Sylexus

iTrader: (1)

Hey everyone, I used to have a 1995 SC400 (Midnight Indigo Pearl) a couple years ago, started giving me electrical bugs and I had another vehicle at the time so I parted ways with it.
I now own a 1997 SC300 (Renaissance Red) and it has some noticeable leaks, primarily from oil pan gasket, and possibly rear main seal. I have also spotted a leak coming from the little
''pipe'' right above the Water Pump, I am unsure what it is called. She has 202K miles and runs like a CHAMP, she just leaves drips on my driveway.

I changed my oil before I moved back to Texas from Minnesota and it's been a month now (Gone about 1800 miles) and she's still full on oil. I was running 5-30 Valvoline Full Synthetic Maxlife and she was leaking
like crazy, on the last oil change I switched to 5-40 Valvoline MST and she seems so not mind it, she also leaks less, but noticeable nonetheless. Anyways, I would LOVE to go NA-T eventually, I am
just trying to figure out whether it would be better (or more cost effective) to replace the leaking gaskets or find a low mileage 2JZGE to replace it with. I'd love to swap in a 1JZGTE or even 2JZGTE
but I do not know much about swapping and all it involves. Thanks!

pogoism9

iTrader: (1)

A low mileage used engine is still going to have 15+ year old gaskets and seals.

I would pull your engine, change out all seals and gaskets, do a timing belt and water pump, and drop it back in. Buying a used engine, you should really be doing that anyway. Might as well stick with a motor that you are 100% sure is good.

Sylexus

iTrader: (1)

Yeah if I bought another engine, no matter what it is, while it is out i'd replace all the seals and gaskets and replace all the maintenance items as well as alternator. Just trying to figure out if it makes sense to buy a low mileage JDM 2JZGE with 30-60,000 miles for ~$1000 as opposed to pulling mine just to do the same, when in the long run mine still has 202,000 miles. I am fairly certain I could manage on my own as I am mechanically inclined and used to pull huge 900CI engine out of Bradley Fighting Vehicles in the Army, my concern is I don't have the time to atm with work.

I mean I could hold out for a bit longer for a 1JZGTE as they're usually only ~600 more from what I've seen, I just don't know if what I purchase will have everything I need to just swap in and at least have a running vehicle until I decide to upgrade turbos and fuel system, etc.

ar3

I'm in the same boat. I have 180k miles and plan to go NA-T as well. I have a guy selling a stock 2JZGE for 600-700 that I want to work on. I think having another engine to work on while still being able drive my car will be more convenient. Plus it's much easier to work on an engine that's not on the car. I tried to change my spark plugs today and man it's a ***** to do, I didn't even finish. But yeah I'd go the new engine rebuild route.

RXRodger

iTrader: (2)

Rear main seal can be done with the engine in the car, have to pull the trans. If the oil pan gasket is leaking, you can quite possibly change it with the engine still in the car, but I have not done that job so can't say what you would run into.

Sylexus

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I may buy another engine to work on and slowly piece together NA-T kit. Just so indecisive! I'm more of an American V8 type of guy, but this is my favorite model car. RAHHH. Thanks guys.