Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Engines and Engine Systems
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by hugejp »

Where are you getting the Lexus quote from?

Is it the old or new engine? ie pre or post vvti.

is it a manual or auto box?

all adaptors done?
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by Alex Roux »

ricster wrote:As much as I love the sound of Alex's Lexus Patrol, doing a proper conversion is going to cost a lot more than doing a full rebuild of that TD42 motor.
Cedric

I agree that there is not such thing as a cheap conversion, and doing it "properly" does not guarantee problem free driving thereafter.
I have done 88,000 since conversion in 2011 and am happy, but it has not been completely trouble free since conversion.


As regards the 1 or 3 UZ conversions, the only two things that stick out as annoying and that cannot be resolved with proper good workmanship, is the position of the starter motor ("in the V") and the water issues I have had.

As regards price, from what I understand from Michael, as appealing as good turboed 4.2D sounds, it is not cheap at all.
Perhaps fewer risks than a V8 conversion, but not cheap.

In hind sight what would I have done back in 2011......
Sho, not an easy one.
Fixing up the ZD30 is still not the route for me, as post fixing hand grenades do not seem to be bullet proof either.
I still want to meet someone that had been happy with a ZD30 having had to fix it themselves. But that is off topic.

If I had known Michael's talents back in 2011, I would have given that a serious consideration. Even if it turned out more expensive than the Lexus route, it is admittedly a more natural fit for that chassis and space.
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by Petebenzon »

Thanks for replying Alex

You seem to be the guru when it comes to the Lexus v8 conversion. I am aware of the issues people have had with the starter between the vee friend of mine has the v8 in a Jeep competition vehicle here and he has had those issues as well as computer problems with an aftermarket Ecu. He is still happy with it. as I said I am a mechanic by trade so if I do have issues I am capable of fixing them

So all recommendations aside, forget the td42 I want a v8. What is the best way to go about the conversion. How did you make your patrol work. Did you stick with the manual box and is there an off the shelf adapter and flywheel and clutch that will work to mate to the td42 gearbox.
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by Kagiso II »

Will you consider putting a proper Chevy V8 i the Patrol ?? My friend around the corner, "Old School Customs" specialises in revamping old and new vaqrs with 327 / 350 / 302 / 308 / 383 V8 engines .. he just finishetd a NAVARA with a Chevy 350 in it ..
The sound, the power, man oh man
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by Alex Roux »

Petebenzon wrote:Thanks for replying Alex

You seem to be the guru when it comes to the Lexus v8 conversion. I am aware of the issues people have had with the starter between the vee friend of mine has the v8 in a Jeep competition vehicle here and he has had those issues as well as computer problems with an aftermarket Ecu. He is still happy with it. as I said I am a mechanic by trade so if I do have issues I am capable of fixing them

So all recommendations aside, forget the td42 I want a v8. What is the best way to go about the conversion. How did you make your patrol work. Did you stick with the manual box and is there an off the shelf adapter and flywheel and clutch that will work to mate to the td42 gearbox.
Hi Peter

Firstly, I am no guru. I have 10 thumbs. They work well on spreadsheets, but are generally useless inside the engine bay.

Definitely stick with the original Nissan gearbox if you can. No other box is stronger.
I have had no issues with mine, but have heard if plenty of issues people had that transplanted the Lexus box.
You then use the 4.5 / 4.8 Patrol clutch.

There is no off-the-shelf adaptor plate that I know of. But I will PM you the details of a guy that does a lot a machining for others guys doing conversions, and who have done quite a few Lexus conversions in bakkies and 4x4s. He may also help you with other technical questions you may have.

When my conversion was done (2011), the popular route was the Spitronix management system.
That was in the earlier generation 1UZ engines. I have no issues with mine. In almost 6 years now, I had to re set it on the Dyno once (in 2016).
Others that I have heard of had plenty of issues having to reset it frequently. The latest software that I have for the system is apparently more robust.

If you are going to use the 4.3 litre 3UZ engine, (more likely as these are more common now), then I would recommend that you use the original Toyota management system. It is plug and play. People have less issues with it. Also more powerful. 460NM and 200kw.
The only downside is that you cannot fit a turbo to the Toyota management system as you cannot change the settings / mixture on the Toyota system.
Skilpad, Shortie, Toro & Masewa
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by Wilkie »

If you want that Lexus to give you optimum performance you must use original ecu or a M800 motec (R50000.00)..that's your options :mytwocents: :mytwocents:
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by Alex Roux »

Two more things about the Lexus conversions (I do not know to what extent it is a an issue for other engines too).

1) You should not use the standard Lexus station wagon sump.
Their shape is such that it tends to knock on the diff when you flex.
Use the Lexus SUV sump which fits on the same engine, but is shaped such that it is more shallow across the axle, and more downward deeper further back (L shaped).
Preferably, as was done in my case, you should introduce a 2" body lift, to make sufficient space. I have done some extreme obstacles, and the sump has never been knocked.

2) The route of the exhaust pipes need careful planning, to make sure it clears the front axle prop-shaft and gearboxes.
The best place for the right hand side pipe to cross over is more or less where the transfer case is positioned.
Piet's TC protector plate (which you can order on this forum) still covers both the pipe and the transfer case, but space is limited.
This is the same issue with any V engine conversion, so not a Lexus specific issue.
- Also make sure who ever does you exhaust understands that you will be doing off-road driving. The axles need to be well clear of the pipes in a flexed state.
Skilpad, Shortie, Toro & Masewa
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by ricster »

Good info there Alex.... you are not 10 thumbs my friend..... you have evolved into the Lexus/Patrol guru !!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by SJC »

Kagiso II wrote: 13 Feb 2017 21:52 Will you consider putting a proper Chevy V8 i the Patrol ?? My friend around the corner, "Old School Customs" specialises in revamping old and new vaqrs with 327 / 350 / 302 / 308 / 383 V8 engines .. he just finishetd a NAVARA with a Chevy 350 in it ..
The sound, the power, man oh man
wat prys hierdie chev engines?
6.5l v8.... :wink:
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Re: Lexus 1uz-fe v8 conversion

Post by mvcoller »

I am with Kagiso here.

With my GQ and its Lexus 1UZ transplant and 2 burnt out gearboxes i am not a convert. The engine does not like low RPM, one would also need to change diff ratios.

I think with American Muscle (Ford or Chev), with huge torque developed at much lower RPM and a 4 barrel Holley, you will have much less problems, and should you have any, it will be a lot easier to fix if there are no special wiring and computers to fix and sort out.

A Chevvy 427 will work wonders in a Patrol :woo:

With a mild cam, you will have a work horse.
With a wild cam, you will have a race horse.
A real 2 in 1 solution
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