1UZ Swap into an 89 LJ73

[Omoitsurugi]

Alright so if you've seen my other threads my headgasket blew and my head cracked on my 2L-T, so at this time I've decided to make the switch over to Petrol as the parts for a 1UZ are easier to find in the states.

My truck is still stuck in Omaha, NE however I have a plan to go pick it up next month. Now it comes down to tracking down a running 1UZ (hopefully in a still running car so i can drive it while tearing apart the LJ).

So the plans are to keep it manual so i'll have to find an adapter plate and clutch/flywheel. I want to do this as easy/cheap as possible so any pointers will be helpful.

If you want to come down and help feel free as I will be going at this to try and get my truck 100% again.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[Tapage]

Some info here ..

2UZ-FE to H55F - Interest?

 

[OGBeno]

“Easy and cheap”....



Haven’t laughed like that in awhile.

 

[Omoitsurugi]

“Easy and cheap”....



Haven’t laughed like that in awhile.

Well easy as in as straight forward as i can get and cheap as in a new head for the little 2L-T plus other parts were close to 1500, at least when i was pricing it in through toyota.

But you may have better luck getting stuff

 

[Omoitsurugi]

Some info here ..

2UZ-FE to H55F - Interest?

There's a few Bellhousings out there, and i'm sure i could have a local machine shop make an adapater plate if need be... just weighing which will be cheaper in the long run.

But thanks for the thread and the info on there.

 

[Postoy]

Well easy as in as straight forward as i can get and cheap as in a new head for the little 2L-T plus other parts were close to 1500, at least when i was pricing it in through toyota.

But you may have better luck getting stuff

Not to discourage you but a 1uz swap is going to be a heck of a lot more than 1500.

When I started budgeting for my swap I was up to 3-4K, Thats with me doing all the work myself.

 

[FJBen]

The "cheapest" V8 swap would be a chevy/domestic swap....but even then its still more than a 2LT head. I believe Toyota has updated the 2LT head for better reliability. That would be the easiest/economical way to get back running.

Swaps are a pain...especially on vehicles that never had that engine as an option.

A long time ago when I had a CJ7, I swapped the old 258 inline 6 for a 4.0L. I figured it would be pretty simple since it basically bolts in. Costs kept rising because of electronics, cooling, more and more stuff. What should have been an "all included" cost because of the donor vehicle ended up costing a whole lot more in time and money.

I even fuel injected a 350 I had in one of my FJ40's going to TBI. I got all the parts for $75 used. I then had to add fuel pump, lines, different cooling options again as the electric fans messed up the computers. Also found out about speed sensors, exhaust/O2 and all other things I didn't think would cost as much. In the end I got it going all by myself but it ALWAYS ALWAYS cost more in time and money than you think. The rig ran pretty dang good after that, but it was a long process.

 

[Tapage]

the only way I see it less expensive it's you having the donor running vehicle already ..

Don't get me wrong .. I'll love see you do it .. coz that's what I wanna do ..

 

[Omoitsurugi]

the only way I see it less expensive it's you having the donor running vehicle already ..

Don't get me wrong .. I'll love see you do it .. coz that's what I wanna do ..

That's the plan, I've found some donor vehicles running for close to a grand. Or "running" engines from Ebay for close to 5-800.

 

[SNLC]

That's the plan, I've found some donor vehicles running for close to a grand. Or "running" engines from Ebay for close to 5-800.

Swap on a standard 70-series front clip or better yet a 71/76/78/79 front clip. Your truck will look just like a 76-series with the 76 clip or a 77-series with the standard front clip and you will have more engine bay room to work with as well.

Cheers

 

[ALEXY]

fuel lines on 2lt have 8mm diameter. fuel lines on 1hz are 10 or 12.
my friend put a 1hz in his vm bj and now hes looking into swapping the fuel lines too.

 

[Omoitsurugi]

fuel lines on 2lt have 8mm diameter. fuel lines on 1hz are 10 or 12.
my friend put a 1hz in his vm bj and now hes looking into swapping the fuel lines too.

Really good to know, thank you.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Swap on a standard 70-series front clip or better yet a 71/76/78/79 front clip. Your truck will look just like a 76-series with the 76 clip or a 77-series with the standard front clip and you will have more engine bay room to work with as well.

