Need help? I'm about to have my engine redone. I've got a busted head gasket, I think my heads are oblonged(oval shaped) and I might as well change my timing chain while I"m at it. Would it be cheaper to just purchase a new or rebuilt engine? Does anybody know where to begin looking for new or rebuilt engines for 1996 Toyota Tacoma?

think i looked up a long block last year, believe it was around 3800$$, but would'nt swear to that figure.
be cheaper to just have it repaired imho
should be able to have the head rebuilt, seems you should be able to do everything for under 1k $$? i'd check into it
hth
Rick, Ore

I'm going to assume you have a four cylinder engine since you mention timing chain replacement. I don't understand what you mean by the comment, 'you think the heads are oblonged." You need to determine why the head gasket failed, unless you already know. Your head may be damaged beyond repair. If you are rebuilding a head and replacing a timing chain and paying someone else to do the work I think it may cost considerably more than 1K $, it is a good idea to check. Check with a Toyota dealer for a new engine.

Clifton

Rebuild or buy new? Neither.
Find an engine importer. Many autoparts stores have classified ads and these importers advertise in them. Importers import used motors from Japan with between 30,000 and 40,000 miles on them. The motors usually come with a 12,000 mile or 12 month warranty. These motors are also cheap usually costing about $500- (some are more, some are less).
Years ago I got one for a Celica for $250- and one for a Datsun for $195-. Both of them were delivered free to my home. The shop I worked for ordered several motors without a problem.
The Diablo Dealer and the East Bay dealer have ads in them and are usually available at Kragen.
Engineland (Berkeley) and Shen Trading Company (Oakland) are located in the East Bay. These are two of the importers I have done business with.