Differences between JDM and American 7MGTE

518Supra · 02-18-2009, 02:58 PM

Hey all i have a 90 7mgte w/ a spun main bearing, everything else is fine but i need a new short block. I was talking to the supra guy that lives near me and he advised me not to buy a JDM motor, but i havent been able to find anything around here that isnt JDM. Again all i need is the short block and im just looking for differences between the two. I also apoligise if there was already a thread about this, searched a while but couldnt find it.

518Supra · 02-19-2009, 02:30 PM

nothing??? cmon supra ppl i know some of you are pros!!

defiant · 02-19-2009, 04:23 PM

Are you sure yours is a short block? The JDM 7M-GTE is a perfect match to the North American 7M-GTE, oh and the JDM came with the CT26 turbo. However the block is a long block.

518Supra · 02-19-2009, 06:29 PM

sory i worded it wrong, all i need is the short block. I was just wondering if there were any differences in the oil pan/pump, and if i would need a new wiring harness or something like that. I was told that the motor doesent simply "drop in" but thats only one persons opinion ya know

btwilson86 · 02-19-2009, 07:58 PM

It depends on what year of JDM engine you get. The 87-88's have a mid-sump oil pan, and I believe that the 89-92's have a rear sump oil pan. This change was from the introduction of the 1JZ. You will also have to swap all of your state required emissions items over, but as you said you only need a short block I'm pretty sure you know this. I know on the 7MGE's (not sure on the Turbo models), there was a slight modification to the engine in 89(?) where they counterbalanced the crankshaft at the no 2 and no 5 cylinder, which resulted in a lower redline (by 200 RPM) and requires the use of a different flywheel/flexplate.

In addition to the above stated, you may find that some electrical plugs are different (such as the oil pressure sensor), so you may need to swap your current one's over or purchase new ones.

With swapping in a JDM engine, you should plan on a rebuild. Just because it's low-mileage doesn't mean it wasn't abused, so it's a good idea to take care of that before you put it in the car and possibly have it crap out on you down the road.

518Supra · 02-22-2009, 10:33 PM

exactally what i was lookin for, thanks for the info. Pretty sure im gunna make the drive and get a rebuilt not JDM . But thanks again!

btwilson86 · 02-23-2009, 12:31 AM

I'd agree. If the damage to an existing engine can be fixed with a rebuild, then it should be rebuilt. I swapped in a JDM 7MGE into my old 87, but that was only because I had two golf ball sized holes in the block of the blown enigine (can't exactly rebuild that, haha).

BTW, what was the reason that the "local Supra guy" gave you for not buying JDM? Most different parts can usually be swapped over from your current motor, so I'm kind of curious what his reason's are...

Oh, and be sure you check out the shop you take the motor to before you get that rebuild. Ask them if they've even seen one of these motors before, as alot of mechanics assume they know what they're doing and f*** something up in the rebuild. If you're doing it yourself, do some research and ask quiestions if you need to know.

518Supra · 02-23-2009, 12:59 PM

rebuild isnt an option for it the bearing ate up alot of the block, the supra guy just said he tried a JDM swap and ran into a bunch of problems, i havent had alot of time to talk to him thats why im on here. If i do buy a JDM do you have a place to suggest? All i know is thats all i can find on ebay

btwilson86 · 02-23-2009, 06:17 PM

Back when I was living in SoCal, I found a place in Gardena off of eBay. That's where I got my motor from. I know some other people on this forum have given there opinion on who they think everyone should get JDM engines from, perhaps they'll chime in here as well.

IMO, if they're set up as a good business, give you a phone number that you can call a real, live human and talk, and if they include a picture of the actual engine for sale it's probably safe to buy from them. When you do buy your engine, look and see if they say what year and modle car the engine came out of. That way you can find one that'll be compatible with your ECU and gauge cluster (the lower redline from the counterbalancing).

518Supra · 02-24-2009, 12:36 PM

found a place caled nagasiki JDM, think im gunna buy one there the price is pretty resanoable. When it comes ill make a post on how the swap goes, thanks for the help.

