95% of the 7M fail is caused by the owners.
Kids get these cars that have had little to no servicing done for the past 10>15 years bump the timing bump the boost then wail on them like they're Paul Walker and wonder why they grenade.....
Then we hear the classic "I'm doing a 1J swap" like that will magically end their stupidity and is the cure all for the weak failure prone 7M....
If people ask which engine I'd go for without hesitation I say 2J, the reasons behind this are many but the main ones are
a) most people don't have the budget, skills, patience, dedication to do the engine justice.
b) The 2J is a better design being an evolution of the 7M
c) ANY 2J you get is going to be a lot younger so there's a chance of getting one that has a hard head, forget the "JDM 40K only" motor bullshit it's a myth.
d) It's a square 3.0L engine
e) Unlimited aftermarket support, while there are a lot of parts available for the 7M these day's you're paying a premium for something that's niche and limited production.
f) If you have the qualities listed in a) you CAN do this V
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B1uqQWdw6A&feature=related