hey guys. I am looking to buy an sc300/400. I want to make some good power,and I'd like to get some feedback on what you guys feel about the car.
I currently have a 99 gs400 and its really expensive to make good power.
I can define my budget I suppose. I can spend about 6 grand in aftermarket parts at the moment, but I'd like to have about 400-500 whp.

Here are some questions...

How much power can you make on a stock block?

I see all automatics where I am looking... do they even make a manual or should I convert it?

Does anyone know where I can find an sc shell so I can do the 2jz-gte swap.

 

you can get early yr sc and swap those...ive seen price ranges from $2000-3500. good luck

 

honestly, if you dont have the cash to do a proper job, dont do it at all, ull regret it... engine swap is not something you wanna cheap out on. if you want to do it, do it right, or dont do it at all. a 2jz-ge can still make good power with a kit for under 2000

 

what is your definition of good power? I have a car I can get 7 grand for. I have another 6 to play with. I'd like to know what kind of power I can put down with 6 grand. I want something reliable. How much power will the stock block hold on a 300

 

A stock block that's not beat to death, and properly maintained will handle those power levels easily. People are making really big power on stock block N/A 2J's. As far as the 6k is concerned, that just depends on what kind of deals you can find. If you shop smart, you can do a good bit with that money. The bulk of my spending went towards a Getrag 6spd and TT auto LSD. With the clutch and everything, that part can get really pricey. Anyway, if you look around here, you'll see that a lot of people have really nice cars, and not all of them broke their wallets doing it.

 

ebay kit?

 

used kits go sell for decent every once in a while... i wouldnt ebay kit anything =)

 

With 6k you have plenty to spend dude. If you can get 7k fr that other car like you said then you can get a sc for less than 7k. That gives you more money to spend. Id say get a sc and buy a gte motor or front clip or something.

 

It's not the stock block you should be concerned with -it's getting a tranmission to handle the power for a good price.

Put on a thicker HG and some headstuds and you are good for 600+rwhp.

Now find a transmission that can handle that aside from the V160 or a TH400 for a good price and you are set. The R154 is up there, but I don't know if it can go much over 450-500.

Jonny

 

yea..im pretty sure you can find a pretty decent sc300 for about 3-4gs..so that should leave you with plenty for engine and tranny mods..and sc300s do come with a 5spd tranny..but only the 92-97s..those may be a bit harder to find and a bit more pricey..so if you do intend on transplanting a getrag6 (tranny from the supra) 6spd..you might as well just get the automatic tranny which would be cheaper..9k is plenty of money to play with to get a really strong car..but also, if you do get your car, you want to make sure the engine is strong to begin with. you dont want to modify and add turbo or whatever to it just yet, make sure your engine can withhold all that power, otherwise you're just looking at a blown engine in the process. be sure to stay on this forum and get as much help as you can. this forum has plenty of knowledgeable people who can help you with almost any problem you come across. this site is basically like a bible to the sc! haha..just be sure not to repeat any topics. and research before you ask. so good luck to your car findings and happy modding!

 

the stock 2j can handle up to 20psi right? i forgot whats the magic number...

 

if power is ALL that you are looking for...

Get an early 90's SC300 with high miles for dirt cheap, and get a 1JZ GTE clip.