02-18-2009, 02:58 PM	#1
518Supra Stock Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 9	Differences between JDM and American 7MGTE Hey all i have a 90 7mgte w/ a spun main bearing, everything else is fine but i need a new short block. I was talking to the supra guy that lives near me and he advised me not to buy a JDM motor, but i havent been able to find anything around here that isnt JDM. Again all i need is the short block and im just looking for differences between the two. I also apoligise if there was already a thread about this, searched a while but couldnt find it.

02-19-2009, 07:58 PM	#5
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	It depends on what year of JDM engine you get. The 87-88's have a mid-sump oil pan, and I believe that the 89-92's have a rear sump oil pan. This change was from the introduction of the 1JZ. You will also have to swap all of your state required emissions items over, but as you said you only need a short block I'm pretty sure you know this. I know on the 7MGE's (not sure on the Turbo models), there was a slight modification to the engine in 89(?) where they counterbalanced the crankshaft at the no 2 and no 5 cylinder, which resulted in a lower redline (by 200 RPM) and requires the use of a different flywheel/flexplate. In addition to the above stated, you may find that some electrical plugs are different (such as the oil pressure sensor), so you may need to swap your current one's over or purchase new ones. With swapping in a JDM engine, you should plan on a rebuild. Just because it's low-mileage doesn't mean it wasn't abused, so it's a good idea to take care of that before you put it in the car and possibly have it crap out on you down the road. __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels

02-23-2009, 12:31 AM	#7
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	I'd agree. If the damage to an existing engine can be fixed with a rebuild, then it should be rebuilt. I swapped in a JDM 7MGE into my old 87, but that was only because I had two golf ball sized holes in the block of the blown enigine (can't exactly rebuild that, haha). BTW, what was the reason that the "local Supra guy" gave you for not buying JDM? Most different parts can usually be swapped over from your current motor, so I'm kind of curious what his reason's are... Oh, and be sure you check out the shop you take the motor to before you get that rebuild. Ask them if they've even seen one of these motors before, as alot of mechanics assume they know what they're doing and f*** something up in the rebuild. If you're doing it yourself, do some research and ask quiestions if you need to know. __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels

02-23-2009, 06:17 PM	#9
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	Back when I was living in SoCal, I found a place in Gardena off of eBay. That's where I got my motor from. I know some other people on this forum have given there opinion on who they think everyone should get JDM engines from, perhaps they'll chime in here as well. IMO, if they're set up as a good business, give you a phone number that you can call a real, live human and talk, and if they include a picture of the actual engine for sale it's probably safe to buy from them. When you do buy your engine, look and see if they say what year and modle car the engine came out of. That way you can find one that'll be compatible with your ECU and gauge cluster (the lower redline from the counterbalancing). __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels

02-19-2009, 02:30 PM	#2
518Supra Stock Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 9	nothing??? cmon supra ppl i know some of you are pros!!

02-19-2009, 04:23 PM	#3
defiant Stock Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: vancouver canada Posts: 11	Are you sure yours is a short block? The JDM 7M-GTE is a perfect match to the North American 7M-GTE, oh and the JDM came with the CT26 turbo. However the block is a long block.

02-19-2009, 06:29 PM	#4
518Supra Stock Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 9	sory i worded it wrong, all i need is the short block. I was just wondering if there were any differences in the oil pan/pump, and if i would need a new wiring harness or something like that. I was told that the motor doesent simply "drop in" but thats only one persons opinion ya know

02-22-2009, 10:33 PM	#6
518Supra Stock Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 9	exactally what i was lookin for, thanks for the info. Pretty sure im gunna make the drive and get a rebuilt not JDM . But thanks again!

02-23-2009, 12:59 PM	#8
518Supra Stock Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 9	rebuild isnt an option for it the bearing ate up alot of the block, the supra guy just said he tried a JDM swap and ran into a bunch of problems, i havent had alot of time to talk to him thats why im on here. If i do buy a JDM do you have a place to suggest? All i know is thats all i can find on ebay

02-24-2009, 12:36 PM	#10
518Supra Stock Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 9	found a place caled nagasiki JDM, think im gunna buy one there the price is pretty resanoable. When it comes ill make a post on how the swap goes, thanks for the help.