Hi all

I've got a 1987 N/A car that has some odd noises during driving. It isn't using oil and the coolant is clear so pretty sure gaskets etc are intact. Took it to Toyota for them to look over and they have come back and said there is some knocking in the bottom end of the engine which sounds bad. They recommend a full engine rebuild. As the car has got 289000 on the clock this seems fair enough. I have only had the car a few months so I don't really know if its getting worse or not, just don't want to leave it to destruct!

I'm in Perth and have had quotes from 3 different people to do a full engine rebuild,...engine exchange in Bayswater, Osborne motors in Osborne Park and Toyota themselves. I don't have the time or expertise to do it myself so its basically a drive in-drive out situation. I want to get it right first time and have the engine last me a long time. i will get a new clutch put in while the engine is out.

Was hoping someone could give me recommendations on good rebuilders in Perth, or opinions on the ones I've mentioned

Cheers...sorry for the long post :)

J

What were the quotes ?

Toyota wanted $5750 which is the most expensive but I expeced that...they would just outsource it anyway and put there mark up on it.

Engine exchange was $5200 and Osborne Motors was $4500. These quotes are drive in drive out but anything extra would be parts only prices eg clutch which I figure around $350-400 and maybe thermostat which I suspect is faulty.

Cheers

J

I would go speak to Tony Flood. (See Tony Flood Mechanical)
 
Every-time I have popped in there, he always is working or about to work on an AW11.
 
From what I have experienced he is very easy to speak to and and his explanations are very simple to understand.
 
There is also WTF Auto, also does lots of work on Toyota and MR2s in general.
 
I would speak to either of the above, understand exactly what is wrong and go from there.

Thanks for that...I've sent an email to Tony to see what he says

J

to give you an insight my sw20 was rebuild by wtf for about 5k minus timing belt etc. Id go with someone reputable

Hi

Ye I appreciate that...have sent an email to wtfauto too.

Does anyone have any feedback on the 2 that I mentioned above?

Cheers

J

How much labour is really involved for a mechanic? If its just the usually bearings, rings, gaskets, seals, belts, pumps, hoses, fluids, plugs, leads, cap and rotor then that's maybe $1500 for a 4a? Labour, for drive in drive out, 3 days? About $2400 worth? 

Have you thought about just swapping a newer motor in rather than a full rebuild? Probably cost you about the same for newer technology.
 
On the other hand, let me know if you need help with parts too. Its generally cheaper to supply the mechanics with the parts to do the labour than to get everything entirely through them as well.

Cheers guys

Am seeking advice on the weekend from Tony Flood....will let you know how it goes!

Cheers

J