LQ9 V8 conversion

[Silverfox]

I have a 2005 3.0 diesel with manual box. The ZD30 motor blew up at 150 000. I replaced it with a 1UZ-FE Lexus engine which has done 85 000 more. This engine is using plenty oil due to rock separator type air filter. I am now replacing it with a LQ9 engine which is the same as LS2 excepting the intake manifold, compression and has cast iron block. Stock puts out 257 kW and 514 Nm. It also has the truck sump to clear diff.This engine is rebuilt in the USA and the throttle body is changed to cable and no longer fly by wire. This engine comes from a Cadillac Escalade. All the kit required like bell housing adaptor, fly wheel and clutch can be sourced from Marks 4WD Adaptors in Australia at a cost of 30 k including shipping. His bell housing adaptor kit is unique as it spaces the engine 70 or 80 mm away to clear fire wall.
I have read on this forum about an LS1 conversion using a Gilo Engineering adaptor and Lumina clutch. Waiting to hear from Gilo.

[Alex Roux]

Silverfox

Do you think the 1UZ is tired and finished? Was the air-filter not adequate leading to damage caused in the engine?
Else 85,000 sounds like a very short life time. If set up correctly, it should last longer than most engines?

[Silverfox]

Yes, it is due to the air cleaner. I should have run a 4.8 filter. It was in a courier bakkie running nox before. Looking forward to the LQ9 torque. This engine will fit better and the alternator and aircon are raised for 4x4 use.

[tour de frans]

Good day
Gilo only supply a bellhousing. The clucth I matched myself. It 's 6l Lumina and works great.
What management are you going to use?
Rdgs
Frans

[Silverfox]

I have heard nothing back from Gilo. I am going to go Marks 4WD Adaptors in Australia.

[Silverfox]

The engine comes complete with wiring harness and ECU. US-Powersport will just program it to run with manual box. It also comes with cable throttle body so wont require any pedal mods.

[Silverfox]

LQ9 15-3-2013.jpg (102.99 KiB) Viewed 17654 times

Do I keep manifolds or not?

LQ9 15 March 2013.jpg (112.23 KiB) Viewed 17654 times

more pics

[Tinus lotz]

Looks good!!!!!I would speak to frans on the manifolds....all I can say a lot of people have had problems with branches on 4.8 wwith regard to lack of flex......looking forward to see the dino results

[Silverfox]

The installation has started. The motor, bellhousing adaptor and bellhousing is all bolted together. I am busy fabricating rebuildable engine mountings using LC leaf spring shackle bushes. I will be following up with pics. I still need to fabricate the chassis side mounts and then pull engine to complete welding. I've got to say it fits way better than the Lexus 1UZ-FE.

[Silverfox]

The 'Beast' is now running. Still need to sort out a decent air box and filter for offroading and then send to US-Powersport for final tuning. TNT Exhausts did a fine job from front to back. Running branches with a single 88mm pipe to the back. Sounds awesome, maybe a tad too loud.

If someone can tell me how to shrink the file size, I'll upload some pics. I have tried zipping but to no avail.