JE just scares me, it always seems people have very bad experiences with them..

CP is the company to look for these days

 

I agree.

 

I didn't feel comfortable using the bigger pistons, so I really thought about it and decided to go with all Stock O.E.M. pistons from Toyota.

I ordered about $800.00 worth of Toyota parts Friday, so there is no turning back now. JE Pistons/Rods will be on Ebay soon.

BTW, it was a real bitch finding out what type of piston, rod bearings, main bearings to order because Toyota has 3 different types for each.

A) To select your piston, look on the # stamped on top of it.

B) To select your Rod Bearings, look at the # on the rod caps.

C) To select your Main Bearings, look at the 5 digit # on the block.

Anyways, I will end up with a total rebuild. Also, I think I know the reason why I overheated in the first place. My reservoir had one of the hoses broken off (connects to the radiator cap). The hose was actually ok, it was the plastic connecting piece off the reservoir itself. I believe this is the reason I overheated. My 2nd problem was that my Temp gauge (Stock) never indicated the temp higher then medium. So I kept driving until, I ended up blowing the head gasket. I tested the temp gauge, and the damn thing never goes above medium. Something is faulty. They other thing I found is that although the A/C works, the heater doesn't. This maybe none related, but something to keep in mind.

Well, I will get these parts in 2 weeks and then my shop will take a couple of days to put the car back together. My labor rate when up cause, I will not have time to help around this time.

Wish me luck, I need it man

 

Yeah.. stock temperature indicators are often "trend indicators" not actually registering proper temperature.

Make sure a proper water temp gauge is part of your rebuild process, as well as possibly oil pressure.