Lexus V8 guys

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 8:58 pm

Hi all
i've been thinking of fitting a lexus v8 in my 97 2.8D SFA(Reason too weak up hills and will need something to tow heavy trailer).
to the guys who have done a conversion such as this,
what did it cost to do the complete conversion?
what is the consumption in a SFA body?
does a 2.8d flywheel fit on the lexus's crank?
can one get spare parts for the lexus(gaskets, piston+rings, bearings etc
any advise will be greatly appreciated

KOBUSL · Post by **KOBUSL** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 9:49 pm

Lots of advice on this website. Several ouens do the conversion, several are on this site. Don't be fooled by the price of the engine, ( R 8,500 or so ), the turnkey cost is about R 40 to 50 k. Believe me, that is the best way to go. And I believe all the spares you need are available. m50c

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 7:22 am

what pushes the price up so much? M50c?

AM Racing · Post by **AM Racing** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 7:48 am

You can checkout my build albeit in a Vigo. But you will see how you get to R50k fast with labour
viewtopic.php?f=98&t=29827" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hangover · Post by **Hangover** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 7:51 am

There are a lot of things... Radiator, Bell housing + clutch for manual, New exhaust, Piping, Engine Management etc. Also labour as this is not a 1 or 2 day conversion to do... There are a lot of people who do this conversion themselves a lot cheaper but there is also a lot that have to get it done over properly then costing them more than 50 at the end...

Hoppy · Post by **Hoppy** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 7:59 am

Not my favourite conversion, i would rather go WL or KZTE, although i'm thinking of fitting one to Luxter, but it will only be a toy.

roeland.vlok · Post by **roeland.vlok** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:18 am

Allan what would a KZTE cost to do?
Also thinking of doing the lexus mod, but if the KZTE is better then why not.

Hoppy · Post by **Hoppy** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:26 am

A KZ will cost less than a Lexus incl. the diff ratio change, about R45K for everything

roeland.vlok · Post by **roeland.vlok** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:35 am

Thanks Allan. Will keep that in mind.

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:38 am

thats maybe a good idea i must look around to see what i can get a kz motor for.

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:40 am

AM Racing wrote:You can checkout my build albeit in a Vigo. But you will see how you get to R50k fast with labour
viewtopic.php?f=98&t=29827" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

thanks dylan will read through all your work.
where did you buy the lexus? is the only one type of lexus motor that they bring into SA?

Agteros · Post by **Agteros** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:41 am

I don't want to start a new topic on this but it would be interesting to hear from people who has done this conversion:

1. Who did it for you and were you happy with the project?
2. What did it cost you?
3. Which Lexus did you choose? (VVti or non VVTi) and what management system?
4. What gearbox did you choose?
5. What diffs?
6. Same transfer case?
7. Now that you have done it, in hind sight, was it the right thing to do?

Answers to the above will give us who is contemplating the conversion some direction.
It is a lot of money to spent and as far as I can see you will NEVER EVER get your money back so it must be a KEEPER.
Anyone is welcome to add to the questions.

We can put the above in a separate thread if necessary.

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:00 am

1. Who did it for you and were you happy with the project?
Myself and a mechanic mate of mine.
2. What did it cost you?
Total to date only on motor and conversion items - R33500
3. Which Lexus did you choose? (VVti or non VVTi) and what management system?
1UZ-FE non VVTI with original computer management
4. What gearbox did you choose?
Well because I had an auto I kept with the auto. Rebuilt my original gearbox over into the lexus gearbox as the Diesel is much stronger.
5. What diffs?
Kept my original diesel (Import) diffs without changing the diff ratios.
6. Same transfer case?
My surfs original transfer case bolted ditectly to the Lexus gearbox without any modification or adapter plates. Props stayed the same as well.
7. Now that you have done it, in hind sight, was it the right thing to do?
If I had the choice again I would most definately do it again with one minor change. I would fit the 3UZ-FE VVTI. It is an absolute dream to drive. If done correctly it will last a long time and should the motor pack up then I will just go out and buy a motor from Engen den and replace as all the work of the conversion has been done already. No need to overall the old motor, just buy a replacement for around R5k for a 1UZ non VVTi (with OEM ECU not started), replace oil seals and so on and refit it. Will work out cheeper in the long run.

Just my 2cw.

