Ok, I am sure there has been this comparison between the 6 and 8 cylinder sc's, but also the years. I understand that the engines in the 300 98-2000 are different than the prior years...is this true for the 400? is this engine better than 92-97?
-as far as repair, is one engine less labor due to it's layout -eaiser/quicker to work on...?
-I understand the 400 has, at times, a leaking steering pump that causes damage to whatever is under it? same with 300?
-oil changes..both the same for both types of engines?
years of the 300 or 400 that and fewer/more glitches (Engineering vs operator error or maintience)
\more gas usage with 400?
thanks for the input and any other words of advice! still searching for one!
-Jay

 

Welcome....I believe most of those questions can be answered in the Engine Forum...."Lets go there now."

 

Away we go!

 

98+ engines utilized VVT-i (variable valve timing) which gave an increase in power to both the I6 and the V8. If you are considering modifying the car for performance, this technology can become a hindrance. If you just want to drive the car, period, than this is a perk.

97+ cars came with a completely redesigned body which has a dramatic effect on the overall looks of the car. Many members of this very forum have spent thousands of dollars to upgrade their old body style to the new one whereas almost no one has swapped engines for the VVT-i.

Both the I6 and the V8 are extremely reliable vehicles on the whole that offer very similar fuel economy, with the slight (1-2mpg) fuel economic edge going to the I6. I would tend to favor the V8 in regard to reliability in the case of a higher mileage vehicle, but who the previous owner(s) was/were and how (s)he/they took care of the vehicle has the most bearing on high mileage reliability.

While the V8 has more horsepower in stock form, the I6 is much more responsive to performance modification. Sourcing parts to turbocharge the 3L is not difficult as the engine is shared with the Toyota Supra. Also, if you are standard transmission guy, the I6 is your only way to go.

If you want a smoothly powerful, luxurious car to drive and drive doing the conventional maintenance only, I would favor the V8. If you have a tendancy to want to way more performance out of your car than was given by the factory, I would favor the I6.

 

^^^^nicely put^^^^

 

i think the VVT-i engines (98-00)have weaker con rods than the non VVT-i engines. not sure about the 2JZ, but very sure on the 1UZ (V8)

i actually WANT a V8 under my hood rather than the 2JZ. not to say that it sucks its just something different. You see a 2JZ almost everytime you turn around, mashing up 1000+ horses, touting turbo slugs bigger than your head, tearing up the 1/4 mile. the 2JZ is so commonplace that it really sickens me to see the same thing. I want something different, but thats just my opinion.

with that said, im going to turbo my 2JZ just so i can get my hands dirty in tuner land before i hook up a 1UZ with a V160 tranny....mmmmmmm.....tasty.....

 

thanks for the input...I am looking at a 99 400 with 79k miles for about
14K..good deal?? Jay

 

When I was looking for mine about a year ago, I had $12k for a 98+ with fewer than 100k miles as my breaking point for a great deal.

With only 80k miles, I would say that you are looking at a pretty good deal so long as the car is clean.

 

I own a 95 sc400, which I beleive is as tough as nails, so if I upgrade to a 98-00 400 w. vvti, is there really a cocern about having smaller con. rod diameter.

 

this is only an issue if you boost the engine with a supercharger or turbo(s). The engine is just as stone-cold reliable with 40 more horsepower than your 95.

There are SC430 guys boosting to 350whp and Tundra guys boosting to 350wtq on the same rods: not an issue unless you are going BIG.