DCardshark

Greetings all,

Unfortunately I need to replace the engine on my GS450H. Can I use an engine from a 3rd gen GS350/IS300 or do I have to find one from another 450H.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Check this site out, its a search engine for used parts in your area. www.car-parts.com when you search your vehicles parts, it will show what is compatible from other years/other models/even sometimes other makes.

I searched your engine, and only the 450H engine will work, but many other years are available. Maybe you find a good deal on a used engine else where. What was the reason for you needing a new engine?

DCardshark

Thanks for the link, I am still trying to understand the difference between my engine and the GS350/IS350 - all rear wheel drive 2GR's, only difference I can see are the accessories and bellhousing which it seems can be swapped.

Diagnosed by dealer with bad head gaskets. They want upwards of $7k to repair. A JDM replacement engine with around 50k miles is about 2k plus R&R which I will do myself.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Why dont you do the head gasket yourself! That way all you will need to pay for is machine shop labour to have both heads machined flat, head bolts, and the gaskets set, you will save money and time. Or take the car to another independent mechanic

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

This is why I tell people replace your water pump before 90k miles, these engines are known to lift the heads when over heated. Aisin pumps are only $85 and 2 hours of labor

DCardshark

After discussion with my mechanic, the labor involved to replace head gaskets is far greater than just R&Ring the engine. And far more technically difficult and not as likely to get a good running engine in the end, lots of **** can go wrong with a HG replacement on these motors.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Its more work, its more tedious, but its not super difficult. If you were going to do the job yourself, you can take that gamble as it wont cost you much. Hardest part is removing the exhaust manifolds, and the front timing cover. Turn the engine to top dead center, make sure you marker the timing chain position on each sprocket. Removing the heads is not difficult! Then take the heads to a machine shop and have them check or deck them flat. Buy a new oem head gasket set, buy new oem head bolts.