Since you've already have the car at the dealer, you should wait to find out what had happened then see if the engine is salvageable. If it is then it's better to rebuild than swapping it with another one not really knowing the condition of it. Shop around for a reputable local independent rebuild shop rather than the dealer to save some money. While at it, you can have them replace the starter (it's a must if it hasn't been replaced) & clean the upper intake manifold, throttle body, fuel injectors, etc... then you can sleep better at night knowing it'll last for another 20 years. Good luck & keep us posted.

 

Rebuilding an Aluminum block 1UZFE engine after a thrown connecting rod? Crankshaft is going to be OK?

Cylinder heads and valves unscathed?

I'm in U.S.A. where there are plenty of spare engines and parts available.

O.P. is in Argentina.

Whether here or there, competent engine rebuilding is going to cost much more than obtaining a low mileage used engine.
According to OP, there are only a handful of LS400s in Country.
It is a real challenge to find anyone Stateside that can do anything but change an entire engine or transmission.

The correct valvesprings are no longer available from Toyota for the VVTi 1UZ-FE....

In fact, I have a VVTi shortblock that I would be happy to donate to OP...if he picks up freight from Chicago.
The cylinder heads may be available.

 

Wow, thanks, I'll definitely keep that offer in mind. Right now, I've got the quote to tear down the engine and find out what happened. Asked them to check the timing belt first, and turns out it didn't snapped.
That was my first guess, but it's still in good shape as this pic was taken yesterday:



So, on the official dealership quote: 20 hours of labor for around $17 USD an hour (I know, I live in Argentina), to tear down the engine and find the source of the problem. Will get a proper idea of what's salvageable or not.
Most definitely need a new block. But at least the heads and valves might be saved after all.
Since at least one rod snapped, the lower half is still on the crankshaft so that might have survived as well (hopefully!).

 

How much would it cost to get a new engine imported and installed?

I wouldn't reuse something like the crankshaft from your damaged engine. I would much rather leave major internal parts on a donor engine intact and just do new maintenance on top of it, especially if the donor engine was working well beforehand.

Completely up to you in the end. I just don't know if it's cost effective, when that $340 could go into getting a new motor.

 

How did the mechanic stabilize the valvetrain to prevent valves from hitting pistons while disassembling engine??

None of the steps being taken makes any sense.

You could have purchased another engine.

If you throw a rod on one of these engines, you replace the short block.. period.

If you believe the heads are salvageable, then you are going to have to Magnaflux them for fissures/cracks. Bent valves and wrenched valve guides ?

Meanwhile, please expand on the bureaucracy that impels you to needlessly spend money on what is abundantly clear from the images.

 

The only other engine I can find that was removed from running car (body sold not long ago without the engine), costs me $1600 USD locally.
Importing a used engine not only is forbidden by law here, but I would have to figure out how to bring it in without paying more than those $1600 given it's such a heavy package and all.
AND there's paperwork involved too (explained later).

Nothing is being done yet. I just got that quote from the shop and it's ok, I have no use for that engine anymore, so rather save whatever is left and find out what happened.

Things are not as easy to do as in the states, so I know why it wouldn't make sense to just get rid of the engine and throw in another one. Either way I'm looking at $5k easily to save the car. On a vehicle that I've paid $7k for.

Keep in mind I live in a country where the average salary is less than $300 USD today. Cars are stupidly expensive in comparison, but the cost of living is ridiculously low, while working for foreign companies.
Maybe that'll give you guys some perspective on how things work around here, I WISH I could go to the junkyard, pick an engine and get it over with, but not here.

Oh, did I mention that engines are not treated as a spare part? they're included in the title of ownership, and that has a cost as well.

@YODAONE hope that answers some of your questions, if not, feel free to ask.

 

Is that Communism or Socialism on steroids?

However, Communists and Socialists love artwork.

I offer you a free short block as a wine rack...shipped by an artist you located online....

Your job is to arrange a gallery showing.

Shipment to the gallery.

The gallery pays freight from Chicago.

You be the succesful bidder.

Make it work for you.

 

You got that right. It's called "Democracy" here.

And hell yeah, I'll definitely build a table with that block

 

That way, you'll see it in your living room everyday & keep the fond memory going. Just do it.

 

So, OP replaces the bad engine with the working wine rack engine and when the Engine Police come calling you can serve them them a drink on your new bar.... Win - Win

 

Might use the entire car as a wine cellar at this point

So yeah, new engine block quoted at over $4k so... no go. Used engine I've found is a non-VVTI so it's only good for parts... BUT I'm not 100% sure that the VVTI stuff that's on mine, it's completely bolt on the older block.

Also, noticed most VVTI pistons are discontinued, and for sure I'll have to replace one or two. And for that, I need to tear the engine apart, or figure what the MARK 1, 2 and 3 stands for and figure out what's the right spare (they're all STD size but they have different "MARK" listed).

 

Here: Forget about repairing or reusing the short block...the cylinder heads are another matter.. probably damaged as well or at a minimum requires several valves and guides.
Argentina has a quality manufacturer of performance valves that fit this engine. Perhaps they can help you import.

Do not mix engine components.

IF you choose not to take the advice to not reuse or repair, then will allow you to sort it out yourself.
You don't have to take advice, but do request that you listen

If you choose not to receive the shortblock cocktail table...then how about shipping out your damaged shortblock for REPAIRS and receiving a "repaired" shortblock back. The plastic engine number bar code timing belt plate on your engine will display.

 

Well I'm looking at importing a complete engine instead of messing with the non-vvti one, so yeah, I'll take that advice. I'll end up with a nice wine table anyway

Need to figure out how the hell to get it into my country, so if I do, that's one part of the problem solved.
I might have to bring it in through Paraguay, since importing a used engine legally is not possible. Fun times.

 

Just to give a bit of closure to this thread, it seems it was just a con rod failure after all. Got the chance to take a closer look and this is the worst damage



So I'm looking at $7500 USD for a complete used engine, best I could find so far.
For now I'll keep the car until something more reasonable comes up, or get the right offer from someone interested in purchasing as is.

Must admit that I'm disappointed with my Lexus, but for that money I'd rather buy another car, and why not another LS400. Look at those cylinder walls, it was new

 

Dude:

I have a shortblock from a 1999 LS400.
Aall you have to do is pay for packing and shipping....and the glass table.