Best shop in the valley to rebuild a 5VZ-FE?

[OverLand Cruisers]

A pal of mine has a '95 Taco with about 250K on it & it is getting pretty tired.
He's looking for a shop to yank it & rebuild it.
Ideas?
Thanks!

 

[packetstormin]

What budget does he have?

My personal take would be to buy a new short block from CBT. Pull the engine yourselves, pull the heads off and send them out for valve job and new seals. By the time you are done he will be ready for another 250k mile. I just looked up the price on Toyota overstock parts and it is $2437 for the short block. CBT might be able to get it to you for less. You would have to ask John in parts. CBT generally has the best price around.

 

[BrotherRob]

I swapped a motor out of a wrecked Runner, back on the road for ~$1500. Never had an issue with it.

 

[murf]

I swapped a motor out of a wrecked Runner, back on the road for ~$1500. Never had an issue with it.

I think this might be your best bang for the buck. Rebuilding can add up very quick with the machine shop bills and all the OE parts. You might be able to find a lowish mile (100k?) 3.4 for reasonable since they came in so many vehicles. The salvage yards can even give you a 1 year warranty for a few dollars more.

At least something to research?

 

[BrotherRob]

I think this might be your best bang for the buck. Rebuilding can add up very quick with the machine shop bills and all the OE parts. You might be able to find a lowish mile (100k?) 3.4 for reasonable since they came in so many vehicles. The salvage yards can even give you a 1 year warranty for a few dollars more.

At least something to research?

The 5VZ-FE is an extremely durable motor. A good used one will prolly out last the Taco.

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

Great ideas!!
His budget is pretty solid & he can be without the truck for a while, however he has no time to wrench on it himself.
Thanks for all the input!
I'll pass it along.