Hilux Advice appreciated

[95GreenTLC]

My 1989 3.0 V6 4x4 experienced a catastrophic engine failure. I bought this beauty brand new in San Diego. I am looking for advice on what my next steps should be.

I believe I have three options:

I understand a 3.4 swap could be a good option except for the smog challenges in California.

I am curious if there is a market to sell it as and what it might be valued at.

I don’t think it makes sense to try to rebuild the 3.0 engine, but an option nonetheless.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[gnob]

ultimately depends on your skills, money and how much you want to invest.
toy only swaps STARTS at 8k. you may be able to find someone local, cheaper. I have a guy in socal i could recommend.
3.0 replacement is still going to be 3-5k in a shop.
probably the Guatemalans would pay you that number as is.

you could rebuild with a 3.4 and green sticker it. (moar cali nonsense)

ymmv

 

[95GreenTLC]

Thanks for the feedback.

My skills are limited. So, I would appreciate the referral for your SoCal swap guy.

Thanks again

 

[Devils Paw 80]

My 1989 3.0 V6 4x4 experienced a catastrophic engine failure. I bought this beauty brand new in San Diego. I am looking for advice on what my next steps should be.

I believe I have three options:

I understand a 3.4 swap could be a good option except for the smog challenges in California.

I am curious if there is a market to sell it as and what it might be valued at.

I don’t think it makes sense to try to rebuild the 3.0 engine, but an option nonetheless.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

View attachment 4185432

How many miles on it and what happened to the engine? Single cab with the V6 seems a bit unusual and desirable. First thing I'd do is find out how much it'd cost to rebuild the 3.0.

 

[95GreenTLC]

Thanks, good advice. It has ~200k mileage. I was cruising on the 15 and noticed the engine temp increase so moved onto a surface street and the engine stopped. There was some oil leaking and steam . I haven’t had it evaluated for the exact issue.

 

[Rdonahe]

I'm with @Devils Paw 80 - clean single cab V6 as it appears you have could be quite desirable to the right buyer. Especially someone that lives in a more friendly location for a 3.4 swap. I'm no expert but maybe you just had a head gasket let go and since you didn't continue to run it you might just be looking at new head gaskets? Still could cost more than you want if you have to pay someone to do the work though...

Either way best of luck!

 

[pappy]

I guess, for me, it comes down to if you still love the Gen1 4R, or are you ready to move on. If you still love it, I would 3.4, even if I had to pay somebody to do the install.

This is coming from a fella who 3RZ'd his 1985 Gen1.

 

[95GreenTLC]

I'm with @Devils Paw 80 - clean single cab V6 as it appears you have could be quite desirable to the right buyer. Especially someone that lives in a more friendly location for a 3.4 swap. I'm no expert but maybe you just had a head gasket let go and since you didn't continue to run it you might just be looking at new head gaskets? Still could cost more than you want if you have to pay someone to do the work though...

Either way best of luck!

Thanks. I think I just need to get it towed to San Diego Tru

I'm with @Devils Paw 80 - clean single cab V6 as it appears you have could be quite desirable to the right buyer. Especially someone that lives in a more friendly location for a 3.4 swap. I'm no expert but maybe you just had a head gasket let go and since you didn't continue to run it you might just be looking at new head gaskets? Still could cost more than you want if you have to pay someone to do the work though...

Either way best of luck!

I think this is the way - I will get it towed to the Truck Shop and see if a repair will be more reasonable than I fear… appreciate your input