Looking at buying and installing an imported JDM engine. Please tell me of your experiences, problems, where you purchased the motor and how it is running today.

I 'd liked to know where you bought it and that whole experience too. Start up warranty etc.

Value of the whole thing, turnaround time, did you do the install yourself and those kind of things.

These results determine what I will do in the near future.

I'd like to start a list of those who do these imports and have that available for future reference.

Thanks,

Terry7

 

Why? What do you think you are really going to gain for the amount of work it's going to take? Aside from the Turbo's it's not worth it..

 

I don't think it would be a cost effective idea, a rebuild from USA Mazda is about $2200 without labor. Do you really want to pay more for the essentially the same item just because it is JDM? The newer (96-01?)JDM engines lack alot of the emmission controls needed in the US and would come at a "premium price" from japan. There may also be connection issues with the US wiring harness or ECU compatibility issues.

Bill

 

Thanks for the responce guys, I am pretty aware of the things you mentioned. I had really wanted to talk with some people who have done it if you read the thread.

Terry7

 

PM "EFS.O"

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...3&page=3&pp=15

He apparently is doing this right now.

 

If you get a JDM engine, you typically wouldn't just drop the whole thing in wholesale. In Japan, they cut whatever holds the engine into the car and yank it out, so you get all the manifolds, turbos, injectors, you name it.

Best thing to do with a JDM engine is to strip it to the block, then build it back up with whatever is the best part for the job. For example, if you got a '96+ engine with the black box, and needed to use the US vacuum rack for everything to work, put the US vacuum rack on. If the JDM turbos are in better shape than yours, use those. And so on.

The core block itself is IDENTICAL, US and Japan. The only changes are in the stuff that's bolted to the motor - intake manifolds, etc.

Many times a JDM motor can be a good deal since you get a TON of extra parts to sell, many of which are low mileage and in great shape. But, it can be tricky finding a good 3rd gen JDM engine, not to mention finding a good reputable source that actually has one in stock.

BTW, I have dealt with plenty of JDM 2nd gen engines, but no 3rd gen engines, so there might be something missing from my experience, but I doubt it.

Hope this helps,
Dale