4.7 Interchangeability (new member)

[02LXWAGON]

Hi guys,

just recently purchased an 02 LX470 in need of an engine. Will an engine from any pre 2004 4.7 Equipped vehicle work? I’ve got my eyes on one out of an 03 gx470 with 100k for $500. It’s my understanding that ONLY the long block is compatible and basically everything will need to be swapped over.

I only paid $1300 for it and I’d like to leave money on the table for Maint items while the engine is out.

 

[Eicca]

Mechanically they're all the same, but electrical connections will probably have some differences between models. The oil pan is likely different as well.

Safest bet is just to grab a 98-02 Land Cruiser motor. They're out there. Check with Jason at Cruiser Yard in Texas. Cruiseryard.com

 

[FrankieJoe14]

I too agree with getting a motor out of an LC.

2001 has a great read on this issue - see this link

What are the differences between 2UZ-fe VVti engines, & where can I get one??

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[2001LC]

First make sure you have a blown engine. Many think, when timing belt breaks, the engine is blown. Actually on pre VVT (06-07 100 series) that is not likely going to damage the engine.

You'll see I bought a $500 engine delivered to my door with a transmission, wires everything including titled. Engine looked clean, to clean as it turned out. History checked out although vehicle was totaled more than a year earlier. Engine had water entry and sat a long time, so was not usable unless rebuilt. I learned the hard way, do homework before buying. If car fax and Lexus/Toyota history checks out (70% of sellers lie about mileage and condition), use a scope in each cylinder. Water can only sit in heads & cylinder a few weeks. More and damage begins. Water can get in just sitting or by washing. I think more so on the VVT, but this is true of any engine not in the engine bay with good hood and fenders covering it. One sitting outdoors I'd not buy.

You'll see more on GX to LC engine swap here. It's a VVT but you'll basically strip to long block and swap most all the same parts. Two engine stand are nice way to go.

Scored 2007 Unicorn. The holy grail of 100 series.

Engine tear down and assembly. This was necessary as I'm not using a 100 series 2UZ-fe VVti drop in. Instead I scored a low mile GX470 Lexus engine from WI. To recap; it was the best engine I could find. It was in a Lexus Dealership every 5K to 6K for fluids +, was only recently salvages with...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[02LXWAGON]

First make sure you have a blown engine. Many think, when timing belt breaks, the engine is blown. Actually on pre VVT (06-07 100 series) that is not likely going to damage the engine.

You'll see I bought a $500 engine delivered to my door with a transmission, wires everything including titled. Engine looked clean, to clean as it turned out. History checked out although vehicle was totaled more than a year earlier. Engine had water entry and sat a long time, so was not usable unless rebuilt. I learned the hard way, do homework before buying. If car fax and Lexus/Toyota history checks out (70% of sellers lie about mileage and condition), use a scope in each cylinder. Water can only sit in heads & cylinder a few weeks. More and damage begins. Water can get in just sitting or by washing. I think more so on the VVT, but this is true of any engine not in the engine bay with good hood and fenders covering it. One sitting outdoors I'd not buy.

You'll see more on GX to LC engine swap here. It's a VVT but you'll basically strip to long block and swap most all the same parts. Two engine stand are nice way to go.

Scored 2007 Unicorn. The holy grail of 100 series.

Engine tear down and assembly. This was necessary as I'm not using a 100 series 2UZ-fe VVti drop in. Instead I scored a low mile GX470 Lexus engine from WI. To recap; it was the best engine I could find. It was in a Lexus Dealership every 5K to 6K for fluids +, was only recently salvages with...

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks for the link! The previous owner (original owner) stated that it overheated until it shut off. I’ve already checked timing and it’s spot on, compression check from shop shows low compression on several cylinders.


Just to confirm 2003-2004 GX470 should not have an air injection pump or VVTI? I found an engine with a good service history and low miles for $500 really close to my house. If that the case I’ll grab it and proceed to strip it down to a bare long block and swap everything from the LC engine along with new gaskets and timing belt kit.

 

[2001LC]

You'll know at first glance if a VVT, which they have black plastic intake manifold. VVT engine were first to have A.I. pump. Get the vin # and verify it's not a VVT. VIN # is on right head, center, just below head cover.

Make sure to get thermostat & o-ring. Also, throttle body, intake & exhaust manifold gaskets. Oh new nuts for exhaust manifold, oil filter housing and cooler seals, water hose from block to oil cooler. O-ring for dip stick, fresh tube of Toyota FIPG 103 for oil pan. Come to mind. Would be good idea to replace the 8 seals at bottom of fuel injectors, that go into intake manifold. Oil pick up tube gasket also.

You may want to replace the 4 water bypass gasket also, front and rear.

 

[LongHaulCruiser]

Good luck with your project. That looks like a nice truck, worth saving. Could it be a simple blown head gasket(s)? If not, hope you can find an engine that will swap right in. Try to get a 2002 engine for an LC or LX. That will make it a clean project you can do in a weekend.