Lil98civi

I have a 1998 lexus ls400 that jumped timing and bent the valves. Im thinking if I should sell it as is and take a loss or wait till i have the time to replace the heads,which wont be for a couple months. What do you guys think and what should I be looking at asking price if i decide to go that route. Good body all around soild, brand new brakes, one owner and clean title.... i know theres some people that would throw an ls1 in there haha

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

If all you did was ruin the heads and NOT punch a hole in the pistons/muck up the bore, then I would go ahead and replace the heads. Luckily used heads aren't astronomical in price and the engine doesn't have to be pulled to do it. going rate is about 175-325/each for complete heads, you can reuse your intake mani/throttle body. If the cams aren't damaged you can reuse those as well, if your new heads don't come with them.

With a dead motor it's going to be worth very little if you sell it, you didn't specify mileage but I would expect it to sell for maybe 2k-3k tops as it sits.

ls400geek

When you buy replacement heads for a 1998-2000 make sure the camshaft seals aren't leaking as it's really expensive later to have them changed out (due to 98-2000 vvti). Also be careful what bolts you loosen on the cams when taking them out (if you are going to do this) because loosening the wrong ones can permanently ruin the heads I hear.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

this isn't exactly true, the cam bearing bolts simply have to be removed in the correct order, nothing more.

Lil98civi

The car has 120k on it. Is it possible to replace the heads without pulling the motor? Is there going to be room to get in there? Would it be easier to find a used motor and throw one in there?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

easier? maybe. But far, far more expensive.

The heads SHOULD be removable without pulling the engine, though it will be tight since the 1UZ is rather wide.