Importing GT4s & Maintenance Options

[coustoe]

Well, stilly deciding what to do, I want to either import a gt4 from japan for conversion parts. or as a whole.

Of course the problem shipping the whole car is getting it registered and past customs, The customs part is pretty easy (already talked to someone who has a whole shipped JDM gt4 in US, and I've confirmed this with the NHTSA custom agents, its possible ei, as spare parts, racing vehicle etc..).

So the problem is actually getting it registered in state once you get it passed customs. Because the Car was brought in as a non driveable street car ei. spare parts, racing vehicle. It wont have any titleing papwork from customs or US Vin Number to get it registered legally. So have to figure out how to get a vin number or how to register it as a street drivable car to license and tag it. Think the easiest way to do this is just to get a salvage title for a celica and lift the vin number on to the gt4. Though I'm thinking theres a better way of doing this or wonder if anyone has experience doing this.

Finally wanna know from people with 3sgtes or gt4 cars what problems they have with daily maintenance of the car ei, fuel and such.

[97sccelica]

I want to import one too, just to drive on the right, lol

but yes it is easy to get one here the only hitch is registering.

you can bring it in as a parts car, and keep it for as long as you need to to add in a cat and make an egr setup. DO NOT GET 96 OR NEWER. you will need a custom ecu to add obd2 to the system, which will not be easy.

as for parts, some basic maintainance parts have been improvised here like the plugs and timing belt. brakes are expensive and not available. best thing you could do is buy the stuff in advance. get extra rotors and pads as well as several sets of spark plugs and belts.

but remember, its a toyota, so the car does last if treated well.

[celica3sgte]

Actually, I tried importing 1994 gt-four before I bought my car. It isn't legal to import any Toyota in the country. I did everything I could. If I can find the info, I'll give you the numbers to call and confirm this for yourself. You have to know a few people in order to get one in. I did see someone get one in, but I never talked to him. If you guys know this person get me in touch with him. You can get the front clip shipped, and the rear clip. But you can't get the whole car here in one piece

This post has been edited by spongebob: May 8, 2003 - 2:19 PM

[Inferno]

I was told the easiest way to get one and drive it is to do what you said and transfer the VIN numbers. It's still illegal, but I doubt anyone will know. If you destroy the old car or don't drive it, I don't see a chance of you getting caught.

[celica3sgte]

I talked to everyone from the EPA, to Customs, to some Toyota Representative. I just wasn't happenin. Wish I knew someone.

[mywhite94celicag...]

im not sure if this is fact or fiction but i was told that all you had to do is talk to a state patrolman and have him inspect it, and then he will issue you a VIN #. but like i said im not sure if thats legit. it kinda sounds to easy to do for it to be true IMO.

[Guest_Matthew_*]

yea it is illegal to import a running gt4 into the states.


you can try this.

go to jarcoinc.com have them get a gt-4 in japan. have them ship the engine and tranny in one crate.

and the rest of the non-running parts car in another crate. get a salvaged celica. and like most of you said swap the VIN plates. chop the **** out of the USDM celica. and there ya go. no one will ever know. this will work for any year of gt-4. but those of you with smog restrictions will have problems.

it would be way cheaper than doing the awd conversion.