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:08 am

Ali3n wrote:1. Who did it for you and were you happy with the project?
Myself and a mechanic mate of mine.
2. What did it cost you?
Total to date only on motor and conversion items - R33500
3. Which Lexus did you choose? (VVti or non VVTi) and what management system?
1UZ-FE non VVTI with original computer management
4. What gearbox did you choose?
Well because I had an auto I kept with the auto. Rebuilt my original gearbox over into the lexus gearbox as the Diesel is much stronger.
5. What diffs?
Kept my original diesel (Import) diffs without changing the diff ratios.
6. Same transfer case?
My surfs original transfer case bolted ditectly to the Lexus gearbox without any modification or adapter plates. Props stayed the same as well.
7. Now that you have done it, in hind sight, was it the right thing to do?
If I had the choice again I would most definately do it again with one minor change. I would fit the 3UZ-FE VVTI. It is an absolute dream to drive. If done correctly it will last a long time and should the motor pack up then I will just go out and buy a motor from Engen den and replace as all the work of the conversion has been done already. No need to overall the old motor, just buy a replacement for around R5k for a 1UZ non VVTi (with OEM ECU not started), replace oil seals and so on and refit it. Will work out cheeper in the long run.

Just my 2cw.

what diesel engine did you have in there before? have you got an imported diff in the back? or a gearmax?

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:18 am

Tarquin wrote:
Ali3n wrote:1. Who did it for you and were you happy with the project?
Myself and a mechanic mate of mine.
2. What did it cost you?
Total to date only on motor and conversion items - R33500
3. Which Lexus did you choose? (VVti or non VVTi) and what management system?
1UZ-FE non VVTI with original computer management
4. What gearbox did you choose?
Well because I had an auto I kept with the auto. Rebuilt my original gearbox over into the lexus gearbox as the Diesel is much stronger.
5. What diffs?
Kept my original diesel (Import) diffs without changing the diff ratios.
6. Same transfer case?
My surfs original transfer case bolted ditectly to the Lexus gearbox without any modification or adapter plates. Props stayed the same as well.
7. Now that you have done it, in hind sight, was it the right thing to do?
If I had the choice again I would most definately do it again with one minor change. I would fit the 3UZ-FE VVTI. It is an absolute dream to drive. If done correctly it will last a long time and should the motor pack up then I will just go out and buy a motor from Engen den and replace as all the work of the conversion has been done already. No need to overall the old motor, just buy a replacement for around R5k for a 1UZ non VVTi (with OEM ECU not started), replace oil seals and so on and refit it. Will work out cheeper in the long run.

Just my 2cw.
what diesel engine did you have in there before? have you got an imported diff in the back? or a gearmax?

I had the 2L-TE (2.4 Turbo Diesel) engine. I have the import diff at the back which is standard on the SURF as it is also an Import vehicle with 4.56 ratios.

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 5:13 pm

what is the consumption now wit the V8? was the diesel too slow or why did you change it?

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 9:34 pm

Well after al long struggle and major frustration with the incompetent bunch of oaks at West Rand Diesel and Auto Electrical (Bosch) because of an electrical problem I started my research into the Lexus V8. I have not looked back since.

Bare in mind that it has a raised suspension, 50mm body lift and running on 33"muds and my extreamly heavy foot I get around 5.5 to 6km/l but my wife gets around 7km/l. It is not cheap run but trust me when I say it is fun and you cant get over the sound.

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 9:40 pm

i'm sure, nothing is quiet like a V8

i get like 7.5-8 km/l with my 2.8 and its slow as anything. so your consumption doesn't sound so bad

where did you buy your engine?

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 9:52 pm

I bought it from a guy in PTA who only does lexus conversions. He did the complete wiring including relays and fuse box with OEM ecu. Gave me 5 wires to connect excluding the starter wire. Connected the wires and started first time.

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:09 pm

could i have his number?
could i ask what did you pay for the engine?

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:16 pm

Tarquin wrote:could i have his number?
could i ask what did you pay for the engine?

I will give it to you tomorrow as I have it on my computer at work.

I paid R20500 which included the rebuild of my gbox.

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:20 pm

thanks

would like to hear what he thinks about my gearbox and diff, if they will hold the power

kfxnando · Post by **kfxnando** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 6:09 am

Tarquin wrote:thanks would like to hear what he thinks about my gearbox and diff, if they will hold the power

Gearbox and diff, provided they aree in good condition, and
Provided no cowboy stuff at the lights (believe me its difficult to behave sometimes with a V8)
Should be ok
Dont labour the gears, as these V8s make lots of torque at low revs
Self prefer leaving the gearratios as is, these V8s dont mind the revs, they are different to the American V8s

My lexus V8 conversion is not finished
However in the meantime have bought a 4.7l V8 jeep, one of main reasons is the heavy towing
1. The V8 is lighter on fuel in all scenarios. Towing or not towing
2. One Cant beat the fun and sound of a V8

Enjoy

Agteros · Post by **Agteros** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 7:47 am

Fernando do you have any idea what the revs of the V8 Lexus will be through the standard manual 4Y gearbox and dif @ 120km/h;

What will the revs @ 120km/h be through the autobox of the Lexus and standard 4Y dif?

kfxnando · Post by **kfxnando** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 8:13 am

Agteros wrote:Fernando do you have any idea what the revs of the V8 Lexus will be through the standard manual 4Y gearbox and dif @ 120km/h;

What will the revs @ 120km/h be through the autobox of the Lexus and standard 4Y dif?

