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There were 5 GS300's fully GTE swapped and for sale in the $6G range here in So Cal just in the past year. I don't see any available now, but you might want to just keep your eyes peeled for one already done. Will save you a ton of money and time in the long run. It's not a quick or easy task. And the power level of a OEM twin setup is hardly worth it if you ask me. Probably looking at a good 6G's just to get the swap done, and there is a multitude of additional things that will be needed to make it decent. Just a thought.
Pricing is up because its getting harder to find GTEs now. I've talked to several importers and people in various states and they all say the same thing. There are fewer cars with GTE engines to buy in Japan and and they're getting harder to find and more expensive to buy because of competition. The price is going nowhere but up in the future
I think a lot of people will come to find that using their GE is fine. Just forge it with some pistons and rods like I did. Do a refresh while at it. Then you have an even more capable engine than the GTE anyways. I did Manley forged H-tuff rods, JE forged GTE spec dished pistons, all ARP bolts and head studs tool. Some BC264 cams, etc. The parts are rated to 1,200hp and I went with a HG that gives me 9:1 CR rather than the GTE's super low 8.5:1. People usually just GTE swap, maybe afraid to get into internals? But the cams are always a great thing to upgrade. Would want to do that anyway if you were going for big numbers. You could do it while at it.
You can find GS300 and IS300 GE pull out's for $600-$700. If the down time is a concern, just buy a used one, then totally work it, and swap it in when your ready like you would with the GTE. The sell yours once it's out to re-coup that expense.
Really if you're planning on replacing the pistons and rods, the GE head is actually better than the GTE head without porting and the blocks and crank are exactly the same minus the GE is missing the oil squirters. Either engine will handle more than most people will throw at it.