JDM imported engines, Are they reliable? Options

[CarlJ]

Hi,

I'm new here. Please forgive me if I this has been posted in the past. I tried the search function.

Anyway, I read this on a civic forum(http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179335):

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JDM Swaps

Honestly, unless these come from a friend in Japan, you're taking a gamble every time. You have no real way to know how many miles are on the engine, nor how it was treated. Just keep that in mind. It has not been proven (no matter how many claims) that these JDM motors make any more HP.
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Now I'm wondering, is any of this true? If you're able to find a trustworthy company that sells these engines, shouldn't everything be ok?

I've noticed a lot of you have done the 3S-GTE swap - did any of you import the engine from Japan, or got it from a company which imports them? Experiences with this?

[shid]

Err jay, he's saying that what you said is correct, he's not disputing you.

As for JDM engines, it's a little known fact that to make more power, JDM engines are actually built out of Semtex plastic explosive. Of course, this makes the engine slightly less reliable and if mishandled- it has the potential to blow up everything in the surrounding block- thats why these engines are illegal in the US and won't pass smog.

Seriously tho, there's nothing inherently more or less reliable in a JDM engine than a USDM engine- i've read that honda faq too and laughed at it because their writing to an intelligence level that would bitch and complain and buy a rust covered JDM motor just because it's JDM.

Be a smart consumer, ask for people's advice on the forum before you buy a clip, and you'll be perfectly fine- I promise.

[Kwanza26]

Err jay, he's saying that what you said is correct, he's not disputing you.
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That's right jay... ;] Basically, the JDM ECUs can run much more agressive fuel maps because they have better octance fuel in Japan readily available...