Salvage Engine

Hey guys,

I'm wanting to buy a replacement engine for my 95 Taco from a Toyota salvage yard. They have a few with really good mileage on them.

But... I was wondering. If they give me a copy of the title to show me the mileage on the engine, is there any way I can check the engine number against the VIN number on the title to make sure I'm getting the right engine? (i.e. the LOW mileage one?)

Is there any place on the engine itself that has the VIN number stamped on it?

Thanks for your help.

Hey guys,

I'm wanting to buy a replacement engine for my 95 Taco from a Toyota salvage yard. They have a few with really good mileage on them.

But... I was wondering. If they give me a copy of the title to show me the mileage on the engine, is there any way I can check the engine number against the VIN number on the title to make sure I'm getting the right engine? (i.e. the LOW mileage one?)

Is there any place on the engine itself that has the VIN number stamped on it?

Thanks for your help.

yes the engine should have it stamped or a metal strip with it stamped on it some where on the engine. if not don't buy it! red

I removed the bad engine over the weekend to make room for a new one.
Once I got it out, I looked all over the engine, but didn't find any metal plate on it with the VIN number. There are stamped numbers on the engine block, but I don't think these have anything to do with the VIN, specifically.

When I go to buy the used (new for me) engine, I just want to make sure that it's the engine they say it is. That is, in case they already have the thing out and ready to load. Like I said, I will get a copy of the title to the truck that the engine ( supposedly ) came out of. This salvage yard is pretty reputable in my area. They've been in business for 15 years, but I still want to be cautious.

I have looked all over the internet for info on this, but can't really find anything. It seems like there would be some way to check the engine against a VIN. I know a lot of Chevy people do it to make sure they have original engines. But I've read that Chevy puts the VIN on the engine.

I'm inclined to think Toyota doesn't.

Have any other suggestions? Thanks.

I removed the bad engine over the weekend to make room for a new one.
Once I got it out, I looked all over the engine, but didn't find any metal plate on it with the VIN number. There are stamped numbers on the engine block, but I don't think these have anything to do with the VIN, specifically.

When I go to buy the used (new for me) engine, I just want to make sure that it's the engine they say it is. That is, in case they already have the thing out and ready to load. Like I said, I will get a copy of the title to the truck that the engine ( supposedly ) came out of. This salvage yard is pretty reputable in my area. They've been in business for 15 years, but I still want to be cautious.

I have looked all over the internet for info on this, but can't really find anything. It seems like there would be some way to check the engine against a VIN. I know a lot of Chevy people do it to make sure they have original engines. But I've read that Chevy puts the VIN on the engine.

I'm inclined to think Toyota doesn't.

Have any other suggestions? Thanks.


okay try this.... look in the door jam of the donor tacoma and write down all the numbers and codes(they should say what gears,eninge,year,etc) then see if that stamping on the engine matchs with any of the info off the door! red

this may seem strange, but why go through the trouble of getting a salvage more? I would send my own motor off for a high performance or heavy duty rebuild. Ever heard of LCEngineering? DOA Racing? 100's of others too!