1998 Engine Replacement

Hello.

The garage quoted us $8600 to replace engine in 1998 4Runner with a Fraser rebuild. It seems like a high quote but my wife doesn't want to drive anything but a 3rd generation 4Runner.

Thanks.

 

I think I would rather buy another 1998-

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-1998-toyota-4runner-4wd/7420485285.html

 

Actually that one is pretty hammered. Maybe get a second quote from another shop?

 

Thanks Horned Owl.

This shop is the most reputable in our area. We live in a rural area with few optionbs.

 

If your 4runner is great cosmetically and structurally I say rebuild it. 3rd gens in good shape are starting to get pricey, and if you can get a quality rebuild you can sleep at night because you'll of owned the engine since it was rebuilt and you wont have to take someones word that the engine wont shit the bed

 

Thanks Trekker. You're right. $8600 is a lot of money but it's difficult to find a 3rd generation with less than 200,000 miles and most of these are in the $12 00 to $15,000 range.

 

You could also look into a JDM engine swap. People seem to have good luck with them, and they are usually better than what you'll pick up from a junkyard. Supposedly more affordable, but you cant drop a JDM motor in and call it a day. You usually have to hook up emissions stuff that the JDM ones lack.

The JDM 5vz from a quick check go for as little as $1800, while the 4 cyl 3rz goes for $2300. But you'll have to research those avenues yourself, machine shop, shipping engines, and labor rates are highly influential in what each of these cost (and varies from location). Downsides are no matching VINs on engine, you still get an engine that has had a life outside of your purview.

Not every engine is rebuildable, there is a limit to the number of times you can resurface a cylinder wall, and if your engine threw a rod its gonna be impossible to fix. Luckily the 5vz can go through resurfacing cylinder walls unlike the 1GR in new 4runners. You didn't say why it needs to be rebuilt, but I'm assuming the damage isn't irreparable and that the engine hasn't been rebuilt before.

 

Thanks again. Went ahead and ordered the new engine. Appreciate your good advice.

 

go with the replacement motor

 

Man, I am sure they probably used their book that calculates all the tasks required to swap in a rebuilt motor and used it to arrive at their estimate. It still sounds ridiculous to me, but then again I had a dealership quote me $3700 to rebuild the LCAs on a first Gen Tacoma. PER SIDE! That is when I learned to rebuild a front end. A bro came over and helped, then we rebuilt the front end on 2 of his vehicles afterwards. You can do this motor swap yourself. Buy a used JDM motor with a warranty for like $1400. Watch every youtube video you can find, write down notes. Gather a couple buddies and the tools, fire up the grill and get busy. Keep your cash in the bank. You CAN do it. I bet there are local folks on here that would help.