96silvercx

Hello all, newbie to the forum. Got a few questions, been doing some reading but haven't found exactly what I need.

My father is considering purchasing this car for me and I'm looking for either the heads or a used/rebuilt engine for it. The lady is selling it for $500 and says that there was oil coming out of the gaskets, cost too much for her to fix, so it's been sitting for a couple of years. Still in excellent physical condition inside/out.

Question, what options do I have as far as engines? I've been researching and I can't figure out if the 92-93 year engine is the only one that will go to this model, even though I read up to a 95 will work, but the block is different.

The mechanic said the car only needs the front/rear heads, but my father said if I can find an engine for the same price/close to, replace the entire thing to avoid any problems in the future. Preferably the latest model.

If anyone could respond with any options I have, I'd greatly appreciate it. Most places don't carry these engines/heads I've called or are knowledgable enough to tell me about them. I found a 92 engine for $450 or the fr/rear heads for $125 a pop. Throw in labor for $1000.
Thanks!

3000

For a 92, you'll want to stick with the 3vz-fe. I believe that anything else will be custom.

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

You have the 3VZ-FE engine and will want to replace it with the same.
A few folks have been picking up replacement 3VZ-FE engines from Tiger Japanese Auto Parts Ltd.

Swifty562 even wrote an excellent JDM vs. USDM 3VZ-FE engines thread that shows what the JDM vs. USDM engine differences are; helps you anticipate the handful of curves thrown your way when you install the JDM replacement.

96silvercx

Thanks. I saw ur post about that site earlier when I was looking around. As far as a few folks, they are on this forum to vouch?
And am I to assume this year ES is a FWD???

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

All ESs are FWD. Here's everything you wanted to know and more.

13loody

I'll vouch. I bought my 3VZ-FE from Tiger Japanese a few weeks before Swifty did (price dropped after I bought mine though, bummer). The engine runs smooth and strong. As I recall, almost everything was OEM still, except for the timing belt. The spark plugs were in superb condition so I kept it.

Do the drop yourself and become well-acquainted with your car. A cherry picker is ~$100 and you'll spend $200+ for all the replacement maintenance parts (ie. gaskets, waterpump, thermostat, belts, pcv valve, spark plugs, silicone, etc). While you're at it, you can do Pheonix's free mods easily.

Oh yeah, welcome! Feel free to ask questions and feel ESPECIALLY free to use the SEARCH function. Other than that.. post some pix!