10sbums

Hello! I am new to this forum and would really appreciate the input of more knowledgable SC owners. I am in need of a replacement engine and am considering a JDM engine. I realized many of the components may not be interchangeable (intake, wiring, etc), which is fine. My questions surrounds the topic of are all 3UZ-FE motors interchangeable? I've been told the engine itself is the same and that the HP differences are born in the computer and software of the car. My car is a 2008 and I'm being offered an engine from a 2003. Will this work?

Thank you in advance for being patient of my nativity.

Rick

LeX2K

The only people that know are the engineers. Even engine blocks with the same part numbers can have undocumented revisions which may or may not trip you up. Someone might tell you, hey I installed X year into my Y year car it it all worked, which is great you found a specific example that applies to you. But unless you find that info, best thing to do is buy as close to the same engine/year as possible.

Raven01750

Hi Ricky. I can tell you that a like JDM engine should be in the range of year manufactured. In this case 06-10. 06 is the year they updated the SC with a six speed transmission so there could very well be major differences in a motor from an 03. I haven't come across any of the Lexus owners club that needed new engines. Usually just cars after someone totals it for them. You need to look up a Lexus Parts site with the P/N breakdown and do your research for this one. Also, an 03 engine mileage, how long the motor has been sitting around etc. have to be considered. Changing out the waterpump and Timing belt is a must. Someone else may chime in here with some more useful information. But Lexus parts websites with the blow ups of the parts by catagory is going to be extremely useful for you to make an informed decision. Good luck.

Paul

10sbums

Thank you, Paul.

Yes, I am aware of the transmission differences and thank goodness my trans is healthy. I've understood these motors are quite strong and can last into the mid-200k range without much issues. Unfortunately, I got the car knowing it needs an engine and went into it thinking a 3UZ can easily be come by. The draw to the JDM engine is the reported less than 60k miles, the compression and leak down test that come with them. That all said, all the online resources I've read indicates the mechanical parts of the engine are identical, but I was hoping to confirm. Unfortunately, there seems to be a plethroa of earlier model year engines and a scarcity of later model year ones.

10sbums

Thank you, LeX2K