Pulled a search and didn't find the answer to the question. Why is it that the 97 itr motor is cheaper than the 98+? Like 400 bucks different? Is it worth paying that much or is the 97 motor fine? much power difference? Thanks.

 

97-98 are the same. 2000-01 have slightly more duration on the intake cam. Bottom ends are the same for all years.

 

If you are buying a JDM motor you might get luck and get the 4-1 header with the 2.5 collector on the 98+

 

96 spec JDM and 98 spec JDM are different however there is no difference in HP as with the 2000-01 B18c5 and the older model.
With the JDM engines there was a small torque rise at a lower RPM and the difference of the 4.7 vs 4.4 FD on the tranny. There was no difference between the two cars on the drag strip HOW EVER due to the better brakes and the slight difference in tranny there is a big difference on the track

 

Oh okay thanks for that clarification.