sam430

iTrader: (10)

So,

I have a high mileage engine that is driven hard. Well, seem like it's showing it's age as I'm starting to see white smoke coming out the pipe. It's not a lot but even though the car has warmed up...you can still see some smoke.

My question is... should I get the engine rebuilt or replace it with another engine of the same kind? Other option is appreciated...engine must be the same v8 so it can be just plug and play.

I am looking for reliability that'll last another 5 years. I kinda not trust rebuilt engine.

I'm not so great with engine replacement so I'll send it to the shop. I'm just a bolt on person.

How about a short block? I would want a short block that has upgraded piston and rod with stock compression spec... reason is, I want to upgrade to a supercharger later but also have the option to remove it so that I can pass smog.

TIA

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

3uz engine isn't cheap at all. white smoke during start up means valve stem seals need to be replaced. it's not that expensive to change it.

Billh2

I was under the impression that the 3UZ engine was the same engine that was used in some of the Tundra pickups. Anyone have any information about that? If it's true, it could be a good source of replacement engines since it seems that the word "Lexus" adds around 40% to the price of just about everything. ("What do you mean, too expensive, if you can afford a Lexus, you can afford to fix it")

Rippaflow

iTrader: (4)

The tundra engine is a 2UZ-FE.

sam430

iTrader: (10)

I guess the smoke went away after a drive...noticed it when it was raining. I'll check out the valve stem seal. Thanks. Lextreme sells short block for the gs430... that could be an option.


They charge quite a bit for just using the 1uz rod...

civic19s

Valve stem seals would cause oil to burn which would be BLUE smoke. WHITE smoke is typically coolant thats burning (blown headgasket). Problem sounds like condensation in the morning when it is cool outside. Every car does this to some degree. Do a compression test on the motor. If it comes up normal you do NOT need a new engine.

Billh2

So, the only car that used the 3UZ-FE engine was the GS & LS serries Lexus?

sam430

iTrader: (10)

SO the smoke only showed up on that one very rainy day... never seen it again. I guess, eventually the engine will go out so this thread remains.

Has anyone done a short block swap from lextreme for the 3uz? Why is the block more expensive when just replacing it what 1uz rod (not forged? used part?) ?

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

coawboy i think his name is (he's a vendor on here) sells build motors....time for a crate motor sir hehe

Rippaflow

iTrader: (4)

And the SC. And a modified version was used in the GT500 race cars .

Alexus_300

iTrader: (4)

Eric's motor is a 2UZ-FE. For those interested in getting one of his motor, you're looking at roughly 6-8k for a semi built short block. For that price, it's nearly double what the OP wants to spend.

Rippaflow

iTrader: (4)

I remembered looking on ebay one day and seeing the lowest price was almost 4 g's for a used 3uzfe...I was like damn, if that ever happens Im going 2jz-gte loll

tom steele

lextreme short block is about 5000 with the upgraded internals why would you buy a used one for 4000 if you know of a good machine shop or engine builder they sell rebuild kits once my motor is gone i plan on doing this because i am already supercharged and worried that ill snap a connecting rod any day and ruin the whole block much more pricey if that happens ill go with there tundra block its cast iron block instead of aluminum block little more power only 300 pounds more than i can go nuts but like you say it big money for someone that does not do alot of there own work most of the cost is labor and i have thought about the swap myself but i love the way my v8 sounds. and besides ill make there power someday lol just cost me triple the money

sam430

iTrader: (10)

I do almost everything myself...the great DIY thread allows me to

I've done a few motor and tranny swap so I won't feel intimidated. From what I read, the 4.7 tundra swap is less than 100 pounds more and you get the power early w/iron block. Adding a supercharger with stock gear and LSD will kick ***.

Tom, I noticed you live in ca... isn't it a pain to go FI here (having to take off the parts for smog sux)?


The short block is tempting...my engine runs fine but I am looking at it more with FI in mind.

I should consider collecting parts and possibly rebuild the engine myself. From my reading, the 1uz rod should replace the 3uz... stock piston should be good enough. ARP bolts is a must.

LOL, eventually I will do it. I'll just call it a hobby... unless the 4gs-f comes along, I'll stick with modifying the 2GS.

AlphaJZS

iTrader: (2)

I've always wondered if the new 5.7L DOHC 32V i-FORCE V8 would be swappable into a 430..... has anyone else pondered this?