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New cyl head (beat up)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Georgios, May 22, 2020.

  1. Georgios

    Georgios Member

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    I have that rattle coming from the engine since i got the car few years and 40K miles ago. It still comes and goes whenever it wants. I read here that its the valve adjustment problem and its not that easy to do adjustment with the shims. So i was looking at some cyl heads and found a correctly rebuild one and a brand new(take off) one. wasnt planning on buying it but the new (take off) one was "best offer" so i offered $250 and the seller agreed on $270

    Now it came to me and i cant figure out is it rebuild or is it new oem installed on engine and taken off. The spark plugs are brand new. Its obvious it was not fired even one time. any thoughts? Its a little beat up as stated in the ad but hopefully not warped. Looks line as is but who knows

    My idea is one day to make an engine on the side and when time comes to slap it on the car instead of junking it. I am wish i can keep the car for another 10 years at least.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-09-10-11-12-13-TOYOTA-1-5L-1NZ-FE-CYLINDER-HEAD/322862524877?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
     
    #1 Georgios, May 22, 2020
  2. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    if it was me, I'd get a good machinist to check it out thoroughly just to make sure its ok. of course, I'd also want to have the intake cam reground to lose a little of the excessive late duration.
     
    #2 69shovlhed, May 22, 2020
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    After having it checked at a good shop, you're going to have more invested in a single head than it would have cost to just buy a complete, lower mile used engine...

    and isn't a Gen 2 a 1NZ-FXE engine? Isn't there a difference between the FE and FXE? Cam lobe timing for Atkinson cycle? FE is the otto cycle version?
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, May 23, 2020
    Last edited: May 23, 2020
  4. Georgios

    Georgios Member

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    I have no idea is there a difference between the Prius FXE and the other FE engine.
    For me a used engine isnt an option. I prefer to have complete overhaul block and cyl head so i can enjoy it from scratch rather than put unknown mileage engine. And in few years the low mileage engine would be almost impossible to find. I bet significant number of the prius engines are oil starved at some point but didnt blow
     
    #4 Georgios, May 23, 2020
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Its a little beat up as stated in the ad but hopefully not warped. Looks fine as is but who knows

    But you're ok with the above?

    You paid 270 bucks for a head that isn't designed for the hybrid 1.5 engine. Will it work with the different cam lobes? Probably. Will it work as intended by Toyota? No...but, I think some people have installed this head on purpose, trying to find 5 more HP while losing mpg. How it's worked out for them long term? I'd be willing to bet they're not as happy as they would have been if they kept it OEM.

    There's always the option of buying the best used complete engine you can find and rebuild it. At least then you'll have all the correct pieces and parts to work with. Trying to piece together a new engine is going to end up being very expensive and full of errors.
     
    #5 TMR-JWAP, May 23, 2020
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