Very tired TLC...engine replacement options (1 Viewer)

[alabamatoy]

97 TLC, high mileage (almost 300K miles) with past HG failure and replacement, and recently the PO busted the radiator and drove her overheating till she stalled. Currently, it will start and run smooth, but my pro assessment is engine needs rebuild or replacement. Appears to be no oil/water mixing. I have not done compression test.

So question is, do I pay someone to rebuild it, buy a crate motor, or...? If crate motor, who has good rep? Any 1FZFE builders with good rep in SE US? I've rebuilt motors (currently rebuilding a 22RE) but I really dont want to take on this one. Im inclined to take the motor to someone who has a good rep for TLC motors, or buy a crate motor, or swap something else in. I have done swaps before, so I know what's involved, but I really dont want to pollute this JIS machine with SAE junk. More inclined to try to do a Yota V8 with megasquirt etc. But Im open to suggestions!

Im even considering conversion to EV. The kits are really becoming plug&play. Think 2 E-motors, one for front axle, one for rear, engine bay and former fuel tank location stuffed full of batteries.

 

[Comet]

Chevy v8 reigns supreme. Toyota V8 has been done with great success. OTRAMM in northern Virginia has a stellar reputation for bringing these legends back to their former glory. Look in the classifieds for a part-out and swap in a used motor while you decide on options.

The last one would be my thought on how to tackle the issue at hand.

 

[rhc404]

Not sure if a 94 engine straight swaps into a 97 but might be worth reaching out to this guy: For Sale - 94 1fz-fe long block fully rebuilt, Oregon - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/94-1fz-fe-long-block-fully-rebuilt-oregon.1307696/

The LS swap path is so well worn that I'd have a hard time spending more than $7-8k to replace with stock if you have the funds and inclination to sort out a swap.

 

[jpoole]

I'm in your neighborhood, let me know your plans for the old engine/trans if you swap either. Sound like they could be rebuildable cores worth "spare part" status.

 

[Fj80oregon]

I got a 97 1fz-fe that’s getting the full rebuild treatment soon and will be posted up for sale.

 

[jonheld]

the PO busted the radiator and drove her overheating till she stalled. Currently, it will start and run smooth, but my pro assessment is engine needs rebuild or replacement. Appears to be no oil/water mixing. I have not done compression test.

So you've done no diagnostics and are ready to replace/rebuild the motor? That doesn't sound like a "pro assessment".

 

[Kernal]

"Currently, it will start and run smooth"

What's the actual problem, engine codes, overheating, blowing coolant out the radiator overflow tank? Has a new radiator been installed?

One suggestion: collect a sample of engine oil and send it off to Blackstone Laboratories; the results will tell you if there's an increase in wear metals, water, or coolant in the oil.

Standard Oil Testing | Blackstone Laboratories

Our standard analysis is all most people need. It looks at wear metals, additives, fuel, antifreeze, solids, viscosity, and air & oil filtration. Kits are free!

www.blackstone-labs.com

 

[COYS]

I'm in your neighborhood, let me know your plans for the old engine/trans if you swap either. Sound like they could be rebuildable cores worth "spare part" status.

 

[COYS]

So question is, do I pay someone to rebuild it, buy a crate motor, or...? If crate motor, who has good rep?[Not sure anyone can list even 1 legit option that has 1FZs sitting on a shelf, click to buy.] Any 1FZFE builders with good rep in SE US? [You'd be hard pressed to list a top 3 in the USA. OTRAMM. Valley Hybrids. Japanese Auto Service?] I've rebuilt motors (currently rebuilding a 22RE) but I really dont want to take on this one. [I have a new 1FZ-FE long block, all Toyota OEM, and it was a major time/effort suck I won't ever repeat. Took about half a year for me.]

Im even considering conversion to EV. The kits are really becoming plug&play. Think 2 E-motors, one for front axle, one for rear, engine bay and former fuel tank location stuffed full of batteries.Good luck with that

I can't vouch for @Fj80oregon 's work, but he's been busy posting up his 1FZ builds here! Might be an option for ya. Gl!

 

[Somebodyelse5]

View attachment 3294225

 

[mudgudgeon]

Do that compression test, and oil sample analysis.
If it's starting and running ok, and oil sample is clear, run it, and retest oil in 5-10k miles.

It's not unheard of for an engine to overheat and sieze, cool down and be good to go again.

There's a risk bearings are damaged, but you may be lucky

 

[mrsleeve]

Agree with most here assess what you have going on with your current power plant. Compression test and black stone oil analysis. That will give you a time line to work with.

I am very much leaning to the LS swap. Yes is “not very original”. But a Ls and GM auto is going to have parts oem or better quality parts around for far longer. You will likely get better fuel economy, nearly double the power with out even touching anything and while not a direct fit is much easier than many other power adding devices you put on a 1fz and be able to go more than 230miles a fill.

Now all this is said by a guy that loves a L6 it’s my fav. Engine lay out , I have had many over the years and am seem to have a proclivity of driving them. Lots of option out there for refreshment of an 80. But let’s face it it’s a 35 year old design, and parts are gonn be harder to come by and having the power to get on the highway in todays world and cruise at speed more easily is not a bad thing.