what do you guys think would be in better condition a jdm motor or usdm motor. or does it even matter??

 

I dont think it matters on what country the motor came from, but the previous user, and if he changed the oil regularly or drove the car hard or whatever.

 

im only asking this because a friend of mine told me not to buy usdm motors because of them usually having really high mileage.

 

JDM engines might have less miles(who knows), but some Japanese people may not be as reluctant to take it to the shop as often...believe me, I lived there for 6 years. They swap cars like baseball cards b/c of the taxes stamped on older cars. On a side note...jdm engines have smog problems(not in general but in certain areas). I just had an extensive convo with an emissions guy. I'm in VA tho, not sure how it is in your area. I'd go drive up and have a one to one with an emissions guy, he'll steer you in the right direction.

 

how do you know the jdm motor's don't have high mileage? also with jdm motors, you have to either modify your stock engine wiring harness, or you have to extend the jdm wiring harness, or purchase a wiring harness off of an equivalent usdm motor.

 

Or you can use your stock wiring harness (Like I did).

JDM motors may have less miles on them but its harder to verify what condition the motor is i nthat you are getting. My take on it is get what you can for the best amount of money and make sure its from a reputable place. Sometimes having the cheapest prices are not worth the headache when you are trying to swap a motor. Paying a higher price fro ma reputable source sometimes saves you a world of issues.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ptran13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how do you know the jdm motor's don't have high mileage?</TD></TR></TABLE>


the reason why JDM motors have less miles is because japan has a law saying you have to change motors every 30 thousand miles. some JDM motors have been known to have problems, because japanese citizens knowing they have to change the motor anyways are more reluctant in routine maintenance such as oil changes, tune ups, etc.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AzntaggeR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


the reason why JDM motors have less miles is because japan has a law saying you have to change motors every 30 thousand miles. some JDM motors have been known to have problems, because japanese citizens knowing they have to change the motor anyways are more reluctant in routine maintenance such as oil changes, tune ups, etc.</TD></TR></TABLE>

There is no law requiring them to change motors or cars. This is not true. At the 3yr point they are required to do extensive emissions, inspections etc... which can run 2k or more. Many people at this point just sell the car and invest that money towards a new car.