please correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the SR16VE been allowed in GT for a number of years?

the crusty-comment I believe come from the "gah!!! furrin enjun!! throw lead at it!!!" part, which outside of very specific equipment is unjustified and the result of fear. I think everyone is relieved to see the gates opening, and the penalty weight for the ITR and 20V 4AGE kinda seemed to make sense a little, given the ITR's previous restriction and the uniqueness of the 20V (and it's longblock components) but it's pretty bittersweet when such a penalty gets slapped on USDM equivalent engines like the B16 just because it's JDM.