If you are putting it back together from pieces, you will more or less HAVE TO replace the consumable in the bottom end (rings, bearings, gaskets, seals etc) cos once an engine has been disassembled, these bits aren't much chop. Especially if they aren't matched to the same cylinder they came from
At a rough guess, this will all add up to close to $600 (gasket set is around $400 from toyota AFAIK, and bearings aren't really available for Gen3), which is why buying a running motor from importers is so attractive.
If you are already spending this much, get the block machined and you should have a nearly new bottom end.
Put it together with new belts too...
Stuff like the turbos, and even the head, can be inspected and used if they appear in good condition, as they are easy to remove later... it's just that removing and rebuilding the bottom end is the pain.
In all honesty, buying a complete runner from an importers sounds like a better option... but that's your call to make.
Bookmarks