Official Engine Importer Feedback

[Ryan]

Which importer did you go with? Why? Any problems? Whats your story? Would you reccomend them?

Help me populate the list too. If you mention it in your post, I'll add it to the poll.

Identifing a JDM KLZE: (correct me via PM, please)

- Head Codes - KL31-101 and/or KL31-1A1
- Cam Codes -KL-31 for Straight Neck ZE, KL-01 for curved neck ZE/DE
- Manifold -Straight
- Air Meter - JE 50 VAF
- ECM - KL31/36

Useful links:

Specs - http://www.geocities.com/viv95pgt/klze.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Intakes - http://www.barrykclark.com/intakes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[solo_ryder]

We should be stickied for n00bs.

JDM Source - The only company I would unfortunately buy from. Here are my experiences.

1. First motor - This was my FIRST KLZE ever bought. I bought it for my 92' GS. I called Shoaib (The O/O) as I was referred to him by a friend. The guy first off is a very smooth talker. Be very careful when dealing with him. I asked him for a KLZE and he had it shipped to Kelowna via Canadian Frieghtways. I paid around 1200 for the motor and shipped (back in 05/06 mind you). I received the motor in good condition from the shipper and took it to my house. This is what I got:






A curve neck millenia motor, as asked for. However, I was expecting something abit more clean. For some,this would probably pass, but for the price I paid and the particular person that I am, I was not to happy. After consulting with John Schwauren (sp?) and Rick Johnson I called back and told him that the motor was higher in mileage then I was told by him (40-50,000km). I agreed to pay the shipping back and he send me another motor.

2. This is what I received the second time around:




A straight neck motor, as asked for (because I found out about the kl31 cams etc). This motor was MUCH cleaner and was a good runner for me until the car was written off in 2006.

3. After my 92 was written off I got a 93 GS. I soon after ordered another KLZE. This time I went back to a curve neck for ease of install. I called Shoaib and told him I wanted a curve, and to pick the cleanest one. He emailed me pics of the valvetrain and the motor. Then I actually went to JDM Source in Calgary and got the exact pictured motor. I paid $1000 for the motor in 2006. I got to his shop and there were motors EVERYWHERE, up to the roof etc. They pressure wash all the motors before sending them out or taking pics of them to make them clean (fine by me). I however was still a n00b and forgot to check the head codes. I ended up getting a JDM DE from a 2000+ millenia. Here is what I got:






This motor, although I was not to stoked it wasn't a true KLZE, was and still is to this day a AWESOME motor, it is TOUGH as nails and is as fast as my current KLZE (at least I think so). I called JDM after finding out about the head codes to see if I could get some compensation.. Didn't happen, he is very hard to deal with when it comes to refunds and I managed to talk him into giving me some free parts of I needed them... I have yet to ask him for anything and I don't really intend too.

4. After I sold my 93 to a buddy, I bought a loaded 94. Right away a KLZE was ordered after I found out how boring and slow a K8 was, especially with the AC on. I asked him for a straightneck motor, as clean as possible and a deal as I have told many a ppl to go there and have been a return customer. Here is what I got for 900$ CAD shipped, possibly the cleanest KL I have ever seen. Only Ganue's and MX3Autozams old motor compare:





Pros:
- Good selection of motors, straight and curve
- Shipping is CHEAP ($100) with "Same day rite away"
- Can request pictures of the motors and ask for the best one
- Can use me as a reference to save some cash (Jordan from Vernon)
- Ships on a pallet and motor is very secure and completely wrapped

Cons:
- bulls--- compression test results (Makes up numbers), don't even ask to do one, he wont or will lie.
- Possible DE "mix up" like I had, ensure head codes
- Hard to deal with if something goes wrong
- 30 day start up warranty is kinda lame

Overall, I would give JDM source a C+ Just for the fact that you can ask for pictures and pick the cleanest of the bunch and that is what you will get. But they fail on honesty and overall care for the customer. The potential to be one of the better importers (rare) is there, but the effort and honesty is not. If you are to buy from this dealer, be stern with him and demand only the best.

[93vtecklr]

Ok, my experience with jdm source was a good one. My experience with JSPEC Autosports was horrible! I sourced a black top s15 for the datsun from jdmsource. And perhaps since the nissan motors are sought after most I could have had better treatment.

My experience with jspec autosports was an atrocity. I paid 2250 for the full engine, ecu, tranny, harness package. It was a DE, and the tranny I paid for didn't show up. After paying an obscene amount to get it shipped back, they shipped me the shittiest ZE they could find with all the accessories smashed up before wrapping it for shipment. And the tranny was bolted to the engine with gloves inside it. 3 leather work gloves. They promised an ECU and harness for an extra 250, which I paid, and never got either. Not to mention the "FREE" shipping, was a 360 COD charge.

DO NOT ORDER FROM JSPEC AUTOSPORTS, if you do get a bad deal, just get your money back. Do not get a re-order.

[wytbishop]

The trick with JDMSource is to let Shoiab believe that he's running the show. As long as he figured I didn't really know what I was doing he was very accomodating. So I just asked a lot of questions like I was a noob who had done a little reading. He is slick, but for the most part he was honest with me.

My straight neck was and is in very good condition. Hasn't burned a drop of oil yet after a bout 1500km. I paid $900 + GST.