Buying used JDM Engines
When purchasing used JDM Engines, there are a lot of things to consider. Japanese Domestic Market engines (which means that these engines are manufactured in Japan, not US) can serve as a cost-effective and reliable alternative to purchasing a replacement engine from a junkyard. The most popular makes are companies such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and a few others.
The Sellers
Plenty of JDM importers have been growing for the past 20 years. The biggest JDM importer is JDM Engine Depot, an importer based out of New Jersey. Many automobile owners have used JDM Engine Depot as the go-to organization for purchasing used JDM motors. Other importers such as JDM New York and JDM Orlando have a good reputation as well.
Things to Consider
First thing's first, do your research! As a potential buyer, it is your responsibility to know which JDM engine you need. Make sure to read each product description carefully. Let's say I own a Lexus RX300 and the engine's head gasket is blown, I then do some product searching on eBay and I see JDM Engine Depot has an engine specifically for my make, model, year and displacement. Great news, right? Well, let's slow down a bit. My RX300 has an AWD terrain, not a FWD terrain. Believe it or not, many customers make the mistake of buying the wrong engine, whether it be the drive-terrain version, displacement or year.
Long Block Only!
As I stated earlier, a JDM engine is an engine manafucatured in Japan, not the United States! There are hundreds of customers and EVEN mechanics that make the mistake that these motors are a direct replacement. The cars in Japan are right-hand drive vehicles, so if a JDM importer sells you an engine with a wiring harness, the wiring harness will not be compatible. Why? It is Japanese manufactured and it will be too short. Here is a list of a external accessories similar to a wiring harness that may not be comptatible with the installation;
- Oil Pan
- Timing Cover
- Valve Covers
- Intake Manifold
- Emission-Control Parts
- Carburetor or Fuel Injection System
- Exhaust Manifold
- Alternator
- Starter
- Power Steering Pump
- Air Conditioner Compresser
And that's all folks!