Trademe Cylinder Heads

[eejay99]

Hi Team,

Inevitable really, but am suspecting a cracked head in my 93 2lt-e. Looking to replace and came across these ones on trademe...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Toyota/Engines-drive-trains/auction-147383067.htm?p=6

Has anyone purchased one of these heads or have any comments about them?
cheers

[wopass]

for that price i dont think you could go wrong

but have had no dealings with them so best to check what sort of quality they are made to etc

[Jerry]

PM Taz01, I think he still has a good 2LT head spare which may fit, otherwise I can get a price for one for you thru a reputable supplier which may be cheaper or a simiar price

Can you PM me the chassis plate details and I will check for you?

You were in wellington weren't you?, what are the symptoms and how have you checked that its a cracked head?

Jerry
027 479 2417

[smurf182]

A bare 3L head from Toyota is less than $1k retail, though personally I'd go for the trademe head and spend the saving on tidying up the cooling system. Consider getting the head cryogenically treated if you intend keeping the truck for some time.

EDIT: Also, I'd stay away from a second hand head, it's a false economy especially if you're paying a mechanic to do the swap.

[Jerry]

If you are local ... I'm sure you can get a hand if you have a good supply of little green friends

[tweake]

just be aware there has been a fair few substandard aftermarket heads around. generally just poor quality casting and they failed soon after.

don't forget that also a bare head, proberly no valve seats or precups etc. 2LT/3L have different valve sizes and pre cups.

i would be looking for a 2nd hand 3L head. they rarly crack.

[Jerry]

Taz's one is sold already FYI

[eejay99]

What is involved in prepping a head to bolt on if you buy a new 'bare head'?

Do you have to machine the head to swap the valves over and get them to seat properly?

Price was $875 + Gst for an 'exchange' head, I'm thinking he swaps the valve train over and gets it all sorted for that price.

[Ben]

A "bare head" will have no valves, but will have a valve job and pre-cups. You'll need to get new valves or have yours re-faced to suit.

That guy is APD in Manukau: http://www.autoparts.co.nz/index.php if you want to contact him directly.

Ben

[Dace]

I got the old head off my 3L engine, had it stripped and tested by local engine builder, he didn't find any probs but I ended up going to a 5L engine in my Lux

would be keen to swap fo some mind altering beverages

[eejay99]

So can a 3l head work on a 2lt-e block? I think I read a thread about this somewhere.

Are there any advantages in swapping to a 3l head over a 2lt-e head? I.e less risk of cracking again.

Bearing in mind I am an owner who does keep to the maintenance regieme (unlike the previous one...), and am planning a few mods to alleviate the problems when fixed.

[tweake]

3L head is a bit stronger, less cracking. valve sizes are a little different, precups can be different depending on year. especially if you use a 3L cam it tends to give more top end power which is much needed on the gutless wonders.

[smurf182]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Toyota/Engines-drive-trains/auction-147361153.htm

Check this out, a new genuine head for $660.

[eejay99]

A bare 3L head from Toyota is less than $1k retail, though personally I'd go for the trademe head and spend the saving on tidying up the cooling system. Consider getting the head cryogenically treated if you intend keeping the truck for some time.

EDIT: Also, I'd stay away from a second hand head, it's a false economy especially if you're paying a mechanic to do the swap.

Ok, just thought I'd reopen this thread at the moment as almost have the head off for inspection. Regarding Smurf's comment above about the 3L head, would a bare 3L head accept the old 2lte valve train? Or would it be best to get a new exchange 3L head with valves and camshaft already?

Is there any difference between the 3L and 2lte head anyway?

Cheers guys.

[tweake]

Or would it be best to get a new exchange 3L head with valves and camshaft already?
Is there any difference between the 3L and 2lte head anyway?

Cheers guys.

i'll have to double check but afaik the valves are slightly different and precups might be different. depending on if the head uses valve inserts the valve seat might be to big for the 2lt-e valves.
a complete 3L head with 3L cam would be god as the 3L cam gives a bit more top end (but looses a bit of bottom end).