SC400whip

Hi, I have a 1996 Lexus SC400 with 320,000 miles on it with a stock oem engine. I am wondering how (or if) I can increase the horsepower of the 1uz to somewhere over 300 hp without blowing up the engine. I am obviously trying to keep this affordable and avoid an engine swap or rebuild. I'm more wondering what I would get from a cold air intake or if I could safely add a turbo to an engine with this much wear. Thanks!

Tallyhoe

Force Induction is your best bet.. Its hard to say if its safe since maintenance and state of the engine could be in question.... cruise thia site there is a wealth of information that will assist you in your endeavor...

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

You can't really turbo a 96 and later 1uzfe safely because they have the skinny rods. Some debate when exactly it started in 95 so really the 94 and older 1uz is the one you would want if you are looking for boost.
I would say do a tuneup, change to like a dry high flowing intake filter, and exhaust. You probably won't get to 300hp but it should make a noticeable increase.

SC400whip

Thanks guys

emLEX

I know you said you're trying to keep this affordable and want to avoid an engine swap, but... a 3uz swap is a bolt in and gets you to your power goals. Supposedly the GS430 is the best option for stock power output. There's obviously more involved than just pulling your 1uz and bolting in a 3uz, but it's probably the easiest and cost effective way to get to your power goals with the added benefit of reliability.

SC400whip

If I could do a swap I definitely would, especially considering the wear on the current 320k 1uz.

SexCoupe

iTrader: (6)

You can easily and safely get 300 with force induction just keep the boost under 8 psi the rods are weaker than the 1st gen but that dpoesnt mean its useless they are not thaaaat damn weak...300 is nothing

Cold air intake will do nothing but make the engine sound good WOT thats it no power increase to bother mentioning.

CLass of 1

Completely agree. Even at 5 or 6 pounds of boost, you’ll get to 300 horsepower. I would argue that the cost isn’t worth such small power gains, but you can definitely do it. Piggy back system and slightly upgraded injectors, maybe from a Supra for example, should get you where you want to go. Again, quite a lot of coin for not much poke, but if that’s what you want, that should be easy.

I would however recommend that you definitely intercool the system, as any pre-detonation would probably do those rods in. You’ll do well to keep the intake charge as cool as possible.

Nick