Cheers

Having seen both Prado and HD 70 series engine bays, I think the Prado one is more suitable for a 'V' engine (V8 or V6) as it's wider with the different fenders. The HD 70 series clip is more suitable for a long engine like a straight 6 as it has more depth. So pick whatever suits your swap.

One swap into the Prado 70 series I've seen done a number of times is the 5VZFE 3.4 V6. Still tons more power than a 2LT, but a couple less cylinders to maintain and burn fuel. Fits even easier than a 1UZ.

 

[Omoitsurugi]

Having seen both Prado and HD 70 series engine bays, I think the Prado one is more suitable for a 'V' engine (V8 or V6) as it's wider with the different fenders. The HD 70 series clip is more suitable for a long engine like a straight 6 as it has more depth. So pick whatever suits your swap.

One swap into the Prado 70 series I've seen done a number of times is the 5VZFE 3.4 V6. Still tons more power than a 2LT, but a couple less cylinders to maintain and burn fuel. Fits even easier than a 1UZ.

Not a bad idea, I agree with the front clip of the prado/LJ since I think if remember correctly it's a little wider too, so a V style engine does fit better.

Also trying to find a front end from a HD 70 would be next to impossible stateside.

The ease of finding parts for the 1uz or the 5vz or even a running donor vehicle is pretty good. At least from in depth searches so far.

Stay tuned! Im considering some donor vehicles, road worthy, etc...

Anyone know anything to keep an eye on for a 1uz engine when checking out a car? Other than miles?

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Anyone know anything to keep an eye on for a 1uz engine when checking out a car? Other than miles?

When checking any motor I always try to get a good look under the valve cover to make sure it's not sludged up. This will give an idea of how regular the oil changes were. What typically happened with 1UZ cars, is they were very well maintained by Lexus/Toyota for the first decade or more. But as the cars got more affordable, they were owned by people with less money who were less likely to maintain them well. So the closer you are to the original owners, the better usually. Best option is to find one with low kms who had an old person owner that was in a accident (not damaging to the engine). These will be the cheapest usually, but have the best engines.

Also, there are three generations of 1UZ. The first (89-94) is a low compression one and over rated in hp; but has big rods which make it good for forced induction. The second (95-97) has higher compression and the hp is about as rated (dynos 30hp more than the first); it ideally needs higher than standard octane fuel. The third (98+) is VVTI has coil over plug ignition and is much harder to wire. I believe the third also comes with a 5 speed auto. The third makes by far the best power.

If I were to do a 1UZ swap, I think I'd be looking at the second gen 1UZ....

 

[FJBen]

I would also plan for a lot of "while you're in there" sorta things.

Timing belt
Water pump
rear main
plugs
clutch***

That said this would be an awesome swap. I have a 2uz in my 2006 double cab and it's a great engine.

 

[Omoitsurugi]

I would also plan for a lot of "while you're in there" sorta things.

Timing belt
Water pump
rear main
plugs
clutch***

That said this would be an awesome swap. I have a 2uz in my 2006 double cab and it's a great engine.

i figured a full tune up or rebuild would be in order as i would probably want hte engine as fresh as possible... Clutch will have to be a must as i'm going to either need a complete new bellhousing or adaper plate. since i don't know when my clutch was last replaced.

 

[Omoitsurugi]

Anyone have an idea if a front or rear sump is needed for the engine swap. The 1uz out of an ls400 is front sump, whereas a sc400 is rear sump.

 

[clintnz]

Anyone have an idea if a front or rear sump is needed for the engine swap. The 1uz out of an ls400 is front sump, whereas a sc400 is rear sump.

Mine was a mid sump & we had to cut & shut both the alu & steel parts to clear the diff. Rear sump may be close to clearing but I wouldn't guarantee it.

I did have a pic of the 3 different 1UZ sumps lined up together for comparison, but I can't find it, have a google, it was online somewhere.

Cheers
Clint

 

[Omoitsurugi]

found a pretty good article of changing the timing belt and water pump. putting the link here for my future use and for those who are looking into the swap as well.

Lexus LS400: How to Change the Timing Belt & Water Pump