So, Woke up this morning and it wasn't raining which was good news.
I headed over to my mates house and we started getting under way with an engine swap.
We disconnected all electronics, pipes, pumps and un-screwed every screw imaginable.
After hoisting out the old engine, it was time to salvage the fuel filtr fitting as it was different on the newer engine. After that, we took off the engine mounts and fitted them to the new engine. We replaced the fuel filter, oil filter, air filter and rear main seal. Once everything was done, we went to put in the newer engine. slowly we lowered the engine into the bay. We then went on to re-connect the transmission which was a pain but we got it after about 30 minutes. Then came the rear engine mount. It would not line up what so ever. We tried for a good 1.5 hours to line it up but the damn screw would not fit. We then found out that the 2 small pins were in the way, so we proceeded to hack them off with a small hacksaw blade. Everything went smoothly from there on in. Re-connecting all the electronics, pipes, pumps and then refilling the oil and about 5 or 6 gallons of fuel just to test it out.
Everything went smoothly. The engine sounds perfect. It was worth the 6 hours of labour to get this beauty running without a problem !

Next time on " my 99' ES300 series " We install new 17" lexus rims and give the car a full detail clean.

 

Wow that is remarkable how fast you guys finished the job.

 

We were racing against the clock.
The weather was forecast for afternoon thunderstorms.
5 minutes after placing the hood back on, it started hailing and pouring down rain.
As long as you have the right tools and organisation skills, everything is possible.

 

How hard was it to swap the engine on that car?

 

What engine did you put in ?

 

I think he said he upgraded to a 330?

I myself am trying to swap an engine on a 99' ES 300.

This guy really made it look easy, and if it's possible I would like to attempt switching my own engine.

My only problem is I have never replaced an engine =)
I would however, like to try. I would just need some guidance is all. Not even that much, just enough to feel around in the dark. I could find my way to the light from there.

 

This is from a 99' Camry( 1mz-fe ). Came with 60,000k ( miles ).
No oil sensor and it had a different fuel filter bracket. So we had to short out the check oil light because it wouldn't work with the Camry engine. But I still conduct weekly oil checks.

 

Not a good idea at all. You should have a working oil light bothb oil preasure, and oil level, at ALL times.

You've done an amazing job so far. Don't screw this up now.

Phil

 

I thought the camry engines were non vvti and the lexus engines were vvti? Did you have any wiring issues or check engine codes because of the difference? I ask because I am looking for a replacement engine for a 99 es300 and have found one from a 97 but have been told its different. Also have been told the camry engines were nonvvti until 2002.

 

Lexus switched from Non-VVTi to VVTi in 1999 for the 3ES. I believe you're right about Camry's - do not know much about them.

 

Impressive work, guys.

good luck with the rest of the install.

 

A few early production 99's were non VVT-I. As for the Camry engine, did you switch injectors, sensors and water outlet? Not a big deal, just different ECM programming & fuel map. You may need the injectors. I swapped a 96 es into my 98 and had to keep a lot of stuff from my old engine.

 

Sorry for bringing up the old thread but It still troubles me to this day :P
This whole thing about VVTI and non VVTI...
When I accelerate hard at about 3800-4000RPM the engine sounds different.
Different in the way that it feels like it kicks up a notch, it gives out a higher pitch.
I've heard somewhere that the VVTI engines redline at 6250 RPM, is this true ?

 

I don't think VVTI means 6250 because my car redlines at 6000 and I have an 01. Ive never gotten it to go above 6000 with WOT