suprat04r

i have a 98 sc400 now that isn't working, i think the motor is done.
would it be better to get rid of it and get a 5spd SC300 or should i just Manual this one and get a GTE 6spd swap?
i'll save on the chassis and have a 98 body but will need to do a manual conversion and the AC lines etc swapped, etc?

by the way, does drift motion still sell the manual pedal swap kit???

Vwpride12

If your sc400 is in really good shape than do the swap. If its a p.o.s buy a older 5 speed and star swapping bumpers.

1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

DM sales everything just about for the swaps for either cars. I say swap the car you already mechanical know where you are at. I wouldnt start over. IMO.. especially if the LCD, working windows, working needles, and the bushings are good, I say def a keeper.

SEXC

iTrader: (2)

If the body is in good condition just drop the engine in it. Post some pictures of it so we get a better idea of what you have.

suprat04r

gotcha, thanks guys

preferably i would like to work off of what i have. which might be a little more work since i have to swap the pedals, wiring harness might be tricky and the ac (i'd like to keep it working)?

that's great to know DM still has everything! i heard from a friend that they are not really in business anymore and/or they dont' sell the manual swap kit.

i've seen a lot of GTE 6spd front clips for around $6000-7500, sound about right??? pretty pricey

account2x

iTrader: (5)

fix the 98 400 and sell it, 98s are worth a bit with the nice gated shifter and what not. If you can do a swap you should be able to fix a bad engine. Just get a GS400 engine from a junkyard and convert it.

I think a SC300 5spd is a better base for doing a GTE 6spd swap. You get the manual stuff like pedals and master cylinder which add up big time and you can sell the 5spd to recoup some costs.


That's 6-7500 before you factor in the other stuff you want like a driveshaft, 6 speed differential, intercooler and piping, wiring harness, pedals if you are auto, maintenance items. Total cost is closer to 9,000-10,000. Depending on your goals I would recommend looking into a 1jz/r154.

suprat04r

hmmm sounds right...

so would a GS400 motor swap right in to a sc400? just swap the lower oil pan?

wiring harness?

if the GTE 6spd is around $10k.. how much is a 1jz r154?

Vortes

i would say sell your car and get an earlier sc300, dont go gte, go na-t and get an r154, use the extra money on a nice manifold and turbo

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

This guy is on the right track... but total cost is gonna be WAY more than 10k if you want anything decent in your car and even half the parts mentioned. This s not a Hyundai Accent we are talking about here. 10k is doable if only you find everything super cheap and used wit ha stock gs400 open diff.

1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

I budgeted 7K for my 1JZ/R154 swap and went way over. I have I would say at least 10K if not more, and I have the 1JZ. i went through the seals, belts, hoses, lines, new this and new that, but replaced everything while I had it out. The only thing I didnt replace was the head, head gasket,and the bottom end, just knowing how super reliable these are. GL in your choice.

Maybe its time to post up a new thread on the actual cost factor of all the swaps...

suprat04r

how was your ac/line? did you have to get new ac lines for the 400 to make it work with the jz??

account2x

iTrader: (5)

Well you can find a 1jz/r154 for 2500-3000 on ebay. Costs really depend on what the engine comes with. Some engines will be from a soarer, have a power steering reservoir and have an undamaged clutch fan. If the engine is just over 100km it might have a brand new timing belt and water pump installed. Just that alone would be approximately 400 (new) savings.

Overall I would say a clean 1jz/r154 swap can be had for 4000-5000 total. 2jz/v16x double that.

TweakTech

iTrader: (2)

^^^^That's the way to do it too!!! Take care of everything while the engine is out. I priced out a 2JZ swap into my old SC300 and it was just under 10K MY COST on ALL PARTS...thats ALL the toyota oe parts at cost, FREE wiring harness (because I build them) intercooler and accessories at a heavy discount etc. It's an expensive build if you want it to be nice and reliable.

4-5K for a 1JZ sounds cheaply put together, just sayin. That's like pulling it off the shipping pallet, drop it in the car, and piece everything else together with bubblegum.

gerrb

iTrader: (34)

The small parts can easily add up . They will nickel and dime you .



yeap , that is the average price of 6 speed swaps . I will say it cost me an average of $7k for the 4 I have with me now and they are getting harder to find.

how far are you from Dallas ? there is a guy who is giving away a 5 speed shell for nothing .. just the shell with clear title , no interior .... it is just that , it is a damn 900 miles away from me.

account2x

iTrader: (5)

That's because I know where to get the right parts for the right price. For instance I would buy Supra TT mounts over SC300 because they are cheaper and more stout.