The most popular JDM engines comprise of brands like Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota. JDM parts comprise of doors, drive train, front bumpers, headlights, rear bumpers, seats, suspension, taillights and trunks. In an interview in April, new Ford Motor Company (Japan) President Eiji Iwakuni said, "You no longer need so many dealers all over Japan." He maintained that Ford's success in Japan will be far more dependent on providing vehicles that meet the specific needs of Japanese consumers than in establishing more dealerships. He further added that "Now that Japanese manufacturers of domestic cars have been engaged in drastic discount wars, Japanese consumers have now become more sensitive to price commensurate with value," he said. "The Japanese market is undergoing changes, becoming more like the American or European market. As a result, a new type of consumer is on the increase and we must develop new sales techniques to accommodate this development." Toyota has generated enormous production-volume growth in recent years as part of its venture towards overtaking General Motors (GM) as the world's number-one carmaker by production volume. However, April saw the second consecutive monthly decline in the company's domestic-production volumes as the Japanese light-vehicle market continued to cool. There is better news for Honda and Mitsubishi who, despite the challenging domestic market environment, still managed to post 7.4 and 5.4 % y/y increases in production respectively to 110,718 units and 59,422 units. Traditionally, the Japan domestic market is more stable than the international marketplace.
As for the costs; 4G63 Motors typically go from $900 to $1400 including manifolds and turbo. Most will be 89-91 GVR-4 motors with a TDO5-14B turbo. Buyers stand a 20% chance of getting 91-93 motor with a 16G turbo and a 5% chance of getting a 91-93 RS version motor with the yellow bodied 510cc injectors and a Big 16G. It is advisable to inspect the turbo and the color of the injectors to get a clever grip on the deal. However, the condition of the motor is what is of prime importance. By looking inside the oil cap you can get a better idea of how the motor was maintained. A yellowed tint to the inner workings of the cylinder head means less oil changes. A nice clean aluminum color means more oil changes. By taking off the oil filter and cutting it open, you can gain a little knowledge of the motor condition too. Mostly, red valve covers are from a GVR-4. There are many other Mitsubishis that also used a 1G style turbo 4G63; they can have silver valve covers. It is advisable to be aware of the differences between the early 89-92 6 Bolt Crank motors and the later 93-94 US 7 Bolt crank motors.
The valve covers of the EVO 1-3 motors will be a kind of titanium color and is similar to the US 2G motor. They have the smaller 2G style intake ports, a small runner intake manifold with a larger plenum and a larger throttle body than a 2G motor. Many are from other 4G63 powered cars and can have small 13G sized turbos. They will not bolt into a 1G because there are no provisions for the front roll stopper motor mounts that bolt to the block. Everything in Japan from 94 and up has the front and rear roll stopper motor mounts on the transmission 2G Eclipse style. AWD transmissions go from $450-700 including transfer cases. In Japan they have several different final drive ratios. Anything with close ratio gears or a LSD front diff will most likely have the wrong final drive ratio. There is usually a guarantee on motors and trans for 6 months and usually 6,000 miles. Also Japan imposes stringent licensing laws and regulations.