Cracked Cylinder Head Question

[lyndsiedlopez]

Okay, so my Previa is in the shop with what I thought was just a blown head-gasket, but the very nice guy called today and said that I actually have a cracked cylinder head. He told me the crack was in an irreparable place so the head needs to be replaced. He is currently scouring the entire US trying to find me a used cylinder head for less that $700. I found one somewhat close to me but its for a 1997 Previa, mine is a 1996.

So my question is, can a 1997 cylinder head be used on a 1996 Previa? Or is going to look at it just a waste of my time?

[timsrv]

There were only 2 heads made for all years of the Previa and as far as I know they are both interchangeable. Even the SC (Super Charged) and NA (Naturally Aspirated) Previas all years use the same casting. The difference between the two heads only affects some of the Previas that were originally sold in California. Other than the "California Spec" head (which I actually think is more common) they should be the same. Even then I believe they can be interchanged, but I'm a little fuzzy on what (if any) things that may (or may not) affect. Good luck. Hopefully somebody with more knowledge with chime in here.

PS: If you can get me the VIN numbers for both Previas (yours & the donor) I can tell you for sure if they are a match. Tim

[lyndsiedlopez]

Well nevermind. I now know that I need more than just the head. For the $750 I'm getting new valves, camshafts, everything. Even a 30,000-mile warranty. Sounds like a good deal to me. Just gotta talk to the bank (grandparents till I graduate college) and get the OK.

In all, my price total goes up to $2,550. My Previa only had 133,000 miles. Its worth it, right?

[timsrv]

In all, my price total goes up to $2,550. My Previa only had 133,000 miles. Its worth it, right?

That's a tough call. 133k is pretty low for one of these. After repair, it's resale value is probably about $3,000 - $5,000 (depending on condition). A problem like this is rare for so few miles, so IMO it should be reliable after this. If the car is ideal for you in all other ways & your mechanic is competent, then I'd fix it. If a different car (more fuel efficient) would work for you now might be the right time to make the switch. You could likely find a reliable mid 90's Corolla for about the price of this repair. You'd lose the interior space but you'd get about 30 mpg instead of 15 - 20. Tim

[lyndsiedlopez]

Okay so I just got my van back after a month of being in the shop. I've only driven it once since it's been out of the shop and I was just wondering if there's some sort a break-in period after getting a re-manufactured cylinder head. The mechanic (an old Toyota technician) never said anything to me but I'm just wondering if I can drive it like I used to, or if I should be a little nicer to her.

[timsrv]

Nothing special for a head. Some say you should baby after a "bottom end" rebuild, but I've always just put them to work. Tim