Tired Gen 1 IS Gets a Wicked 2JZ-GTE Swap

Going Great

If there was an engine hall of fame, Toyota's 2JZ-GTE would most certainly have a bust sitting on display with the greatest powerplants to have ever existed. So you can't really blame Club Lexus member STREET90 for sourcing one for his 1IS when the original motor gave up.  

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

Dream Car

This journey began back in 2017 when STREET90 purchased his 2003 Sport Design. But he had wanted to buy one of these cars since 2006, yet the cost was too prohibitive at the time. 

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Cheap for a Reason

So when he came across this particular car, which had a $1,800 asking price, he didn't even bother negotiating. There's just one problem with cheap cars, however - they typically are cheap for a reason. 

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Cleaning Day

The IS had 218k miles and lots of leaks, so STREET90 immediately began working to repair it. He resealed the entire engine, in fact. Later on, he even pulled the engine apart to clean up all the carbon buildup and burnt oil inside. 

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Change of Plans

With a tune, Megan downpipe, Injen intake, and ported heads, things looked like they were headed in the right direction. But then, suddenly, plans changed drastically. 

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Dream Realized

"In regard to building one my dream cars, I wanted to go crazy on an IS300," STREET90 said. "I remembered back in 2006 when I fell in love with import cars I always wanted to play with the 2JZ-GTE, and an IS was the car I wanted to swap one in. After pretty much blowing the original engine at the track, I wasn't going to put another N/A engine in it. Or even settle for just regular swap."  

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Resealed, Signed, Delivered

STREET90 was obviously motivated to do this the right way, too. "Teardown began and short cuts were NOT taken at all. Every single gasket, o-ring, and hose, vacuum/coolant, and the valve stem seals were replaced with OEM Toyota parts. Over $700 to reseal with my company discount."

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Going Big

As for the transmission, SPEED90 decided to go with a CD009 6-speed with a Collins adapter kit, even though it was considerably more expensive than using the original cog box with an adapter. Working night and day, he continued to figure out all the little stuff like exhaust and brakes. 

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Huge Payoff

All of those many hours spent hammering away soon paid off when the engine was successfully transplanted into the Lexus, of course. 

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Stay Tuned

At this point, there's still a lot of wiring and other things to sort out. So be sure and stay tuned to this awesome project by heading over here!

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>>Join the conversation about this 2JZ swapped IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here on the forum.