SolaraGuy.com

Hi
My wifes engine seized yesterday, 99 Solara SLE, CA emissions. I called a local salvage yard and they had another one for only $400. The car had just came in after an being totallled in an accident. It has 103K on it. I thought that was an excellent price and probably worth getting and doing as my car is pretty nice and I've already replaced damn near everything in it.

Anyway, I have never done an engine swap before, though I seem to have done everything but that over the years. I could really use a checklist or instructions. Is there anywhere I could get that? Do anyone have such a list they could email me? Or any advice at all
Thanks
Ron

Since it's just an R & R, there's not much too it. I would suggest doing the timing belt, water pump and all your front seals while it's out. I'd probably do the valve cover, plug tube seals, and oil pan gasket too. If it's a 1mz-fe, you can check for sludging when you have the valve cover off. Really, if there's a gasket or seal that's going to be a PIA when the engine is in the car: I'd replace it. I'd rather spend a $100 today on seals and gaskets, then spend a whole day replacing a leaking $5 crank seal next month.