I've been searching around for a replacement engine for my 1992 SC300. There are a number of ways to go here. The Japanese import engines, with a stated mileage range, a used engine pulled at a yard, or a engine from a private owner parting out a car.

My question has to do with model year compatibility with a 1992 SC300. As I would like to find the latest model year engine with the least amount of miles possible, I'm curious about the GS300 or IS300 engines.

For instance, how much work is required to make a 2001 GS300 engine work in my SC300? I know it is a Variable Timing engine, but is the engine management stuff anywhere near "plug-n-play" ---or would I be facing a lot of custom wiring?

Or---Could I just bolt my intake manifold, and exhaust manifolds on a VVTi version of the 2JZ-GE?

 

What's your goal for the car?

 

My goals with the car are simply to have a reliable ride with smooth power delivery to use as my daily driver. Because I live in a area of Northern California where the emissions standards are so strict, I cannot forsee a future FI mod for this car unless the laws change. I've heard from others in the area that you can't even fit a cold air intake unless it has the C.A.R.B. sticker on it.

My car is a 5-speed, and before the HG blew I was quite satisfied with the car.