I am buying a gs300 of craigslist that has a transmission but no engine. What engine options do I have? I know the best option will probably be to drop a 2jzge engine in but what about the gte? Is there more work to it? Will a gte bolt up to the existing transmission? How much money am I looking at? Is this project even worth it? Thanks

 

And yes I've read the forums on this already

 

You could put a 2jzge (no wiring needed)

a 2jzgte non vvti (wiring harness needs to be lengthened)

Or a 2jzgte vvti like I have in my car, but you would probably be better off having a wiring harness conversion made as its a bit more extensive than the other wiring.

You could use a 1jzgte also if you had the capabilities to wire it up.

The only hugeee difference between these motors is oil pan placement and motor mount location, but a lot of parts are interchangeable.

You're looking at about 5000-8000 dollars depending if you can do the labor of installation yourself, what parts you will need to replace and freshen up. For example, my 2jzgte vvti swap was about 4500-5000 after it was all said and done and I removed my old motor and installed the new one, did all of the install and fitting myself, had a wiring harness made locally by PanicWire.

The "BEST" option is to drop in a jzs147 aristo 2jzgte, but the JZS161 vvti swap like I have is a badass motor too, but there's quite a bit involved in making everything work OEM factory and reliability.

How good are your automotive skills? Do you have the equipment and knowledge needed to pull a motor out and install a new motor along with seals, water pump, etc etc..

 

I went with a 2jzgte non vvti complete swap , swapped out rear end, it is quite a bit of work, but well worth it.
Wire harness, exhaust, fmic, I went single turbo, electric fans, aluminum radiator, changed water pump etc. it's time and money, well worth it though.

 

Exactly, check out my build thread if you want to see how extensive it is.