[Plus4E]

Evening all. Some may (or may not) know that about a year ago I put a Lexus 4.0 VVTi V8 into a Mk1. The engine is from a very late LS400, and the most powerful stock lump from the range.

After a year of running it on track, and subsequently being featured in Practical Performance Car, I've had quite a bit of interest, so am now undertaking another build.

This time a Mk2 with a 4.3 3UZ-FE from a GS430. I will be documenting the process with video as I go. More over, this one is to be a road going car, maintaining mod cons and comfort.

Conscious that I am far from the first to do this over the years, but the intention is to make the process simpler. Donor engine is ready to come out this weekend, and should have the conversion done by October.

Videos will be here: http://PlusFourEngineering.com but here's a taster

 

[Shadowraven]

First pic of the thread certainly makes an impact. Subscribed.

 

[DMRider_10]

Out of interest of much do the donors of these engines go for?

 

[Plus4E]

Out of interest of much do the donors of these engines go for?

You can pick up an early 1UZ for sub £500, and by the time you've flogged a few bits from it and weighed in the shell, you're breaking even. VVTi LS400s (nicer looking engine as well, IMHO - central plenum, nice and symmetrical, as well as VVTi and variable inlet length) up to and around £1k. The GS430 that the 3UZ is coming from was £900 odd.

 

[DMRider_10]

Still a billy bargain really! What power does the VVTi engine make?

 

[Plus4E]

On paper, 290BHP and 300lbft, out of the box on stock ECU, but the stock exhaust system is pretty tight, so with aftermarket system and decent inlet set up, easily over 300 of each, the variable timing and inlet makes for a broader curve

 

[Roadsterchinsk]

Always good to see DIY V8 projects. Nothing gets close to the sound!

 

[Plus4E]

Always good to see DIY V8 projects. Nothing gets close to the sound!

 

[Jacksheps]

What a fantastic car!

But i do find it strange how you put all that effort into the last one....to do it all again

 

[Plus4E]

What a fantastic car!

But i do find it strange how you put all that effort into the last one....to do it all again

The next one isn't for me

 

[stevem]

He likes to be known as Fawlty btw Nick......

 

[Plus4E]

He likes to be known as Fawlty btw Nick......

Ah, yes, the South West's greatest hotelier

 

[107]

Great project - are you planning a kit of components to aid the conversion?

 

[Ben-R]

Awesome project!

Will be watching with interest

 

[Plus4E]

Great project - are you planning a kit of components to aid the conversion?

Yes, that's exactly the plan. However, I'm waiting to hear back from the mx5nutz.com moderators about registering as a trader, as I can't formally peddle any wares.

The plan is also to do other vehicles. Audi TT is sitting outside the workshop ready to be mid engined....

 

[Dweenimus]

Don't make a kit so it's really easy to stick a v8 in my car. Please! I need to save money!

 

[Shadowraven]

Do it!

 

[Hampshire mx5]

Does it use the mx5 gearbox/diff?

 

[Plus4E]

Yes to the diff, but no to the gearbox. My 4.0 uses a Nissan box, but this time for the 4.3 we'll be trialling a BMW M3 box.

I have plans to make it work with the Mazda 6 speed though, but there are certain challenges around adapter plates owning to the relatively small bell housing compared to the Lexus ring gear.

 

[D0M]

Excellent. I look forward to seeing what you do with the LS430 engine. Thanks for sharing.