1985 Celica With 1UZ-FE Swap is JDM Masterpiece

By S.J. Bryan - May 7, 2021

Without question, this Toyota Celica RA65 boosted with 1992 Lexus V8 is one of the best JDM swaps we’ve ever seen. Oh, what a feeling!

It was the best of times it was … well, it kinda was the best of times. The golden era of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars was a defining time for the auto industry. From the late-1970s to the early-2000s a new wave of pre-digital, post-Malaise era cars hit the market. Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, and Mitsubishi all created cars that would become enduring classics. The Toyota Celica emerged as a popular, timelessly cool sporty ride. Today, 1UZ swaps have become more prevalent in JDM and import tuner culture. However, one build that gets it all right is Frank de Jesus‘ 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S RA65 with a 1UZ-FE engine swap from a 1992 Lexus. The outstanding build doubles the horses and improves performance. It perfectly plays to Toyota and Lexus’ strengths in one slick, tasty JDM package.

Hoonigan recently featured de Jesus on an episode of AutoFocus. In the video, de Jesus does a thorough walk-through of his sharp Celica. Chatting with Larry Chen, de Jesus provides a slew of details on the swap, his inspiration, and the work it entailed.

De Jesus first purchased the 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S about 20 years ago from the original owner. It was in good shape with about 130K on the odometer. Remarkably, much remains stock in his badass RA65 Celica, including much of the interior. And it also serves as his daily driver.

Sharing much of the same platform as the Supra, Celicas came off the lines purposeful but lithe. With the Celica already boasting sports car touches such as pop up lights, fender flares. Toyota designed these more affordable cars to keep up with the luxury cars and exotics; not just in performance, but also in design.

That striking appearance is especially apparent in de Jesus’ Toyota Celica–aka “The RA65 Dragon.”

With an eye for details, de Jesus has added style and humor to his ride. We really love the custom badges–such a great touch, and so very 1980s. You’ve got to appreciate the humor of a V8 swapped Toyota still donning its “four cam” badging.

All the modifications retain the JDM roots; but also elevate the car with a decidedly fresh perspective. Also elevating the car is the major power under the hood.

Having owned both a Celica and a Supra, de Jesus preferred the handling of the Celica. But he wanted more kick that the 2.4-liter 22R engine it came with. The torquey straight-four four-cylinder was often offered on Toyota pickups.

It was important that the power was era-correct and fit with the Celica’s lines. There was only one perfect choice: a 1UZ. He is absolutely right when he notes how well the Lexus V8 engine complements the Celica. Aesthetically it is crisp and blends perfectly with the sharper lines. Performance-wise, it is a brute.

He used a 1UZ-FE V8 from a 1992 Lexus SC 400, as well as bellhousing and additional parts from a 1994 Lexus LS 400. Noted for being robust, durable, and affordable, the 242 cu in 1UZ-FE was the powerplant used in Lexus’ flagship LS 400, and is the same engine behind cars like the Million-mile Lexus. Basically, it is bulletproof.

Fitment is so sweet, so perfect … host Larry Chen nails it when it says it looks “OEM, like it came from the factory like this.” It really does–de Jesus made each component not only work, but look like it was always meant to be there. Of course, that was no happy accident, de Jesus and his wife planned just that in their build. As a daily driver he didn’t want to go over the top; the Celica is his daily driver and as such has to remain street legal–especially by California’s tougher standards.

After doing his research, de Jesus chose the Lexus powertrain because he know it would fit well without needing to cut or alter anything with the firewall or sheet metal. A great benefit to JDM cars of the era is that they were designed and built to be boosted. A number of powertrains in the Toyota/Lexus family will work. JDM on JDM mods are easier to modify and upgrade; and the vehicles and engines are able to both handle and generate a lot of power. Which is just another reason they have rightfully earned their place as a favorite among enthusiasts and tuners alike.

To accommodate the Lexus 1UZ engine, he would need to build a suspension kit. Additional mods and upgrades to the set-up include Xcessive Manufacturing W58 adapter and engine mounts, ACT stage 2 3S clutch, lightweight (9-lb) custom cut flywheel, front AE86 25mm anti-swaybar, rear Addco 20mm anti-swaybar, Cusco strut bar, rear TSC rear suspension brace, and engage tach to work with 8-cyclinder, and more.

In the 8 years since the swap, he continues to make minor tweaks and upgrades. What remains constant is how this unique Celica that looks (mostly) stock performs like a finely-honed hi-po machine. Oh–and he’s put about 40K miles on the ticker. Hey, that’s better restraint than we would have with such a dream car.

Getting down to the real nitty gritty of the swap, de Jesus saw major gains. Stock, his old 22R made 121 hp, and his new 1UZ-FE V8-powered Celia now cranks out 260 horses. He more than doubled horsepower, retained that nice torque, and all for about 27 miles per gallon.

One aspect of de Jesus’ Celica that stands out is how thoughtfully and meticulously he approached the work. Each modification serves a purpose. Sometimes that purpose is a reflection of the owner’s personality and passion–and de Jesus has that in abundance. The 1985 1UZ-FE Celia RA65 Dragon is a perfect example of a stunning swap executed perfectly.

Each eye-catching detail from the actual Sapporo beer can under the hood, or the Nardi TRD steering wheel, the custom short throw shifter, and the anachronistic badges and details; they all come together perfectly. As a build, it is impeccable. With the increase in power, horses, and performance; it is a monster. But de Jesus has trained this 1UZ monster to handle daily life, and go full-throttle on the track.

Lexus and Toyota together make an incomparable team, and the right V8 on the right car is just the cherry bomb on top of this JDM sundae.