pros and cons of the Toyota 3.0?

Not a bad motor imo. It is going to need head gaskets if it has not had them yet. With the new designed gaskets they aren't a problem like they were with the old ones. Personally I would take a 3.0 over a 22re any day. Update the headgaskets and roll out. The 22re had NOOOOO power. Also the trucks the 3.0 and 22re came in are 20 years or older now, so they are getting to the point where they are going to need some sort of overhaul or update regardless of how reliable they are known to be.

Also I think the 3.0 gets a bad rap if they pop at 200k, but if it was a non toyota motor noone would hold that against them.
 
Yea I've heard alot of people say bad things about these motors but in my opinion its all how you take care of a motor. A good running motor wont be reliable for long if you don't take care of it. But just trying to get peoples input and opinions. Thanks
 
The 5 speed works better with the 3.0, than with the auto. you get a little more pep. my 3.0 lasted till 230K and then i sold it and the new owner was still driving it without any problems or HG replacement.
 
Head gaskets, dry rotted vacuum lines causing leaks, power steering pumps. I worked at the dealership and have worked on several of them. IMO they're junk and I'd never own one. Realistically the 22r has just as many problems, they're just a lot easier to work on.
 
they have a terrible reputation, but as said if head gasket pops at 200K that's better than 90% of every other engine. I have done 50 or so head gaskets on them so i kind of like them, most hate them b/c they have never done them.

Im not interested in doing a saab head gasket but i bet a saab tech loves them.

and I do think a 3.0 with a 5 speed is fairly peppy. the autos rob what little power is available.
 
I've swapped a 3.0 in a 91 truck and it was a pain, but wasn't much different than any other "compact" vehicle engine. Compared to a 22re, sure its a little tight and aggrevating, its a V6 vs Inline 4...

I just had a 3.0 swapped into a 4runner. Changed water pump, timing belt, and all top end gaskets and its ready to go for another few hundred thousand miles... Actually I'm headed to pick it up tonight from the mechanic :)

use the bad rap of the 3.0 to get a good deal, but treat it right and it will be fine.

btw, parts are a littly pricey but not too bad.
 
my old truck had the 3.slow it was a beast though i got the truck with 150k miles i didnt have but a few problems with it.. i never changed the timing belt after i got it the head gaskets didnt go until 280k miles...... and i drove this thing back and forth from orlando at least 10 times... i did end up putting a motor back in it that had 150k on it did all the norm except head gaskets... water pump oil pump cam seals belts etc and i had a repair bill with the new used motor around 1400 bucks.... so with that said id trade for sure
 
Its pretty easy. I've seen some guys just pull the wheel/tire off and the fender skirt for easier access and some work around all that. Doesn't seem too bad to change
 
**89mightymax** said:
Alright thanks for the input guys. Anyone know how hard it is to replace the driver side motor mount?
Click to expand...

I just put new LC motor mounts on my truck ('89 3.0) and it wasn't too awfull but mine has ben straight axled so it makes things a little easier. The driver side is much easier than than the passenger.

My truck has apporx 235,000 on it and never had head gaskets. If they go tomorrow, I can't complain.
 
IMO, i disagree with the fact that "the motor will be as agood as you treat it" on the 3.0, not saying its a bad motor, just going back to the HG issue and recall they have on it. i almost bought one and decided not after i seen the frame rot. IMO, they dont have alot more power than a 22re, 4cyl power, V8 MPGs. with all that said, i woulnt NOT buy one bc it had a 3.0, i wish i woulda bought that truck.
 
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