Not exacly sure, however if memory serves me right, think you will rev at 3500rpm at a true 120 with stock size wheels and tires

Remember towing is always done in 4th

Auto box, have no idea

As to auto or manual is a verh tuff choice, couz its not something you can change if you not happy
Jeep is Auto, love it and enjoy it

Ford courrier, when done all the parts and set up is for manual, so I will break things!!

The new autos are great, and perform well and can also be tweeked

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:57 am

Tarquin wrote:thanks would like to hear what he thinks about my gearbox and diff, if they will hold the power

Here is his details - Samuel - 082 866 0908

Scorpion · Post by **Scorpion** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 10:31 am

1. Who did it for you and were you happy with the project?
Myself and a mechanic mate of mine. Mine stands more than it drives as I started with this conversion long before any off the shelf parts were available, but I LOVE my Hilex!!!!
2. What did it cost you?
I do not know and do not wish to add it up for fear of SWAMBO seeing it, but on the engine conversion alone probably R100k. Everything? Probably about R200k

3. Which Lexus did you choose? (VVti or non VVTi) and what management system?
1UZ-FE non VVTI was all that was available 6 years ago. Started with a Microtech - great system, but no backup in SA. Then moved to Dicktator, with which I am happy with, but if I have to do it again (which I am now after drowning my motor

) I would go OEM.
4. What gearbox did you choose?
I stuck with the standard Hilux 5 speed manual and just had a bellhousing cast and a custom flywheel made. Just use a proper clutch - I've gone through 4 in 10k kms I now have a Dyna clutch in and this one seems to last. Do not use a KZTE, 3RZ or even the Cruiser clutch - doesn't last.
5. What diffs?
Also still have my original diffs (import) with standard ratios
6. Same transfer case?
Yup, but I added a Marlin Crawler box, so in essence have 2 standard Hilux transfer cases in. This unfortunately necessitates that the props be changed as well.
7. Now that you have done it, in hind sight, was it the right thing to do?
Despite what you have all read on the forum, I must be the person with the most issues with my conversion due purely to the fact that everything that was done was very experimental. Those of you who have seen him and seen him action can attest that even by today's standards he is something else and almost in a league of his own as far as Hiluxes go.

Would I do it again? Without one moments hesitation! There is nothing, but nothing that can describe the feeling of driving that monster on the road and even better - offroad! Yes, I wish he was more reliable, but the one or 2 months a year we have together is enough for me to do it over again and again. But this is purely emotions talking. I do not need my vehicle on a daily basis and it is purely a toy. I have enough others to get me around from day to day. If you are considering doing this to your daily drive I have to caution you, as it will be frustrating and you will probably end up hating the conversion due to the inconvenience of not having a vehicle. You will break things... but I have been very lucky. Despite the extreme nature of Bosbeer (see my bio below), I have only ever broken the input shaft of my gearbox (and this was due to pushing a taxi, with his handbrake on, out into the street after parking me in

). All the rest has been conversion issues.

Best of all? With a 60mm body lift, 35" tyres and a MAHOOSIVE suspension lift (my door sill is 800mm off the ground) I get 7 - 8km/l in town and 9-10km/l on the highway. That compared to 4.5 km/l with it's standard suspension and tires...

Post by **LouisZ** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 12:20 pm

More and more Conversions on the Lexus are being done, so the easy of it gets easier.

I looked at it in this manner.

1. Buy the Lexus that they can start at the Importer, then you know the Ecu, motor at least starts.

2. Be Prepared to be without your Bakkie for at least 3 months.

3. Most definatly helps to do a Body lift of 50mm.

4. Be sure to get your Braking System 100% or Brake Upgrade!!!

5. Don't be shy to do the Exhaust system properly.

6. Don't be shy to do the Cooling System properly.

7. Prepare the motor, parts like crank&cam seals, belts, sparkplugs, spark leads, rotors, dizzy caps, thermostats, Voltage Regulators, all the Service parts, get it done. SERVICE THE STARTER.

8. Remember on some Hilux's the engine mounts have to be moved.

9. Choose well between Auto or Manual. (The purpose for the conversion, play, tow or normal driving) Some cases props have to be made longer/shorter, BUT remember to redo those, use the strongest Universals!!!

Manual will be extra cost; Correct Cnc Cut Flywheel, Bigger Clutch kit, bigger Clutch master cylinder, CORRECT ADAPTER PLATE FOR 1UZ AUTO BELLHOUSING TO HILUX GEARBOX!!! Do it Right. Hilux Gearbox is strong enough.

