SmokeLex

Greetings,

Well, it appears I'm going to buy a used engine and replace my original. The problem is, all the advertisers offer a "1998-2000" engine, with "under 65K miles" (JDM, etc.)

They don't identify the year of car the engine came from. My car has everything, including the touch screen.

I need to know if say, a 1998 engine is a direct swap into my 2000? And what if the used engine doesn't come with the computer? Is it plug and play using my own ECM?

Thanks guys, Steve.

Yamae

As long as you use a 98 USDM engine, it runs in a 00 USDM body although there were some slight management changes. It would be better to replace the ECU to meet changes but this needs to rewrite the immobilizer chip. Those who don't want to do so need to use the original 00 ECU closing your eyes to other minor items.

Regarding a used JDM engine, you can't simply use a 98-00 JDM engine to your LS400 because the cooling system is totally different as well as other managements such as the exhaust gas system, the evaporation system and others are not the same. A JDM uses a hydraulic fan system and a USDM ECU can't handle it without modifications which require you some special knowledge and skills.

I have seen a guy trying to use a JDM engine to his USDM LS400 (reverse imported one). The car ran for sometime but he ended up to buy another car. The car was overheated.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

Just use the used shortblock, if you reuse all your original injectors/electrical components/throttle body/etc... it won't matter which year (provided 98-00) the engine came out of. The shortblock part number is now the same for all VVTi LS400s if I remember right so there will be no issues this way.

I would even reuse your original intake as I can't remember if there were vacuum changes for '00, and it's a good time to replace the starter anyway. The fan clutch and bracket will have to be transferred over as the JDM engines used a hydraulic pump and fan that you want no part of. Make sure to do timing belt/water pump/idlers/crank seal/rear main seal/etc... maint prior to installing the new engine.