MAJOR CELICA PROBLEM--CRACKED BLOCK

[cundog]

Guys,
  I know a lot of you work in the automotive business.  I've got a major problem and I'm trying to fix it.  I took my 2000 Celica gt to Priority Toyota when the engine light came on.  I've had neck surgery and my wife was driving it after it sat for a few days.  The engine light came on, she pulled over, and the light went off.  She drove about 5 miles to her parents house and parked the car.  AAA towed it to Priority.  They said it was smoking when they pulled it off the flatbed.
  The next day I was called and they said it was a bad head gasket.  I told them to fix it.  They called back a day later to tell me the block is cracked.  This in no way effects my relations with Priority.  They've done nothing wrong, I just can't afford the labor.  They're good guys and helped out where they can.
  I have a feeling the previous owner didn't take very good care of this car.  Nothing I did would have caused this.  Too many of them have been autocrossed much harder.
  I need to try and find the bottom end of a Toyota 1ZZFE motor.  I'm going to try and put the thing back together myself once my neck is strong enough.  Right now, I can't lift over 5 pounds for the next 5 weeks.  If I don't try to fix it myself, I'll lose probably $4k on this thing trading it in, instead of possibly breaking even and continue driving it.
  I'm going to be looking everywhere, so I appreciate your help.  I'm hoping I can get a car temporarily from my boss.  If not, I'll have to find some cheap transportation.  I can't drive for another 4 weeks, so it's not an issue as of yet.
  I know I haven't been out with you guys much, but I'm hoping I can rely on some club friends and relationships builit over the years.  Thanks in advance for any help and for listening.

[Autox]

Sorry to hear about your problem with the Celica Jeff.  If your boss cannot help you with the car I will lend you our 87 Acura.  It isn't pretty but runs well enough.  I am driving it daily to save mileage on the vette but if you need it you can use it.

[cundog]

Keath,
  Thanks for the offer.  I'll keep you updated.  I appreciate you always being around for me when needed.  You too Donna!!

[Edited on 2-2-2007 by cundog]

[pipefitter]

Try Taylor Motor Co. in Cumberland. They're a recycler that specializes in Toyotas. 1-800-503-9888. Or try "Car-Part.com".

[RTL69]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-1999-TOYOTA-COROLLA-PRIZM-1-8L-1ZZFE-MOTOR-ENGINE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33615QQihZ001QQitemZ110075613087QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V
THis is a link for a motor with that engine code on ebay for 500. Not bad, really, but it says corolla. I know Toyota likes to do that sort of thing though.

[RTL69]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-05-Toyota-Celica-GT-MR2-Engine-Motor-Swap-Changeover_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33615QQihZ020QQitemZ300075981783QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
here is another that says it is directly from a celica, but quite a bit more exensive, plus it is the entire motor, but hey, spare parts right??

[cfrank1]

Sign up for Toyota's grassroot racer support program. Free for Toyota owners. They will sell you any parts including a shortblock for 20% UNDER what the dealer pays for them. Quite a good deal!