‘Club Lexus’ Member Gives His Manual SC300 a 2JZ-GTE Swap
As if a manual Lexus SC couldn’t get any cooler, a 2JZ-GTE swap promises to take member build to next level status.
We’re always on the lookout for SC300 builds here in the Club Lexus forums, mainly because we love these early, sporty coupes. So we were obviously thrilled when we came across member RudysSC‘s latest SC build thread. Mainly because it isn’t just a sweet looking machine, but also one that sees regular track duty. And over the last several months, it’s also taking on a new life thanks to a 2JZ-GTE engine swap that’s currently in the works. But this isn’t the OP’s first go round with an early SC.
“I’ve been absent for some time after foolishly selling my white SC400 for an E36 M3 a few years back. I recently sold the M3, my old 2JZ-GE/W58-swapped Cressida, and I have picked up another SC. She’s a 1992 SC300 factory 5-speed with 146k. Previous owner got over his head in repairs, so I picked it up on the cheap and started fixing it up. I’ve come to passionately admire these cars and I am very excited to have one in my life again.”
Aside from a slew of typical maintenance, the OP had also already performed a host of mods to his Lexus at this point. Which he listed for us, conveniently.
“Mods thus far:
-ACT street/strip clutch
-Comp lightweight steel flywheel
-BFI intake mod
-3″ stainless steel single exit exhaust
-Eibach springs w/KYB struts
-Roof spoiler
-18×10″ +35mm RPF1s w/Summitomo rubber
-Grip Royal wheel
-3P shift knob
-Lightweight crank pulley
-HID lighting
-’96 tail lights”
All of that was more than enough to make this SC a fun and reliable track toy right from the start.
“Hit the track on short notice last weekend. We went and spent the day at High Plains Raceway. When my buddy’s ’16 GTI turbo went, we decided to not waste the day and had the SC out with the big boys. For being a lightly modified 25-year-old car, I couldn’t help but be impressed. Can’t wait for rotors, pads, lines, fluid, and my Kaaz 2-way to arrive. I’ll plan another trip out once I’ve got more goodies installed.”
Soon after, the limited-slip diff showed up, was installed, and broken in. Along with some new brakes. Then, it was back to the track to test them out.
“The new ACT clutch and KAAZ 2-way differential both performed beautifully. For a 27-year-old (HEAVY) car I couldn’t be happier with how it performed. This weekend she’ll get a full fluid flush and hopefully be able to make it back out before the seasons change too much out here.”
The OP then purchased a house, which slowed down his Lexus SC’s progress a bit. But that didn’t stop him from welding up a new exhaust for the car. And soon, he made a big and exciting score.
“I recently purchased another ’92 SC300 with a 2JZ-GTE motor, 5-speed, etc. In essence, I bought this simply for the power plant. The chassis has almost 300k miles. The car has a beat up interior and is generally pretty haggard. However, the engine seems to run well and the swap appears to have been done nicely, but the clutch is toast. I have driven it and although it purrs right along, I can’t tell how it runs under boost since the clutch slips almost immediately. I’m extremely excited, got a great deal, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a legendary power plant in my SC.”
Work on that swap has already begun. So be sure and head over here to stay tuned as this killer Lexus SC300 project comes together!
Photos: Club Lexus forums
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