Replace or Rebuild a 7mge

cbrewster · 03-19-2009, 02:56 PM

I just bought an 88 Supra with a 7mge and 189k miles. The engine was not running when I bought it and I know very little about it's condition. It looks to be in decent shape from the outside, but what is inside is any one's guess.

As it stands, I could go either way with a rebuild or a replacement. Replacements are around $600-$700 and a rebuild kit is around $500.

Has anyone rebuilt a 7mge and wish they had just replaced it, or vise-versa? Does anyone have any advise or an opinion on rebuilding over replacing? Any suggestions on a good rebuild kit or engine supplier?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and/or advice.

mastergrader007 · 03-19-2009, 09:00 PM

go all out and buy a 7mgte. might as well if you have to take the motor out

Bill UK · 03-19-2009, 10:20 PM

A rebuild will cost at least twice the price of replacement engine; the problem with a replacement engine is finding a reliable source, as you know what's advertised as a low mileage tested JDM engine with guarantees doesn’t always turn out to be true. If you go for a rebuild then the first thing you will need to establish is the condition of the crankshaft, very expensive to replace if you can find one. If the big-ends have gone then the crankshaft will need to be checked for hairline cracks. You would learn more about the condition of your existing engine if you could get it up and running before making a decision. To answer your question yes I’ve done both, but that’s a very long story. Try and get that engine up and running first, what sound it makes what comes out of the exhaust what's inside the oil filter will give some idea of its condition.

03-19-2009, 02:56 PM	#1
cbrewster Stock Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 9	Replace or Rebuild a 7mge I just bought an 88 Supra with a 7mge and 189k miles. The engine was not running when I bought it and I know very little about it's condition. It looks to be in decent shape from the outside, but what is inside is any one's guess. As it stands, I could go either way with a rebuild or a replacement. Replacements are around $600-$700 and a rebuild kit is around $500. Has anyone rebuilt a 7mge and wish they had just replaced it, or vise-versa? Does anyone have any advise or an opinion on rebuilding over replacing? Any suggestions on a good rebuild kit or engine supplier? Thanks in advance for any suggestions and/or advice.

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03-19-2009, 09:00 PM	#2
mastergrader007 3" Exhaust Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 79	go all out and buy a 7mgte. might as well if you have to take the motor out

03-19-2009, 10:20 PM	#3
Bill UK AEM EMS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 891	A rebuild will cost at least twice the price of replacement engine; the problem with a replacement engine is finding a reliable source, as you know what's advertised as a low mileage tested JDM engine with guarantees doesn’t always turn out to be true. If you go for a rebuild then the first thing you will need to establish is the condition of the crankshaft, very expensive to replace if you can find one. If the big-ends have gone then the crankshaft will need to be checked for hairline cracks. You would learn more about the condition of your existing engine if you could get it up and running before making a decision. To answer your question yes I’ve done both, but that’s a very long story. Try and get that engine up and running first, what sound it makes what comes out of the exhaust what's inside the oil filter will give some idea of its condition.