what year engine can i use in my 97?

[sevenfiddy]

ok i have been desperately searching for a motor for my 97 zx7r. I cant find anyyything that is close too me or that the seller is willing to ship. ive thought about the ax9 route but im also having problems finding one of those. obviously 96-03 will work, but can i use an older motor also? will it bolt right up, and will i lose any performance by doing that? please let me know. thanks

[dirty13south]

96-03 zx7r are the only direct bolt up motor that will fit. You can buy a kit to make a 94-97 zx9 motor fit but the kit pluse cpu and motor it's just not worth it can buy a zx9 for almost the same cost