Hey everyone,

I was looking into rebuilding the engine in my 1994 Accord and was told to just get a new one from a mechanic (friend of a friend). He said that there are these places that buy used motors from Japan because they have some sort of law that states the engine must be replaced after approx. 30,000 miles. He said that these engines were pretty cheap (~$400-$500).

Has anyone ever heard of this and/or know where to find them? Also, what is the term for these? He did say that there was some minor adaptations that had to be done which I am assuming would be due to the fact that they are right-drive cars over there. Does anyone know what these would be? I'm think throttle linkage stuff maybe? Anyway, thanks for any help in advance!
B

 

Google "H Motors"
Google "Tiger Japanese"
Ebay also. I purchased 2 from ebay for my celica I use to have, no issues.

 

I just got a F22B non-vtec from Hmotors. I'm in the process of swapping it in and converting to manual right now. Hmotors is legit! The engine they sent me looks like it was pulled from a car with 5000 miles.

 

I don't think its a law or anything. I think the reason you get low mileage engines from Japan is because Japan is a fraction the size of the United States and cars do not have the opportunity to rack up lots of miles on long trips. Also Japan is surrounded by salt water and rust is a major issue there.

 

Thanks for the replies! Yeah, H motors is looking pretty good. What are your opinions of rebuild vs replace? Also, does anyone have any information on what would have to me swapped? Thanks again for all the help!
B

 

There is forced commerce. When a car becomes older/higher mileage it becomes costlier to insure/register. Cheaper just to purchase a new car. This has been going on for years. Could always import a low mileage car for very little. Except here in the US where safety and emissions systems are prohibitive even with same year cars. Stateside we just benefit from cheap replacement drivetrains.
FWIW I picked up a JDM AT from Japan Engines. Works fine, and much cheaper ~$600 vs ~$2400 for a rebuilt unit.