ummmm...why do 3sgte's have different HP ratings Options

[Swifty]

Ive been researching the topic and have yet to come across a reason for the difference in the ST185 ratings, the USDM engine only pulls 200 HP and 200 lb/ft of torque, while the JDM versions of the same engine make between 221 and 231, im almost positive that the engines themselves are identical, same bore, stroke, CR...etc, so where does this mysterious power lie hidden. Could it just be the difference in the stock boost setting, are the turbos the same, what gives?
I'd like to get myself one of these babies, and im wondering if i get the USDM version if it would be an easy matter of freeing up the 21-31 HP in there,
this is only regarding the ST185 3SGTE, and not any other generation of the engine
Also if anybody knows any place that would sell the USDM engines here in Ontario (maybe even Quebec), cuz id much rather not end up having to buy the whole car (im on a freakin' buget, university starts in the fall)

[Swifty]

QUOTE (GT4SUM @ Jul 22, 2003 - 3:27 PM)

you keep mentioning 231hp. No regular GT4 came out with that much. The JDM version came out with around 225hp, as i understand, the USDM came out with around 205hp(or something around that). Now they both run the same boost pressures-9 to 10psi. The 7 psi you talk of is the low boost setting. When the computer feels conditions are right, the VSV lets you flow the extra 2-3psi. Now back to the 231hp figure. As i said, no regular GT4 came out with that much. However, the JDM version of the RC GT4 did(well actually more like 235hp). But this had additional things to make the extra power(water to air intercooler etc). So really the loss between JDM and USDM is really more like 20hp

take a look at the feasible engine swaps page here
go under 3SGTE and look at the specs of the engines

Even a 20 HP difference with identical engines is too high to be caused by an ECU, when ppl get new ECUs, no matter how aggresively modified they dont produce 20 HP on a bone stock car, so i doubt that the JDM version does this, if it does however i would suggest the first mod made to any car running the 3s would a modified ECU that should net about 20-30 HP, lol
Emissions controls shouldnt drop it that much either, all they do is create extra back pressure, not allowing the exhaust to flow as freely.
but ive come to the conclusion that the its the stock boost that the engines run at, ive read that 1 psi = about 10 HP, so 2-3 psi should put the car in at around 225 instead of 200.
Anybody with a USDM 2nd gen 3SGTE know anything about this, its starting to bug me.....where the hell have all the horsies gone