SPRTNYDSN

iTrader: (2)

Okay folks, he's driving my Lex for now. He understands how involved doing the swap is. The mechanic is reputable(15+ yrs working with Lexus), the remote start was the problem and we understood that **** happens. The mechanic did feel bad of course and wanted to absorb some of the cost. Any suggestions towards increasing horsepower without doing turbo? It already has SRT intake and Borla exhaust. Any suggestions would be appreciative.

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

Sorry, I wasn't trying to discourage anyone. However, I was just trying to give a real world point of view from someone who has actually been there done that. In my case, I did everything myself and I still spent a LOT of money. I just want to pre-warn everyone that is thinking about doing the swap. This way we won't see posts like, 70% through swap and I give up...going back to stock...or a post like car runs like crap, keeps breaking down. Selling car or returning back to stock.

There are guys that try to get away with doing stuff on the cheap side, but IT WILL come back to bite you in the *** later down the road....either that or it will nibble at you slowly in terms of random problems here and there.

Anyways, my point is that the cost is high, there are quirks time to time, and the hassles are there. In the end, if you asked me if I would still do it again. You bet I would

Yeah, I understand that from time to time stuff happens. Especially when it comes to something that is aftermarket and non-factory. It's a bit difficult in these situations because that was an outside factor(remote starter) that is not normally existent on a stock vehicle. Was the mechanic pre-warned about it? I think in your case, the engine didn't really get damaged that badly. Just a few bent valves, tell your mechanic to take the head to a machine shop and have the top end re-built. After that, your car should be like new again.

EDIT: Forgot to add. Your question about performance NA mods for the GS3....IMO it's not worth it for what you're going to spend. At the very best, you will gain 50hp after spending $2-3k or so. Those mods include: camshaft upgrade to brian crower 264's, aftermarket headers, mid pipe, exhaust, intake, and good tune on a AEM FIC.

Sexy_Lexy

Thanks for everyone's input and concern. I'm not going to do the swap(at least not now) I'm wondering what I could do as far as dropping a turbo in the 2jz motor. Any suggestions? BTW, I'm not looking to go crazy.