Is it just me or didn't these imported engines used to cost around $1,700 and now they are at $3,400...

 

I think it's an indication of supply/ demand coupled with the price of the cars trending upward.

BUT, ebay is generally the last/ worst place to get a used engine. Not much luck with them.

Vince

 

Used JDM engines are a great way to get a lot of parts really cheap. Just don't expect to drop it right in the car and fire it up - buy it as a bunch of parts.

It would be a great way to get an engine for a car with a rolling chassis and NO engine, this way you aren't trying to track down manifolds, brackets, little odds and ends.

I've bought 2 FD's engines many moons ago and a few FC engines back in the day. I got my money's worth and got a lot of great parts.

Just plan on rebuilding that motor when you get it and don't be disappointed if it's rusted junk inside. But, you might get a mint one, if so congrats .

Dale

 

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...s-ecu-1126873/

This seems to be a clean example. With the Efini Y-pipe and later Alt/Engine Pick up bracket it likely has 99 Spec twins on this setup as well.

 

Yeah, It would be nice if sellers would take the turbos off and take a picture through the exhaust port. Or hook a battery to the starter and get some compression numbers.... Or provided some sort of warranty... but I suppose we ask too much for $3400. I'm not sure if a parted out ebay motor is even worth that much money. What is a mint sent used housings worth right now? I saw a new old stock set on ebay for $2000!

 

I bought a 96-98 block a few years back. Got a lot of good parts but there are some downsides.

'96 was the first year of the black box. That means the ECU harness is pretty much not usable in a US car without a LOT of work, also means the rat's nest and many other parts aren't useable.

A 94 or 95 engine is really IMHO the sweet spot for a JDM motor - hopefully get the N3C1 turbos, have a wiring harness you can use, rat's nest and solenoids you can use, etc. But it also depends on what you are wanting from the motor itself, again you're buying a collection of parts.

Dale

 

Yeah, it's definitely a toss up.
I just looked back into my e-mails to see how much I spent on one from "JDM Engine Corp" on e-bay. (June 2013)

I paid $1500 shipped for a complete engine, trans, wiring harness, ecu... everything.

5 years later... still running!

(Edit)
I just decided to look them up on e-bay again.
Sure enough... look at that price now. $4,300!
E-Bay Link to JDM Engine Corp.