Wanted to bump this back to life. I recently became engulfed in research on this topic. I found some cool forums.
www.1uzswap.com
Lextreme: Lexus-Toyota V8 Forum - Powered by vBulletin
These swaps are not uncommon in AU. though here in the states most of us just throw in a gm v8 or something along those lines.
Ive been bugging the guys @ extreme Offroad now for a while to do a 1UZ swap into a 4 runner and use all Yota parts on a rig, but i havent gotten a response yet, but Ian will pay attention to me if I NEVER GO AWAY!.
I was going to put all kinds of exterior parts on my runner, but decided I wanted more bite than bark so I started looking into this swap and this is what I have surmised thus far.
You need an SC400 or LS400 89-96 v8 motor. Not 97 and up as they introduced VVTi (variable valve timing with intelligence) and the wiring is a nightmare as well as fly by wire (translation: Expert Wiring required)
For practical reasons, I think tearing the motor down and rebuilding it is key. The SC400 motors are known to travel 300K. So why not just do this why you have it on a pallett / engine stand? (most guys on forum did no major internal mods, just some port polishing and head truing, Stock cams, stock crank etc.)
Most guys who have done the swap recommend a 2" body lift for all sorts of reasons, but mainly the motor mounts are easier to access, Headers easier to route, oil pan clearance and finger space all around.
There are a few AU companies that make an adapter for the 1UZ Motor and our stock 340a transmissions.
I believe the transmission mount stays the same, but I could be wrong. If I am, new front and rear drive shafts are needed.
Also you need the Valve body in the transmission altered for firmer shifts or you can kiss your stock tranny good bye.
After all is said and done, If I think I can get this done for 4-5K I think Im going to do it. It will be a "10 or 12 of a kind" ride here in the US and these damn 3rd Gens are hands down the best looking body style 4 runner made.
Thoughts, Feelings?
Token Smiley :happens: