Hey man, I am looking at doing this conversion too.

Not sure what is up with the negative opinions about it. A V8 beats a I6 sound wise hands down, its not always about power.

Anyway, I am from New Zealand, and we only get 1998+ Lexus GS300 2JZGE's and the Toyota Aristo equivalents mostly 1997+ 2JZGE with the odd expensive 2JZGTE model. So no V8 models down my way!

I have a 1992 LS400 V8 engine half cut, with which was going in a BMW of mine but I decided it was not to do that recently, so I have been looking into getting a 1997-2000 model Aristo or GS300 to drop the 1UZFE into.

So far I believe it should work quite easily, I am having to order from my mate at Toyota... that means Engine brackets, heat shields, Mount stabliser plates and engine mounts suited for a Lexus GS400. Fitting those on my old engine should see it fit nicely in the GS300 engine bay, the sumps should fit fine, both are front sump, but are slightly different versions, however I would be extremely surprised if there was a problem with those cleaning the cross member.

For the mean time I will be using the stock LS400 4 speed auto before going for a 5 speed manual gearbox, that should bolt up easily enough to the rear mount.

Heres the engine mount parts you would need, about $300 USD worth retail. Not a lot.

BRACKET, ENGINE MOUNTING, FRONT NO.1 RH: 12311-50070 (X1)
BRACKET, ENGINE MOUNTING, FRONT NO.1 LH: 12315-50070 (X1)

INSULATOR, ENGINE MOUNTING, FRONT: 12361-50110 (X2)
INSULATOR, ENGINE MOUNTING FRONT, HEAT SHIELD: 12391-50040 (X2)
STABILIZER, ENGINE MOUNTING: 12381-50070 (X2)

Headers are another issue, obviously we have the difference of LHD and RHD but I think they stock types fit both, So i would probably look at running stock late model 1uz ones until I can do custom ones later on or get 4-1 block hugger types.

I've still yet to fine a good Aristo or GS300 in a nicely spec'd trim and with moderate k's. Hopefully have one early next month, Im aiming to have the 1UZ in the car running some time in August.

 

I dont think people once have said that a 6cyl is better than an 8, everyone is saying that the 1uz is the incorrect one to do and yes it is all about power. The OP has yet to say what his reasons are for the swap. Maybe you can explain what the benefits are in swapping the 1uz, and dont say power because as you said, its not about power. PLEASE enlighten us on why the 1uz is better. I think that if he (and you) just says "I want to say I have a v8 in my car" people will understand. What the OP doesnt understand is that anyone that goes through the trouble of an engine swap is doing so to get more power (thus the reason for all the 'opinions').

OP: I think what you need to ask is, is the 1UZ swap the same as a 2UZ and/or 3UZ. 'Cause if it is, then you can use those write ups for reference.


now MY "a-hole" opinion... On the power perspective, if I had to spend any of the money that is gonna be laid down on this project, I'd much rather use that money on a few power adders and get more than a few extra hp than you get from this swap (not to mention much more weight, so the extra hp almost becomes insignificant) but at the end I'll be able to say to the GS owner next to me who did this 1uz swap, "ha ha, I beat you with my lil ol I6"...

 

Oh yeah well I am also supercharging it, Whipple twin screw W140AX so it should be about 450+ engine HP at around 9 pounds along with the other work I intend to to.

I guess it comes down to personal preference I only like V8 supercharged engines, not a fan of the 2JZGTE's, or any turbo cars for that mater. I respect them, but they don't interest me like a V8 does.

A mate of mine has one in a SC300 which puts out 500rwhp, impressive and quick but not enough to interest me.

But, if one was to just swap out a 2JZGTE for a 1UZ and leave it stock that would be stupid. Though it would still be an upgrade going from a 2JZGE to a 1UZ, but I can understand that it's more cost effective to go for the 2JZGTE for power.

 

Ouch - my brain doesn't get it.
It's a LOT of work.

 

That is a pity.

 

I'm always fair even though I (just like the rest) dont like the swap, at least you've got boosting plans for it that charger on a v8 should give some nice bottom end torque

 

Well, its a funny situation, I have a 1UZ LS400 half cut, and I would be loosing a bit of money if I just sold it, So I need to at least use it for some project.

So an Aristo/GS300 was the best thing I came up with, at least I could easily sell it if I got uninterested since the V8 option was never available down here.

 

Well I've decided against the swap anyway. My original plan was free 1uz into gs then free 2jz from gs into s14 so id have the v8 gs and the i6 n/a s14 but now I'm just gonna put the free 1uz into the s14 as I've found a few right ups and build threads for the 1uz into the s-chassis.

1uzaristo. Thanks for the info bro I look forward to seeing the boosted 1uz aristo and even more so caint wait to hear that beast. Good luck with it and let me know how it goes :thumbsup:

 

ha ha.....

 

u know i read the whole thing and the whole time i was like swap the 1uz in the 240 that would be better i guess thats whats gonna happen

 

Was also suggested early on:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5597788-post21.html

Logic usually wins when proven.

 

Actually about this.... I'm buying a 1uz this weekend (120 running) and I wanna rebuild and swap, I read all the arguments and opinions and such, and the reason I wanna do it is I wanna be different, now with that out of the way, it's coming from a 1LS and I don't want auto trans, any suggestions? I read w58 and r154 works how bout motor mounts? Harness and such?

 

Harness may be a bit of an issue. It seems like the 1GS follows the line of the SC' and supra as far as that goes.

So in my mind, I would take an LS engine SC4 harness and ecu. Or take a complete LS engine, and send the harness off to Tweak.

I would imagine the mounts and brackets from the LS would be close to the same, considering the mounts from the aristo match up to the SC/Supra chassis minus the oil pan sumps.

 

im new to the forum but not new to Toyota’s and engines and actually the v8 is lighter as it was aluminum 364 pounds compared to the 2jz at 502 pounds currently have a 93 gs300 and also I had the 1uz motor laying around as a yard ornament. This is an old post but to be correct the v8 is lots lighter.