Hilux Ln106 swap

Hi everybody,

I was really happy with my 1994 Ln106 Dual Cab Hilux until it started rattling at around 2500 rpm, which then turned into a knock, and then a disaster. The car had about 290.000 on the clock, but was well-maintained and just had the injectors serviced. I am happy no longer.

According to my mechanic in Gippsland the car blew a con-rod bearing (3rd cylinder), which then apparently buggered up the rest of the engine. It's still turing over but reluctantly so and with lots of black and white smoke.

My mechanic suggested that I get another engine installed (from the wreckers) and quoted $4500 for it, which includes the 12 hours labour needed for the changeover. Does this seem reasonable?

I am not sure what to do. The car was worth around 10.000 before it blew, but $4500 seems like an awful lot of money to simply get it back on the road again. Should I stick with the 2.8 L engine, or change to the turbo model and recoup some value that way? Or should I spend around $6000 on a similar Hilux, and strip the blown one of good parts and sell the remainder for scraps?

I would really appreciate any advice you can give me,

Cheers,

Justin