Differences between JDM and American 7MGTE

btwilson86 · 02-19-2009, 07:58 PM

It depends on what year of JDM engine you get. The 87-88's have a mid-sump oil pan, and I believe that the 89-92's have a rear sump oil pan. This change was from the introduction of the 1JZ. You will also have to swap all of your state required emissions items over, but as you said you only need a short block I'm pretty sure you know this. I know on the 7MGE's (not sure on the Turbo models), there was a slight modification to the engine in 89(?) where they counterbalanced the crankshaft at the no 2 and no 5 cylinder, which resulted in a lower redline (by 200 RPM) and requires the use of a different flywheel/flexplate.

In addition to the above stated, you may find that some electrical plugs are different (such as the oil pressure sensor), so you may need to swap your current one's over or purchase new ones.

With swapping in a JDM engine, you should plan on a rebuild. Just because it's low-mileage doesn't mean it wasn't abused, so it's a good idea to take care of that before you put it in the car and possibly have it crap out on you down the road.

02-19-2009, 07:58 PM	#5
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	It depends on what year of JDM engine you get. The 87-88's have a mid-sump oil pan, and I believe that the 89-92's have a rear sump oil pan. This change was from the introduction of the 1JZ. You will also have to swap all of your state required emissions items over, but as you said you only need a short block I'm pretty sure you know this. I know on the 7MGE's (not sure on the Turbo models), there was a slight modification to the engine in 89(?) where they counterbalanced the crankshaft at the no 2 and no 5 cylinder, which resulted in a lower redline (by 200 RPM) and requires the use of a different flywheel/flexplate. In addition to the above stated, you may find that some electrical plugs are different (such as the oil pressure sensor), so you may need to swap your current one's over or purchase new ones. With swapping in a JDM engine, you should plan on a rebuild. Just because it's low-mileage doesn't mean it wasn't abused, so it's a good idea to take care of that before you put it in the car and possibly have it crap out on you down the road. __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels