Cost of Rebuilding Engine (80 series)

[corbinwelter]

why replace the bottom when it sounds like its only the top end. The bottom end on these vehicles are really bulletproof and normally last 300k miles. The head gasket blew in my 80, i spent $2500 total on rebuilding my top end, but that was a ton of new parts that didnt need to be replaced, they were just cuz i wanted to. $400 of it was to get the head machined and new valve seals and 3 angle valve job. A rebuild on just the head can be done very cheap if you do it your self. Expect to pay another $1-2k on just labor for just a top end rebuild if your not doing it your self.

 

[CycloSteve]

Robbie (PowderPig) just finished my rig's top-end and partial bottom-end rebuild. I highly recommend him, if you can get him.

We ended up replacing the head-core (cracked), Main Bearings, Rod Bearings, each-and-every hose and belt, radiator, had the valves ground, etc...total was well over $6k for parts and labor. Plus that was with my helping on the mechanicals and cleaning, prepping and painting most the parts. Odds are you will find more in there than initially expected, so add at least 25% to your initial budget.

In the end you will have a new engine.

Steve

 

[landtank]

I'm just finishing up a rebuild with some extras and really don't want to tally anything up. It's up there and I'm doing the work.

If you decide to replace every vacuum hose you will need about 8ft of the smaller stuff. I never realized how much of that stuff was in there. And it was all cracked and needed replacing.

 

[tirewater]

Robbie (PowderPig) just finished my rig's top-end and partial bottom-end rebuild. I highly recommend him, if you can get him.
Steve

Steve,

Where did you get the head machined at?

Thanks!

 

[1997GREENTT]

I'm with everyone else. I replaced all my Valve Stem seals when my supra had blue smoke on startup. If your going to all the trouble of doing the seals, might as well do the HG if it hasn't been done yet. If you wanted to spend the money to rebuild your head, using your old hardware will save alot of cash. I used this tool for replacing my seals, worked great.

ValveMaster valve spring compressor 4 valve heads

( Prices have gone up since I bought mine )

 

[OGBeno]

Steve,

Where did you get the head machined at?

Thanks!

His head is a new OEM unit. No machine work was done on it.

 

[Winslow]

I have a used take-out from a 96. Complete engine with accesories. Only 91,000 miles. Ran perfectly when taken out two months ago. PM me if interested. $1000.00. Includes transmission. Engine in Jackson Hole. Shipping possible-Winslow

 

[97 40th]

Good stuff..... All interesting and learned a lot on this thread.

 

[zuluchild]

I've got 196k on mine and I've done nothing but change the oil, belts, brakes and one OEM rebuilt starter. Valve cover seal and PCV are my next to-do. Perfectly normal behavior for older motors. Just don't park in anyones driveway whom you like

 

[icelanticman]

I have condensation and blue smoke out of my 97' 80. would it be a rebuild candidate?

 

[gtfour43]

I have condensation and blue smoke out of my 97' 80. would it be a rebuild candidate?

Is your smoke constant or only on startup? Condensaton is normal.

 

[YoterGuy]

How about just buying a new head or a rebuilt one? Is that an option? Does anyone sell that?

 

[Delancy]

How about just buying a new head or a rebuilt one?

If new is available, I'd opt that route, considering the genetic traits the 1FZ shares with its predecessor and the suspected 20-25 year lifespan, coupled with the earlier versions NLA status.