howesy replied:

you will pay at least 2000 just to buy a second hand 2.8 so why dont you consider doing a reco job on the 2.4 and put on a DTS or other after market turbo. I think you will be more than happy as the 2.8 in standard form won't pull the skin off a rice pudding and the 3.0 turbo has an electronic injector pump and requires modifying for your vehicle or you run the elctronics to go with it. I had the 2.8 and took the reco and turbo option over the replacement 3.0 litre and didn't regret it for a minute. others may have different opunions but thats what forums are all about, good luck.

B3 replied:

I am in exactly the same situation with exactly the same vehicle/motor! After much deliberation I have decided to reco my existing as it has been so economical and reliable in the past. She may be a bit slow on the hills, but on the flat she's fine and she passes the others at the bowser....... ; )

snow replied:

Personally I'd reco the 2.4 and add a turbo. Weren't Toyota clearing their shelves of new 2L motors recently for 3K?

Try the wreckers for a good 2nd hand turbo unit and if need be have it looked at also.

PS. I put a 2nd hand turbo on my 2.4 at 200,000K and 50,000later have no regrets.Vehicle is much more driveable.

B3 replied:

Yes.....I am dreaming of that turbo! Have been running extractors for the past couple of years. An improvement on a budget - but turbo is the go.

snow replied:

Gday B3

Mate re the Toyos motors I am pretty sure I read that on one of these forums and elsewhere on the internet. Was probably a few mpnths ago like just before Xmas as I remember thinking how reasonable it sounded.

Re the turbo, I emailed a heap of wreckers, spoke to a lot of people and picked up a unit complete with manifold and 2.5 inch outlet for 500 fish ($). There were plenty of units available and all it amounted to was doing the best deal I could, even came with a 12 month warranty although I wouldn't have liked to have tested that theory!!

I installed the unit myself (alone) took me roughly 4 hours taking my time. Did a deal with local exhaust shop who put a straight thru 2.5 inch system.

Goes a treat, also have 31 x 10.5s on, no probs.