep it all original but...truth be told, I did lookup a 383 stroker...
but now with the new truck needing wheels, tires and exhaust...suspension... I think she's on the back burner for awhile. I need a "gofundmetundra" page...lol

 

You should be able to find a used engine for $4-7k with decent mileage. The engine swap isn't that difficult for a local shop or some friends on a weekend. Surely not $12k that's robbery. Good luck getting through winter!

 

That was my thinking as well. I'm seriously thinking of doing it myself.

 

phoenix actually sounds interesting..
they buy your core instead of charging...could offset some cost there.

 

The coest from a dealer is high but it's a dealer and there is at least a 6 or 12 month warranty.

if you just want a motor I would look on car-part.com.

 

Don’t know where you’re located in ME but on Craigslist some one is selling a 2008 tundra with 168k for 5k. Could just swap out the engine and sell off the rest.

https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/d/falmouth-2008-toyota-tundra-parts-truck/7696134810.html

 

Try this. https://www.car-part.com/mobile/index.htm

or find a shop that is confident in a Toyota motor and do a mild build on pump gas!!!!

 

not too far from there at all.

 

https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...gOmz24WDAxUCmWoFHf8cBhsQwg8oAHoECAEQFw&adurl=

 

Thats what i went with and i like it

 

find a shop that is confident in a Toyota motor and do a mild build on pump gas!!!![/QUOTE]

what would a "mild build up" look like...and how much power/torque can you run on reg. gas? I give K-Seal Stop Leak my "seal" of approval...I still run her daily to and from work, sometimes pretty hard, the back way home...no issues. The 2020 is only at 37k miles and sittin' pretty...

 

^^^I do not know for positive but my best guess would be high 400s low 500s HP at the wheels for a mild build,,, something that would make a noticeable difference. I imagine with a nice little cam and some rings and all that comes with that one would have a nice motor without any other help (super charger) This would all be dependent on tuning, but if guys are getting high HP now with built motors and a super charger I do believe it could be done. I reckon the sky is the limit all responding to the cash flowing into such a build?
It would be interesting to know from an engine builder what the specs would be for what was put into it. Best of luck

 

....cash flow....the ultimate rev limiter....