Lexus RX300 new engine?
03-10-23, 09:35 AM
#16
Moderator
First decide who is going to do the swap. Let that person/entity procure the engine for you. If you purchase the engine and give it to some one to install, you are responsible for exchange/warranty and pay the mechanic the second time for labor.
Salim
03-10-23, 09:48 AM
#17
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A bit confusing post.
First decide who is going to do the swap. Let that person/entity procure the engine for you. If you purchase the engine and give it to some one to install, you are responsible for exchange/warranty and pay the mechanic the second time for labor.
Salim
First decide who is going to do the swap. Let that person/entity procure the engine for you. If you purchase the engine and give it to some one to install, you are responsible for exchange/warranty and pay the mechanic the second time for labor.
Salim
03-13-23, 04:35 AM
#18
03-13-23, 06:42 PM
#19
just out of curiosity... if someone decides to replace the engine with a rebuilt one for around $4000 to $5000, what happens if the RX300 needs a new transmission a few months down the road? I assume that rebuilt transmission will also cost $3000 to $5000 installed?
will it not be a better idea to procure a rebuilt engine and transmission at the same time and replace them together? That will surely save quite a bit of money on labor?
I agree that it's better to let a shop source the replacement engine and install it there... that way, it will be much easier to resolve any warranty issues. I had a rear differential replaced by an independent shop. A local Toyota dealer wanted over $2000 installed(with a remanufactured differential) The indepent shop only charged me $600 for a rebuilt differential and labor. It came with a 12-month 12-mile warranty. That was several years ago and it's still working fine as of today.
will it not be a better idea to procure a rebuilt engine and transmission at the same time and replace them together? That will surely save quite a bit of money on labor?
I agree that it's better to let a shop source the replacement engine and install it there... that way, it will be much easier to resolve any warranty issues. I had a rear differential replaced by an independent shop. A local Toyota dealer wanted over $2000 installed(with a remanufactured differential) The indepent shop only charged me $600 for a rebuilt differential and labor. It came with a 12-month 12-mile warranty. That was several years ago and it's still working fine as of today.
03-14-23, 08:01 AM
#20
Moderator
just out of curiosity... if someone decides to replace the engine with a rebuilt one for around $4000 to $5000, what happens if the RX300 needs a new transmission a few months down the road? I assume that rebuilt transmission will also cost $3000 to $5000 installed?
will it not be a better idea to procure a rebuilt engine and transmission at the same time and replace them together? That will surely save quite a bit of money on labor?
I agree that it's better to let a shop source the replacement engine and install it there... that way, it will be much easier to resolve any warranty issues. I had a rear differential replaced by an independent shop. A local Toyota dealer wanted over $2000 installed(with a remanufactured differential) The indepent shop only charged me $600 for a rebuilt differential and labor. It came with a 12-month 12-mile warranty. That was several years ago and it's still working fine as of today.
will it not be a better idea to procure a rebuilt engine and transmission at the same time and replace them together? That will surely save quite a bit of money on labor?
I agree that it's better to let a shop source the replacement engine and install it there... that way, it will be much easier to resolve any warranty issues. I had a rear differential replaced by an independent shop. A local Toyota dealer wanted over $2000 installed(with a remanufactured differential) The indepent shop only charged me $600 for a rebuilt differential and labor. It came with a 12-month 12-mile warranty. That was several years ago and it's still working fine as of today.
Salim
03-15-23, 02:18 AM
#21
JDM engines would be an excellent option. A 1MZ AWD engine in the 60-70k mile range will (very likely) outast the RX. You can buy a low mileage 1MZ attached to a U140F transmission for about 2k$. Often free ship. Or local. JDM has generous locations.
Generally the quality of a good condition Lexus justifies repairing them if approached carefully.
The flip side is whatever $5k car you buy will be a crapshoot.
I bought a JDM Subaru motor and an RX300 AWD transmission and for sure the Subie engine was excellent. Just completed the RX transmission swap. The transmission also appears to be excellent. JDM has a good record for serviceable engines and trans for Toyota based cars. Never buy a Honda JDM trans without researching compatibility.
A well maintained RX engine will go 300k.
My 'sorry' OEM transmission went 220k.
You've gotta consider if the condition of the rest of your car makes it a keeper. If not...?
Should you go JDM, be advised that you must specify AWD for both enginecm and trans for your RX.
There are no "remanufactured" Japanese engines as good as OEM.
That said, your mileage may vary! Beware of unskilled mechanics with your project. It ain't a DIY project. Not for most folk.
Good luck and apologies for the epistle!
Generally the quality of a good condition Lexus justifies repairing them if approached carefully.
The flip side is whatever $5k car you buy will be a crapshoot.
