Has any one put the EJ20 Japanese spec engine in there GC8? i have a 99 RS and my friend suggested this over doing a turbo kit. What do y'all think? Is a swap, EJ20 US or Jap, worth it, or should i just do the EJ25 build up and run a turbo then?

at least 3 threads below already adress this.

dam stop all the knocking crap. some poeple just want to get an answer and not get hassled crap. I would go with the EJ20 JDM much better want to know y PM me or whatever. don't feel like posting where poeple get knocked down.

where as i would say just the oppisit ..

jdm
more inital power
technically illegal no egr/emissions
wireing manuals hard to come by
part numbers and parts even harder to come by, $$$$

usdm
less inital power
service manual aviaible (relitivly inexpensive)
parts form local dealer
easy to upgrade now that there is a market
legal even in CA
oh yeah noticably cheeper

Actually the question was JDM EJ20 vs. Turbokit, correct?
My friend has a 99RS that has a turbo in it and is currently being upgraded (I think he has his old turbo, wastegate, and BOV for sale actually). He has had alot of problems but that is mainly due to not having a new engine management plus a few other things.
I do know the 99's have some troubles for some people and others are fine when they turbo it. Depending on what all you were looking to do for a turbo kit will depend on what extra stuff you will need to upgrade, all in all lot's of $$$$.
For a JDM EJ20 swap, will depend on how much you want to spend and how much you want to upgrade. You can get older JDM WRX or STI to newer ones for swap. For an older JDM WRX front clip complete w/ TD-05 turbo (260hp), etc etc, with all new gaskets, belts, and fluids changed it will run you around $7k give or take, intsalled and tuned.
I have found USDM WRX engine, tranny, etc etc for sale for about the same price as an older JDM WRX complete front clip....
How much money do you want to spend?

-Joe