I have a high mileage (about 170,000 miles), but overall nice condition 2000 Montero Sports with the 3.0 SOHC engine (VIN JA4MT31HXYP0xxxxx), which shredded its timing belt and due to the consequent puddles of oil and water under the engine, probably trashed the head in the process. I have an opportunity to obtain a complete low mileage (about 70,000 miles), carefully maintained, 2002 Montero Sports with the 3.5 SOHC engine parts vehicle for a very reasonable price (VIN JA4MT41R22J0xxxxx).

I am reasonably competent mechanically and electrically (have performed frame up vintage and veteran vehicle restorations), and have a well equipped workshop, so am considering doing the work myself, as a commercial transplant would not be economically viable, but would rather not commence a job where the scale of the work is not known beforehand.

Can anyone tell me if there are significant changes between the model years or engines that will necessitate more than an engine/transmission transplant, and if so, what those changes entail.

Thanks in advance
Hermit