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questions about JDM vs USDM motors (swap)

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KGB Pilot125

20+ Year Contributor
486
1
Oct 20, 2002
Centennial, Colorado
Long time since I have posted but I need to get some info before I undertake a crazy swap of a 4G63 into my 1961 Econoline Pickup.

I am thinking of buying a JDM 4G63 so I can get the wiring harness and motor all in one package but I am concerned about being able to buy parts. Are all 4G63 parts the same for japan and the US and as long as I know if its a 6 bolt or 7 bolt? Will I be able to call op JZtuning or my local mistu place and get stuff I might need?

Would it make more sense to find a 4G from an EVO? More parts availiable?

trans and tcase's dont make a difference to me as I am mating it to a GM trans, plumbing is no big deal due to where the engine sits in the truck.

This really should be pretty straight forward swap and since I really dont need anything more than stock output I will just clean up the motor and make it a bit more efficient.

If anyone has some tips on motors or where to maybe look or if anyone reading this has what I am looking for in the back yard and the wife/GF is yelling at you to get rid of it drop me a PM and lets talk.

Thanks guys,
Josh
 
Thanks guys. Hopefully I can start in on this towards the end of February after travel at work slows down.
 
Curios tho..Your gonna maybe want to think aboot adding some hp.Not alot.

If I remember those are the BIIIIGGGGG conversion vans,usually came with a v8,and got gallons per mile, instead of miles per gallon correct? Is that the ones im thinking you have?
 
I am thinking of buying a JDM 4G63 so I can get the wiring harness and motor all in one package but I am concerned about being able to buy parts. Are all 4G63 parts the same for japan and the US and as long as I know if its a 6 bolt or 7 bolt?

In terms of the engine itself, there are no significant differences between a JDM and USDM engines. Depending upon which car the engine came from, you might have different injectors, manifolds, etc that can all be changed out.

Would it make more sense to find a 4G from an EVO? More parts availiable?

There's some differences between Evo and DSM 4g63's, but not enough to make a difference with a project like this. You'll still need to buy/fab most of the parts to make it work anyways.
 
In terms of the engine itself, there are no significant differences between a JDM and USDM engines. Depending upon which car the engine came from, you might have different injectors, manifolds, etc that can all be changed out.

You forgot the best part, the stock 16g Wes;) Shame on you:(
 
You forgot the best part, the stock 16g Wes;) Shame on you:(

Isn't that only with the early Evo engines? IIRC the RVR engines use something like a 13g.

Either way, point is the bolt-ons are the only notable differences.
 
Isn't that only with the early Evo engines? IIRC the RVR engines use something like a 13g.

Either way, point is the bolt-ons are the only notable differences.

The big 16 was evo 1/2 and the 3 well thats obvious.

Rvr was the 13g tdo4hl.Just a slightly larger turbine wheel.Same 13g compressor wheel..Good thing you mentioned that tho.


Cant find anything so far on the iirc evo turbos so sorry if you were curious.
 
Long time, Josh!

Bill Hitcher has created 4G63 tranny adaptor to just about ANY popular tranny :)

Are you talking about EVO8/9 engines? They are much more expensive and only marginally better. I would stick with 6 bolt engines for simplicity sake, a swap is enough work!

it has been a while, I went through what you might call a life changing event and for about 2 years I really focused on work, the gym, and just making a better life for myself.

definitely going with one of bills adapter plates, I want to buddy this up with a 4l60e, so hopefully it will work out. I thought about a manual but really no point, plus the linkage would be a huge pain. the evo motors would be a I think a IV or V seems they are popular on ebay and come with the ECU. Looks like there have been a few III's on there and a few 6 bolts. Not to particular on 6 or 7 bolt having owned both and not trying to make more than say 300 hp

In terms of the engine itself, there are no significant differences between a JDM and USDM engines. Depending upon which car the engine came from, you might have different injectors, manifolds, etc that can all be changed out.


There's some differences between Evo and DSM 4g63's, but not enough to make a difference with a project like this. You'll still need to buy/fab most of the parts to make it work anyways.

Perfect thanks, I was thinking the same thing just needed some confirmation.

Curios tho..Your gonna maybe want to think aboot adding some hp.Not alot.

If I remember those are the BIIIIGGGGG conversion vans,usually came with a v8,and got gallons per mile, instead of miles per gallon correct? Is that the ones im thinking you have?

Its pretty small, lots smaller than the pics lead you to believe

Can't get just the pic on my tablet. He's got one of these there pretty small if I recall
https://www.google.com/search?q=196...GwqQHXuYHwCQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=600

Yes sir those are the ones, can you imagine the look on peoples face when you cruise by with a whistle and let off?

Here is the plan I have pretty much laid out, hope to be completed by mid summer (July)

4G63T swap
Water to air IC
20 Gallon Mustang F.I. fuel tank
4L60E trans with TCI controller
upgrade to dual master and front disc brakes
shocks
nice comfy seats
new windows and seals

Figuring about 8k for the most everything, trans is basically free hoping for around 1500 for the motor. As everyone knows its the last 20% that takes 80% of the budget.

Thanks for the welcoming back, going to feel good having another turbo truck on the long list of turbo vehicles I have owned!

Here is a picture of mine.
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I hope you finish and keep us updated. This looks like it could be a load of fun to drive. Do you have a build thread yet?
 
no build thread yet, i'll wait till I actually get a motor in my hands. Right now its just getting a plan together, cleaning up the inside, and getting the little I6 running so I can get it inspected for a title. figure when they inspect it if it looks old and stock they wont hassle me about it.

Forgot to say those green rims were freebies from work, not my doing!
 
Going to look at a 1995 GSX this week, owner says it runs and drives. Hopefully this pans out and I will have a complete donor car to work from.
 
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