If you don't mind me asking how much did you spend on the rebuilt engine? I am looking into replacing mine in the next few weeks and was curious about pricing.

 

Hiya!
I spent about 2k for one, refurbed from Kar-King out of Southern Cali. A junk yard pull was cheaper, but I felt better going with a refurb. (google kar king scion engine to find them.)
New was more expensive and more confusing (as to who's better to buy from and so on)


Since we've resurrected this, I can update how my car is doing.
Haven't yet gotten around to taking apart the original engine, but the new install has gone quite well. She's about 90% as she was before the whole turbo-debacle.
I've replaced the PCV valve and cam sensor and (after about 500miles) hasn't thrown a single code since.
I've topped the brake fluid so that strange clicking has mostly ceased and the e-brake light hasn't come on since.
She does still eat about a quart of oil per tank of gas, but gas mileage is doing well!
@oil consumption: can't tell if the refurb engine wasn't done right, or if we missed something in the engine-exchange, but right now, I deal with that as long as she works.

 

Thanks for the info man! Does anyone know if the 2.5L engine from the newer generation tc's will drop into a first generation without any hassle?

 

No it will not just drop in. Besides, that would be pointless to begin with. .1L over the 2az is hardly worth the work required for the swap.

 

I have a blown motor so im pretty sure it would be well worth the swap

 

That doesn't constitute a swap. That would constitute a built motor. I a sure you, there is no benefit to it besides saying I got a 2ar.

 

Well I would have absolutely no reason or desire to put in anything that wouldn't just drop into the preexisting setup, which is why I asked. The engine is toast and I don't have the resources to tear it apart and do a rebuild, especially if its too far gone. Although I wouldn't mind giving it a shot if I could I just don't think its realistic for me. So I have been considering all other options for replacement.

On second thought I lied would actually love to put in a different engine baring that it came with allot more potential gain than .1L haha of course! But at the moment im more concerned with getting my car back on the road as quickly as possible.

 

Took the engine apart and feel justified in having replaced the whole thing.

All four pistons broke, this (the 2nd, I think) the worst where an entire chunk got blown out the back end. All four similarly broke: between the bottom two rings (which are still in good condition).
This explained the horrid compression, oil consumption, and after removing the turbo, the smoke. (Yes, drove with these pistons for close to 2k miles)

Engine has since been replaced, and will be parting out the rest of this engine (everything else still looks good).

Consensus was: too much boost (when being tuned)