[lifesnotfair]

I am no expert, as a matter of fact, a total newbie to these Toyota engines, but I'm also trying to gather information because I'm N/A automatic, and I want to be turbo/manual.. and I wanna know what to spend money on.

From what I've read, the 7M-GTE has factory flaws, but once corrected, it's reliable. The headgasket seems to be the main problem, so a good one with ARP studs is the first thing to do. I will personally go with a Metal HG, which, to be installed, requires re-surfacing (?) the block and head. I mean, machining.. ya know, making the boarders "clean", with no imperfections, as the metal HG wouldn't seal as well as the stock ones, as it's not flexible. But any experienced shop could do this work and should not screw up. Some people do it themselves, but I wouldn't recommend that (it's a delicate matter darnit!), heh. After that, the engine is said to be very reliable. I asked about the engine's lubrication, as I've heard it's pretty low (the oil preassure), and I was told about some "oil filter relocation kits" that change the oil filter possition, and I _think_ some of the pipings or hoses or something, and then you have a higher PSI reading all the time, which is good. I will do this mod too, as I keep hearing all the time that the lubrication on this engine is poor.

After that, I think there's nothing to worry about. I've also hard that a new, stock HG can be used if you're not planning on going over 300 RWHP.

But if I were you, I'd do what I will do... these motors are OLD.. so, since you're already opening them up (to change HG), check the internals, and see what needs replacement. Yeah, you might spend something, from a couple of hundreds to a thousand, depending on how much of it you need to replace, but heck, a rebuilid (or kinda so) would guarantee even more miles on it without breaing, I believe... =)

As I said, I'm a n00b, so if any experienced person reads this and finds ANYTHING that's inaccurate or just not too smart, please correct me!!!