JDM imported engines, Are they reliable? Options

[CarlJ]

Hi,

I'm new here. Please forgive me if I this has been posted in the past. I tried the search function.

Anyway, I read this on a civic forum(http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179335):

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JDM Swaps

Honestly, unless these come from a friend in Japan, you're taking a gamble every time. You have no real way to know how many miles are on the engine, nor how it was treated. Just keep that in mind. It has not been proven (no matter how many claims) that these JDM motors make any more HP.
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Now I'm wondering, is any of this true? If you're able to find a trustworthy company that sells these engines, shouldn't everything be ok?

I've noticed a lot of you have done the 3S-GTE swap - did any of you import the engine from Japan, or got it from a company which imports them? Experiences with this?

[Kwanza26]

Same idea applies to all engines, not just used JDM motors. Exact mileage and such will always be a mystery unless the engine came out of a clip with the ODO available. Typically speaking though, most JDM engines are of relatively low miles and are in relatively good condition. It's your job as the consumer to check it out. Compression and leakdown, replacing gaskets/belts, etc. Be sure to get a warrantee also...

As for the power... the engines are usually the same unless there is mechanical different. Take Honda engines for example, the JDM counterparts are sometimes much better because of more agressive cams, better port shapeing, different intake/exhaust manifolds, ECU tuning, etc. Japan has better fuel available so their ECU tunes can be more agressive. Toyota 3SGTEs are no exception. The JDM counter parts (ST185 3SGTE) have higher static compression and slightly different set-ups which account for 20 or so more HP. It's mostly related to the available fuel and emissions.

[jgreening]

The JDM counter parts (ST185 3SGTE) have higher static compression and slightly different set-ups which account for 20 or so more HP.

Kwanza, I have always read that the hp difference comes from a more agressively tuned ECU. No?

[Kwanza26]

The JDM counter parts (ST185 3SGTE) have higher static compression and slightly different set-ups which account for 20 or so more HP.

Kwanza, I have always read that the hp difference comes from a more agressively tuned ECU. No?
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The last sentence... ;]

[jgreening]

Hmmm....here is where I got my info (3sgte specific):

JDM Difference #1

JDM Difference #2

JDM Difference #3

You'll notice that one of these posts is from Josh at chicoraceworks and another is from Ken Blake at ATS. Some pretty knowledgable guys....

This post has been edited by jgreening: Dec 25, 2004 - 5:08 AM

[shid]

Err jay, he's saying that what you said is correct, he's not disputing you.

As for JDM engines, it's a little known fact that to make more power, JDM engines are actually built out of Semtex plastic explosive. Of course, this makes the engine slightly less reliable and if mishandled- it has the potential to blow up everything in the surrounding block- thats why these engines are illegal in the US and won't pass smog.

Seriously tho, there's nothing inherently more or less reliable in a JDM engine than a USDM engine- i've read that honda faq too and laughed at it because their writing to an intelligence level that would bitch and complain and buy a rust covered JDM motor just because it's JDM.

Be a smart consumer, ask for people's advice on the forum before you buy a clip, and you'll be perfectly fine- I promise.

[lagos]

the minute you swap in an engine that wasnt ment to be in your car, you start to loose a chunk of that realiability and piece of mind you had before. my motor has been great so far, but i know i pop the hood a lot more often then i ever did with my 5sfe.

when u buy a motor, the best thing to do is get a clip. that way u will know the exact milage and youll be able to see if the car was evey modified or left stock. also make sure you seller gives you compression and leakdown test pics and at least a 3month start up warrenty.

[CarlJ]

Thanks guys, I value your input. The JDMs seem to be like I thought :)

[Kwanza26]

Err jay, he's saying that what you said is correct, he's not disputing you.
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That's right jay... ;] Basically, the JDM ECUs can run much more agressive fuel maps because they have better octance fuel in Japan readily available...

[lagos]

the only things that i know seperate the us and jdm 3sgtes are the lack of egr on a jdm and a ceramic ct26.

[Kwanza26]

the only things that i know seperate the us and jdm 3sgtes are the lack of egr on a jdm and a ceramic ct26.
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Static compression also. The USDM Models are 8:1:1 and JDM versions are 8:5:1 (ST185)... which of course leads to differences in overall tuning, fuel, and emissions...

[lagos]

hmm, never knew about that... u sure the compression is not the same? where u get that info from

This post has been edited by lagos: Dec 27, 2004 - 12:37 AM

[Kwanza26]

hmm, never knew about that... u sure the compression is not the same? where u get that info from
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Cross refrenced between Here and Shopkeep (repair/estimator program). There may have been a changeover at some point, but I'm about 90% sure the JDM versions had consistantly higher compression...

[SlowCelica94]

What's a leakdown test? And you said static compression...that just a different name for the compression test I'm fimilar with? (lil gauge on hose in sparkplug hole?)

[celica3sgte]

Kwanza you are reading that chart wrong. It says that the 86-89 alltrac version has a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The 90-93 model had 8.1:1. Most of the 35 hp gain comes from a more aggresive ecu and lack of egr. The 90-93 alltrac rally car had an 8.5:1 compression ratio.

[Kwanza26]

Kwanza you are reading that chart wrong.  It says that the 86-89 alltrac version has a compression ratio of 8.5:1.  The 90-93 model had 8.1:1.  Most of the 35 hp gain comes from a more aggresive ecu and lack of egr.  The 90-93 alltrac rally car had an 8.5:1 compression ratio.
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That chart shows the 8:1:1 ratio for the 200hp USDM model. The JDM model, which is rated at 225hp... if you look on google, it'll show compression far over 8:1:1. it'll usually say something around 8:5:1 or 8:8:1 depening on model. I thought this was a well known fact.

And slow: static compression means basically stock compression.

[Mr2swift]

Ecu is definately more aggressive with the fuel and timing maps, but do not forget about the Ceramic Ct26 the Jdm model has compared to the US model, as well as emission down tuning or lack there of.

Jdm engines can come as high as 80k miles as I have witnessed this first hand, especially the older the model. There are also importers that import from Hong Kong and Malaysia in which the mileage can be as high as 150k+! Interesting thing is that most will opt for the higher mileage older model clips in which have a better chance of something failing sooner then expected, simply because the price is more desireable. Definately buy a complete front clip, and definately deal with an importer you can trust and has a good reputation for performing.

As for fuel, you would be suprised to know that Japans 100 octane is equal to our 93-94 octane.


Ron (951) 283-3778
Motors Unlimited

[shid]

As for fuel, you would be suprised to know that Japans 100 octane is equal to our 93-94 octane.
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Naw, we all know that.

Every country figures out octane it's own way