Just doing my typical epicmarine research before I start a new project and I came across this thread about wakejunky rebuilding an engine for another member. It was a great reminder that although our boats are unique in the wakeboat industry the parts for them are not. Almost all off the shelf with a few exceptions like the stainless exhaust manifolds.
We can get a 1UZ-FE block used for $775 bucks.
http://www.jdmflorida.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=57 This is the original non-vvti version but supposedly they are pretty stout engines.
Maybe even upgrade to a 4.3!
Long story short, replace the digital gauges with analog, replace the DECC with manual switches or Cyclones Epic-PI (ePIc) mod jack up the swim step, add a wake maker, buff/wax/clean and you have a boat that will easily be a contender for the next 20 years!
Did I mention I love my Epic!