Hello all, I've been a CL member for about a year and half now. I've got a 2006 IS350 that I absolutely love! I'm about to start traveling for work for quite a while and will be giving the IS to the wife to drive during the week. I want to get something fun to drive on the weekends and thought a used SC would be a great idea.

After a few days of research in the forum, I've learned quite a bit, but need some advice from you all.

Should I get a late model (1997 SC300) for about $8000 to $9000 that is in GREAT shape all around and wait about a year before dropping the 2JZ-GTE engine in?

Should I get an earlier (1993/94 SC300) for about $4000 to $5000 that needs some work both external and internal and drop the 2JZ-GTE immediately?

Thoughts? Also, I've found a great candidate for the first option but it is about 1000 miles away. Anybody know how much it costs to use a car transport?

Thanks!

I would get an earlier model SC and use the savings to do some upgrades. A lot of the SCs on these forums look immaculate and you probably would never guess that they're older than a 97... Goodluck!

As long as you dont care about having the 97+ upgrades, go for an early one and do a swap. I got my 94 5 speed for $5200, and it was pretty clean. Nice paint, ect..

That's the thing. I really like the '97 body style with the cut out between the headlights and the "squeeze" look of the side skirts. I'm aware that you can get that upgrade kit. Retail looks to be about $2600...

there is also a beautiful aftermarket kit that mimics and enhances the stock lines without destorying the overall feel of the car one bit. It is made by Auto Couture. I think it runs ~$2k with Club Lexus pricing through Carson Toyota. There is a small wait, but it alone would make your car look better than the 97-00 OEM kit.

However, if you can find a 97 SC300 in great shape for $7k, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

My car came from Socal. It cost a bit shy of $800 for shipment to Northeast Indiana. 1000mi will probably run you $500-600.