Used JDM 99 spec motors - How much of a risk?
 

I've got a FD that needs a motor. Local importers sell 99 spec swaps (complete engine, wiring, sensors, and a transmission) for $1700

I've had great luck buying piston motors from importers for years, with one bad engine (crank walking 2jz) that was warrantied out.

The rotary motors are sold without a warranty!

Who has experience, good or bad, going this route?

The car needs an engine, the turbos are done, and the wiring harness is fried. So the used complete engine looks pretty good :)

This topic has been beaten to death. Many of the imported motors aren't even usable as cores and countless individuals and shops have been left standing with nothing more than a paperweight in every regard. Not a single profession builder on here would recommended that option to you, even if they were going to break it down and rebuild it. Chances are nothing is salvageable.

If you are going that route, I believe 99 spec harness would not work with our cars as they use 16 bit where we use 8 bit ecu unless your car is JDM.
It maybe be better to use current harness or buy a used usdm harness and block off all the emission related plugs.

Yeah, not worried about wiring stuff. That's not a problem for me

I'd never trust a used JDM motor. 9 times out of 10 they are blown or have severe corrosion inside from improper storage. The only time I recommend purchasing them is if you need a core to start a build or need all the long block accessories. If you want a new motor I have brand new 13BREW short blocks for sale for $4500. Alternately I can rebuild your existing motor.