1993ES300x

hey guys. i'm from NY, i need to opinions..

1. would it be better off to fix the BHG on my ES or total Engine swap from those Ebay Engines from Japan....????

2. how much does a BHG fix cost in NYC .. how much does a Engine swap cost in NYC?? if swap with JDM engine.. i have heard there's a difference between the engine, like the Es would have a few sensors that a Camry wouldn't have...

silversprucesc3

Go the Camry route...

RE: NYC swaps... Call 104 st. Auto repair 1 718 850 5000 and ask for Gazy... his brother screen name Aliga is a member here. Good guys and good work

Pheonix

You'll never find Camry's to swap from. I've been watching them for years on the major chain autosalvage/junkyard sites. 1) There are very few of them in the country to start with, so supply is very low. 2) The supply we have are generally totally destroyed engines. Avoid swaps frmo North American vehicles like the plague.
The only difference between an ES & A Camry 3vz-fe is the oil pressure sensor was not installed in the Camry model. It's simple to swap over. Takes 60 seconds.

The cost is dependant on what all is going to be replaced, Since you have to pay someone to do it, the JDM engine swap is gonna run about $2000. The head gaskets should run $1200 from an honest shop. It could rise to $1500 if they're sending the heads out to be milled & replacing non-related parts.
Otherwise buy a new JDM engine, swap EGR equipment over (If NY has emessions), and do all the maintenance on it while it's out (Water pump, belts, plugs internal cleaning). When it's installed have a compression test done to make sure it's a good engine.





My vote is Toyota had a widespread headgasket recall on a few v6's before october '96.
Call Lexus corporate & complain about yours being blown. Try getting it repaired under warranty from lexus, or Toyota. Call corporate headquarters for both if you have to.

1993ES300x

i don't think calling up Lexus/toyota for a recall request would work. my es300 is 93 and has around 200K.. but will try.

so are you saying swapping the engine would be bank for the buck??.. just as long as it's JDM engine???

how do you guys feel about those Ebay Engines???

Pheonix

That's one way to get them. It really just depends. All the bottom end needs is to flush the oil. Once the headgaskets are a newer construction style there really isn't anything on them that'll go bad (Cept the valve cover gaskets leaking, but all the Toyota v6's do that.)

I know several MR2's that have done JDM 3vz-fe swaps & had a hand in one, but if you check on LOC, Iceman's just had a ***** of the time all around. His original engine had constant HG problems (like mine did because Lexus didn't mill the heads flat) & his JDM engine also has a blown head gasket.


The real moral of the story is whatever you do do it right. If a shop replaces your head gaskets, they need to send the heads off to get milled. If you get a new JDM engine, it better have a compression test done 'cause most JDM sorces insure the bottom end. Well what the hell good does that do anyone where the OEM that made it the engine in the first place had head gasket problems on every N/A engine it made from like 87 through 94-96. (that rant was free LoL!)

hminh

I prefer to do the engine swap, try this site www.soshinusa.com, they have one location in the East coast and two in the West coast. The last time i check, it cost around $750 for a use Lexus engine import from Japan, with 50k miles on, at least thats what they said. And it comes with warranty.

1993ES300x

thanks for the helpful respons.

Pheniox.. i also asked Sean for his suggestion on it.. he also said the head needs to be send to get milled or whatever.. how much does that cost(ususally)?? ..

i been looking for an engine swap for a while now. it's just that most of these engines from Japan are coming off accidents or salvage cars.. at least that's what i been told.

so if i can find a places that does a swap for around 600bucks labor and a engine(include a drop down(or down leak) test and compression test) for around 750bucks i might go wtih that.. but if i can find a good places that can do a BHG for around 1200 or less... so whatever it cost if it's under 1500. then i'll just go with it..

btw, in the mean time i'm driving a Acura Legend and that thing is fast.. but i MISS rolling in my ES.. i more into looks than speed... i mean with speed you're get a ticket, but with looks you can get Pu$$sie..