motor swap opinions

[robtackett]

Well I have a 1979 fj40 and here about a month or so ago I was on the way to go wheelin and motor blew. I let it cool down and it started back up and I towed it to the shop I work at. I finally got to work on it yester day and found some bad news. I thought the headgasket blew and it was firing between cylinders. Well I pulled oil pan off and good news nothing in there but oil. Then I pulled head off and come to find 2 headgaskets. Nice. Well they both where still in good shape and there was no evidence off blown headgasket. Well I pullled the piston closest to firewall cause it didn't look right and as soon as it came out the top ring fell off into 3 peices. Dang. The ring broke and scored the walls a little but not bad, but the piston skirt is all messed up. Which brings me to my question. Should I rebuild or should I do a swap? I haven't really looked into prices that much but the ringd I found were like $250ish. Any help would be nice ie. cheap places for parts or motors or anything. Keep in mind me and my wife just had a baby and money is kinda tight. thanks

 

[srgould41]

The rebuild parts kits are around $1,500. If it were me and I was going to be removing pistons and replacing rings, honing cylinder walls, etc, I'd rebuild the motor.

I have found ads for good running 2F's where people did V8 swaps. I have seen prices range from free up to about $600 if I remember. I did see one ad locally for over $1000 for a worn out motor, but the seller must have been on crack. Most ads have been in the $200 to $300 range.

So, my opinion, if you want to keep the 6 and want to keep it going for years then rebuild yours. If money is tight then find a good 2F on Craigs List. Even that route can't be totally cheap. You still need belts, hoses, manifold gaskets, etc.

 

[jkl72-40]

re

you could just fix what is broke and drive it, fwiw.
Then later do the rebuild

 

[elbigsam]

my lil bro has a small block chevy in his 40....he loves it.