I bought a JDM Subaru motor and an RX300 AWD transmission and for sure the Subie engine was excellent. Just completed the RX transmission swap. The transmission also appears to be excellent. JDM has a good record for serviceable engines and trans for Toyota based cars. Never buy a Honda JDM trans without researching compatibility.
A well maintained RX engine will go 300k.
My 'sorry' OEM transmission went 220k.
You've gotta consider if the condition of the rest of your car makes it a keeper. If not...?
Should you go JDM, be advised that you must specify AWD for both enginecm and trans for your RX.
There are no "remanufactured" Japanese engines as good as OEM.
That said, your mileage may vary! Beware of unskilled mechanics with your project. It ain't a DIY project. Not for most folk.
Good luck and apologies for the epistle!
03-15-23, 06:28 AM
#22
Moderator
PorchDawg alluded to something that I totally overlooked. If any one has the time, skill, capability and resource to save labor and put in time, and stomach for some risk then the equation changes.
I stand corrected.
Salim
I stand corrected.
Salim
03-15-23, 07:45 AM
#23
Moderator
The engine is gone completely; it cannot be saved. A used engine from a junkyard with about 100,000 miles on it will cost about $3,500 and a brand new rebuilt engine with zero miles on it will cost about $4,800. Those prices include the engine, additional parts and labor. Those prices are lower than two other shops that quoted me. This particular shop does excellent work, so I am not worried about having problems with the engine after another engine is installed; it is only the cost of other repairs that may be needed that concerns me.
Prior to this engine failure, there were no known issues. I put over 50,000 miles on this vehicle in the past two years and there was never a problem in any weather condition, even deep snow.
A junkyard offered me $275 for the car right now, as is. The car has 140,000 original miles and overall is in very good condition. I am leaning toward junking it because of the cost and the cost of future repairs. Any advice would be appreciated.
Prior to this engine failure, there were no known issues. I put over 50,000 miles on this vehicle in the past two years and there was never a problem in any weather condition, even deep snow.
A junkyard offered me $275 for the car right now, as is. The car has 140,000 original miles and overall is in very good condition. I am leaning toward junking it because of the cost and the cost of future repairs. Any advice would be appreciated.
What do you think the value will be the street value after repair?
Do you need a replacement and if yes consider the risks (keep them reasonable) and compare it against where you will be assuming you repaired the vehicle.
Any analysis as to what caused the engine loss? Can that issue happen after repair and even with a replacement.
My questions are for you to think over and need not be answered here.
Salim
03-20-23, 03:16 AM
#24
JDM engines would be an excellent option. A 1MZ AWD engine in the 60-70k mile range will (very likely) outast the RX. You can buy a low mileage 1MZ attached to a U140F transmission for about 2k$. Often free ship. Or local. JDM has generous locations.
Generally the quality of a good condition Lexus justifies repairing them if approached carefully.
The flip side is whatever $5k car you buy will be a crapshoot.
I bought a JDM Subaru motor and an RX300 AWD transmission and for sure the Subie engine was excellent. Just completed the RX transmission swap. The transmission also appears to be excellent. JDM has a good record for serviceable engines and trans for Toyota based cars. Never buy a Honda JDM trans without researching compatibility.
A well maintained RX engine will go 300k.
My 'sorry' OEM transmission went 220k.
You've gotta consider if the condition of the rest of your car makes it a keeper. If not...?
Should you go JDM, be advised that you must specify AWD for both enginecm and trans for your RX.
There are no "remanufactured" Japanese engines as good as OEM.
That said, your mileage may vary! Beware of unskilled mechanics with your project. It ain't a DIY project. Not for most folk.
Good luck and apologies for the epistle!
Generally the quality of a good condition Lexus justifies repairing them if approached carefully.
The flip side is whatever $5k car you buy will be a crapshoot.
I bought a JDM Subaru motor and an RX300 AWD transmission and for sure the Subie engine was excellent. Just completed the RX transmission swap. The transmission also appears to be excellent. JDM has a good record for serviceable engines and trans for Toyota based cars. Never buy a Honda JDM trans without researching compatibility.
A well maintained RX engine will go 300k.
My 'sorry' OEM transmission went 220k.
You've gotta consider if the condition of the rest of your car makes it a keeper. If not...?
Should you go JDM, be advised that you must specify AWD for both enginecm and trans for your RX.
There are no "remanufactured" Japanese engines as good as OEM.
That said, your mileage may vary! Beware of unskilled mechanics with your project. It ain't a DIY project. Not for most folk.
Good luck and apologies for the epistle!
Most shops aren’t going to be able to spend the amount of time necessary to do it right. so they won’t issue a warranty if you provide the JDM. They are looking to get the job done as quick and easily as possible…with the least amount of chance for a come back. Which is why they want to source their own parts etc. however, you saving $ is not on their top priority list. I totally understand their point of view. However, a DIY on the other hand can take the time to research and figure out the little differences a JDM will present.
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