10. Make Sure your intake is right!!!!(Airfilter) The 1UZ old engine you have to swop the battery and Donaldson Filter to use it. The 1UZ VVTi and 3UZ VVTi you can use the current setup.

11. Diffs and Ratios, keep it it should be fine. Just Redo your diff if there is already something wrong with it, ie Hum etc.

12. Be PATIENT and enjoy the Conversion Afterwards!!!

MOFASA · Post by **MOFASA** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 12:45 pm

Scorpion wrote: 6. Same transfer case?
Yup, but I added a Marlin Crawler box, so in essence have 2 standard Hilux transfer cases in. This unfortunately necessitates that the props be changed as well.

How much did the Marlin Crawler box set you back and where did ou get it from.....

I've seen this monster in action and it is WOW for lack of a better word.....

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 1:02 pm

MOFASA wrote:
Scorpion wrote: 6. Same transfer case?
Yup, but I added a Marlin Crawler box, so in essence have 2 standard Hilux transfer cases in. This unfortunately necessitates that the props be changed as well.
How much did the Marlin Crawler box set you back and where did ou get it from.....

I've seen this monster in action and it is WOW for lack of a better word.....

You want to fit it to the Prado???

kfxnando · Post by **kfxnando** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 1:52 pm

4x4megaworldpta wrote: 9. Choose well between Auto or Manual. (The purpose for the conversion, play, tow or normal driving) Some cases props have to be made longer/shorter, BUT remember to redo those, use the strongest Universals!!!

Manual will be extra cost; Correct Cnc Cut Flywheel, Bigger Clutch kit, bigger Clutch master cylinder, CORRECT ADAPTER PLATE FOR 1UZ AUTO BELLHOUSING TO HILUX GEARBOX!!! Do it Right. Hilux Gearbox is strong enough.

12. Be PATIENT and enjoy the Conversion Afterwards!!!

Sorry can not agree with number 9

On a manual, yes bellhousing, flywheel, clutch, slave, thrust bearing

Now for the auto
Adapters for the trasnfer case, auto gear leaver set up, two new propshafts and auto box controler
Plus
That auto box should run an oil cooler
Modern auto gearboxes need to be serviced and internal oilfilter changed
The one jeep gearbox has the same internals as those lexus gearbox

Sorry for the strong disagreeing on this one

Post by **LouisZ** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:01 pm

Yes, but on the auto you don't need an totally new flywheel, clutch etc. Props need to change but not an extent that you have to change it completely?

Hoppy · Post by **Hoppy** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:20 pm

Auto boxes are for old, cripple or lazy people.

kfxnando · Post by **kfxnando** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:25 pm

Flywheel clutch and bellhousing under 10k easy, now get the prices for the auto box route using my list
Front prop new couz it needs to be lenthened, rear prop gets shortened, so yes only one total new prop
Self have all the manual gearbox parts for the conversion at home, would accept price increase to under 10k

kfxnando · Post by **kfxnando** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:28 pm

Hoppy wrote:Auto boxes are for old, cripple or lazy people.

Also used to say that, however i enjoymthe auto jeep, so its become a mater of choice

KOBUSL · Post by **KOBUSL** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 2:29 pm

Hoppy wrote:Auto boxes are for old, cripple or lazy people.

What about poor ?

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:16 pm

Ali3n wrote:
Tarquin wrote:thanks would like to hear what he thinks about my gearbox and diff, if they will hold the power
Here is his details - Samuel - 082 866 0908

thanks i'll give him a call on monday

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:22 pm

[quote="4x4megaworldpta"]More and more Conversions on the Lexus are being done, so the easy of it gets easier.

3. Most definatly helps to do a Body lift of 50mm.

what does a full ome suspention with 50mm body lift cost?

Tarquin · Post by **Tarquin** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:24 pm

Hoppy wrote:Auto boxes are for old, cripple or lazy people.

Post by **LouisZ** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 11:16 am

Ome Suspension Complete will go for average R18500.

Damper, Shocks, Blades, Bushes, U Bots. Also we correct the front Pedals(Saddles).

Body lifts we do not do, but I cants say it will exceed R3500.

Agteros · Post by **Agteros** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 12:35 pm

4x4megaworldpta wrote:Ome Suspension Complete will go for average R18500.

Damper, Shocks, Blades, Bushes, U Bots. Also we correct the front Pedals(Saddles).

Body lifts we do not do, but I cants say it will exceed R3500.

Louis - who do body lifts? Any recommendations?

ink · Post by **ink** » Sat Aug 24, 2013 3:27 pm

Did my conversion myself from a 2.8diesel to lexus on manual boks for under 24k and 75mm lift for under6k new shoks included