I don't blame him. Toyota wasn't too bright throwing a camry drivetrain into a heavier vehicle. But I digress, if you want bolt on there's the elusive TRD supercharger that Solaras could come with, exhaust + intake, higher ratio differential. That's about all you can do that would make any sense for our suvs. I would love to see a 2gr swap for one of these tho, or any engine swap at all.

 

That is true but you are still talking thousands and thousands of dollars. I doubt the SC bolts on without any modification. And a stock SC might pump out 50 to 60 more horse. Which can easily be done with a wet shot.

If one is so inclined you would be better off with a single custom Turbo setup off ebay. The problem is going to be adding additional fuel and tuning.

with forced induction you are going to need bigger fuel pump and injectors.

 

Don't forget the weakest link will break first with additional engine power --> tires/road.

If the engineers did their work they kept the cost down ... provided economical solution... close to no over-designing

Salim

 

Seems like there are options for adding extra horsepower from what members say posted above so that's cool.

While approaching 160k miles I'd be afraid of blowing up the engine or transmission very fast if I did a turbo or nitrous.
My car would be crying "why did you do this to me". haha

 

2GR-FE + U151F transmission is the route I'm going in my 2002 Highlander V6 if the engine or trans goes. That setup in an RX300 or 1st gen HL would take you to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds (vs ~8.7 stock) without ANY modifications to the drivetrain. It takes the heavier 2007-2009 RX350 to 60 in 6.7 seconds which was very impressive for the time, and it still remains the fastest Lexus RX to this day which I find amusing. Theoretically you could find a parts 2008-2013 Highlander or 2007-2009 RX350 and just use the respective drivetrain bits & ECU to get it to work. I've been contemplating doing this for years, and it would be probably the easiest and cheapest way to get a big power jump in our 1MZ cars. The big advantage is that the 2GR-FE is designed to physically fit where a 1MZ/3MZ used to go, which is what the 2007-2009 RX350 proves. What is also a fact is that the subframe mounting is the same for the two engines - like the motor mounts & transmission mount, except for the upper "dogbone / torque strut" mount.

The 5-speed trans will also fit the existing drivetrain components, as it is physically the same as the 4-speed. I have a 6-speed transmission mount on my Highlander from a 2010 RX350 and it still fit after all of those years. Toyota doesn't like changing stuff if they don't have to. I suspect one of the hardest parts will be eliminating the cable throttle and adapting the car to the DBW that comes on the 3MZ and 2GR-FE. Another disadvantage is that you'd need to get all new accessories from either a parts car or some other part supplier as the 2GR-FE has its own set of exclusive accessories. A/C compressor, alternator and power steering pump are a few to name off.

 

Very cool to know about the swap!! Very surprised that is the quickest Rx to date. Can’t wait to blow up my engine😀

 

you have to worry about the weak tranmission....it can barely handle OEM power. Once you add power you have to consider upgrading tranny, gears, shafts, the list goes on and on. The reality is the RX is NOT made for extra power via boost, and it is NOT a race machine. Can you make it a fast race machine and add 100 hp ? Sure you can ....just depends on how much money you have. Once you add such a large amount of power, you WILL reduce the vehicle reliability. I only say this so the OP understands the reality of heavily modifying a motor. I have done this for many many years. IMO it's not worth it for the RX. If you are wanting power and enjoy Toyota ....start with a Supra =)

 

It not being viable / worth it makes it even more fun to do! The RAV4 forum member Teksmrt comes to mind, he has a 3rd gen RAV4 V6 that has a beefed up U151F transmission and actually feeds it nitrous and regularly goes to the strip. Hits 60 ~4.5 seconds all-motor. Unique and unexpected, that is what would drive me to do such a thing to my car.

My Highlander will never be the racing machine like our E46 M3, but it is more capable than most people would think upon first looking at it, which is always a joy to me.

 

I agree, as I mentioned before nitrous would be the best thing to do, and the cheapest. The RX could easily handle a 75 or 100 wet shot, and would be fun. **** breaks then you just upgrade with forged parts. Passed 100 hp I would recommend.

 

One more dimension is the value of the asset. For Lexus, you modify it, you reduce its street value.

There maybe some enthusiast who maybe interested in the mod, but very likely (s)he would not trust it being done right.


Salim

 

100% true. Any highly modified vehicle is going to diminish the value. Most people want bone stock and not modified.

 

I'll second that.
I won't look at a car that has any hint that it's been hot rodded & abused or driven by a teenager.