It was also used in Giniel's Dakar HilluxesRuss Kellermann wrote: ↑29 Jan 2018 23:39 What about a 2UZ motor (4.7 V8) rather... not difficult to get, and ridiculously reliable, and very smooth and powerful.
Johan Meyer (owner/ mechanic at JB's in CT)...commented that when people ask him abut the issues regarding this motor,.. his response is that he doesn't know... because in all his years of Toyota land cruiser motor rebuilds,repairs, diagnosis etc....he's never ever had to open one. ......ever.
They were used in all the Lexus models, as well as the Land Cruiser Cignus (it's like the 100VX, but with more fruit).
I'ver personally driven one and it is phenomenal.
After 6 years of driving a Lexus Patrol, and before I sold it, I considered switching from 1UZ to 2UZ.
Since the plumbing and wiring was all in place as well as bell housing, so no real changes necessary.
And as you say a "kannie-dood" engine, but with much more torque.
In my case that would have been quick and easy.
But to build the conversion from scratch would still be a lot of work and careful selection of the right the mackie for the job.
The price of the engine is less than 20% of the costs though - if done right.