Lexus SC series questions
 

Ok I am new here and am hoping someone could help me make some decisions. First I live in Minnesota and I really want a 93-98 Supra but its hard to find any that are in this state much less priced at something affordable. I was also looking at Lexus SC300 and SC400 those are much easier to come by and very affordable. Now my question is what are the pros and cons of the 300 and 400? I know the 300 has the Supra motor in it, can that be easily modified much like the Supra or will it take more time and money because its a Lexus and not the Supra? I have heard that the SC400 has a very very solid motor running strong into the 400,000 mile range but could it be a good performance motor even thought it is a FE motore as opposed to the GE motors? Thats all I can think of right now I need to get going and fix a friends Mercury Sable. Thank you to all who read this and hopefully take some time to share an opinion.

I'll answer the best I can, given that my experience with the SC300 is very limited:

Well sort-of. It's the N/A ( = normally aspirated, non-turbo) Mkiv Supra motor, the 2jz-ge and NOT the 2jz-gTe.

The SC300's engine is just as modifiable as the N/A Mkiv Supra's motor. That said, note that the n/a Mkiv Supra's motor is generally not as easily upgraded (for higher-boost forced induction) as the Mkiv Supra TT's motor.

Of course, you could remove the SC300's 2jz-ge and pop in a 2jz-gte...it's been done before. You'd also have to change the wiring harness and ecu (and possibly more). You'll find a bit more info here.

Sorry I'm not familiar with the engine in the SC400...but afaik it's not as capable of handling forced induction as well as either version of the 2jz.

Fwiw, and imho my advice is to wait and save up for a full Mkiv Supra TT. The Mkiv Supra TT is FAR more than just the engine...the entire driveline (engine+turbos+tranny+diff) AND the braking capabilities and the high-performance double-wishbone coilover suspension (not to mention the looks) is what makes the car so special (not only the engine, or the turbos). You said "...its hard to find any that are in this state..." but trust me, everyone that is looking for one now says the same thing. Yes they are hard to find, and often you have to go out of state...but imho the wait and the difficult search will be more than worth it when you finally get it.

an engine swap is doable and there are several people doing in. I also hang out on Clublexus.com and if you search you will see several people boosting the 2jz engine.. but most are swapping for the 1jzgte... those are my plans..