Builds Mark's LX450 build (1 Viewer)

[MarkN]

Update - Next step was getting the Tach working and reading accurate.. I decided to go with the Dakota Digital SGI-8E.. Less than $90, and I have found that Dakota Digital produces reliable interfaces… This was very easy to setup and calibrate.

Mounted it in the passenger kick panel area.

I took the LX450 to the local Muffler shop to get the exhaust done.. They did a great job… ran both pipes down the passenger side.. I provide them the muffler.. went with the Mangaflow 11385.. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-11385/overview/ I really like it.. I had the pipes exited in the stock LX450 location, and I love the way it sounds.. much better and somewhat quieter than the setup on my 88 FJ62.. Once again I apologize for not getting pictures.. it was late when they finished and they were in a hurry to leave. I will get some the next time I have it on a lift.

I mentioned earlier that I had an issue.. I had the heater control valve fall apart on me during a high speed test run.. Luckily I caught it early and shut it down..

Replaced it with on from NAPA.. direct fit..

Built a bracket and installed my ScanGauge II ..

So far.. all the gauges are correct expect for the Speedometer and the oil pressure.. the speedometer is off due to the larger tires.. The oil pressure in another story.. later..

To correct the speedometer I decided to go to Dakota Digital again.. this time for their SGI-5 E speed interface.. Once again.. very simple to use.. Mounted in the same location as the Tach interface.

Now everything is right except for the oil pressure…

Time to haul the trailer back to my sons house…

 

[MarkN]

Update - Next step was to get the transmission selector position indicators working on the dash.. There are probably many ways to accomplish this.. this is how I did it.. I used the Sift Range A, B, C from the GM PCM to create a 3 to 8 decoder that I connected to the inputs to the gauge indicators. My solution uses 7 small signal relays.

Next I decided to address the Cruise Control. I initially setup the cruse using a momentary SPDT rocker and a SPST switch. But I wanted to make the factory LX450 control work. Anyone that has looked into this before knows that this is not an easy task due to the wat Toyota implemented on these vehicles. In order to make this work I decided I need to use a Analog to Digital convertor (ADC). After some research I decided to use a LM339N voltage comparator as the core to my ADC. I first used a prototyping bread board to validate my theory.

1st prototype..
Looks really nice..

Problem is that it don’t work correctly.. I designed it to use some of the existing signals from the LX450 Cruise control Computer. That was a bad plan due to the errors the system was seeing from not having the original PCM.

 

[MarkN]

Update - Back to the drawing board..
New design..

I used the original Cruise Control connector.. ignore the soot on the wires.. I used a bad lighter to shrink the heat shrink.

This version works great… except for the Cancel.. Cruise Control Cancel is not a function that the GM PCM has, however, I believe I can you the stop light wire to control the Cancel.. Need to do a little testing first, I will let you know what I find..

Driving expression.. The LX450 is a much more refined driving experience when compared to the FJ62.. That is to be expected of course.. The LX450 doesn’t seem as quick as the FJ62, of course that is most likely to the 35” vs 33” tires.. and part time vs full time 4wd. I really enjoy driving both.. and they both have a place in my garage.. Time will tell which one get drove the most..

Punch List
Install Tach Signal Convertor DONE
Modify and Install DBW pedal DONE
Install new gear on Passenger power seat.. It is stripped out. DONE
Exhaust DONE
Considering swapping out the block hugger headers for Hooker cast iron manifolds. DONE
Need to decide if I am going to do the exhaust system, or have it custom bent for me.. leaning toward custom bent DONE
Going to use magnaflow 2 in to 2 x-pipe muffler DONE
Install lift kit going with 3 inch leveling kit – This is needed for the 4l60e/driveshaft clearance DONE
New brake lines DONE
Install plug wires DONE
Install O2 sensors DONE
Finish up the air intake system DONE
Brake booster hose DONE
Modify OBDII port to allow the fuse box cover to work with my ScanGauge DONE
Install rear seats and the rest of the interior DONE
Figure out what I am going to do about tires.. Leaning toward 315/75/16 or 295/75/16 tires on the stock wheels.. not sure about the width of the tire to wheel. Thought about 255/85/16, but tough to find and might be to skinny… DONE
Re-check every bolt on the drive system DONE

Need to do…
Figure out Oil pressure gauge
Need to get backup lights working
Remote Start
Nav system
Rear storage
Winch
Spare tire
Center caps
Engine Cover
Rebuild seal front axle
Front brake rotors and pads

 

[slow95z]

really looking good. one day i will stop and do this but i keep putting it off. the damn 1fz just wont die on me.

 

[aae42]

very nice thread, great work, and thanks so much for chronicling your work on this...

 

[MarkN]

really looking good. one day i will stop and do this but i keep putting it off. the damn 1fz just wont die on me.

Thanks.. Don't blame you.. I might have keep the 1fz had it not locked up... have a good day.

 

[slow95z]

Thanks.. Don't blame you.. I might have keep the 1fz had it not locked up... have a good day.

yeah, sad thing is i have a spare 1FZ sitting next to my spare 5.3 in the shop rofl. seems the cruiser gods just wont let me put it in. the 5.3 is waiting to replace the next I6 toyota engine that dies. either the 1FZ or 2JZ.

 

[MarkN]

very nice thread, great work, and thanks so much for chronicling your work on this...

Thank you.... Lot's of great people and information on this board...

 

[MarkN]

yeah, sad thing is i have a spare 1FZ sitting next to my spare 5.3 in the shop rofl. seems the cruiser gods just wont let me put it in. the 5.3 is waiting to replace the next I6 toyota engine that dies. either the 1FZ or 2JZ.

Sounds like a good problem to have.. I have a spare L33 sitting in my shop.. debating to what I do with it.. FJ40 build maybe? Not sure....

 

[aae42]

Thank you.... Lot's of great people and information on this board...

and you're adding to it....

Sounds like a good problem to have.. I have a spare L33 sitting in my shop.. debating to what I do with it.. FJ40 build maybe? Not sure....

where do you pick up the L33s? they're the perfect motor for most swaps it seems... light, efficient, not too much power

 

[GW Nugget]

Dang, you don't mess around.
Great build.
Very nice.

 

[MarkN]

and you're adding to it....

where do you pick up the L33s? they're the perfect motor for most swaps it seems... light, efficient, not too much power

Thanks...

The L33 is a nice engine.. I have a contact at a savage yard, and I look on craiglist for them.. To be honest I have used a 06 iron block 5.3 and it worked great as well.. It is less than a 100 lbs heavier and maybe 20 less HP..

 

[slow95z]

after messing up my LS1 and LS6 i only use iron blocks now. the piston slap alone is enough reason but iron blocks hold up longer from personal experience. my camaro ended up with a 408 iron block in it by time it was all over with.

 

[DieselDriver]

Nice build!
Gives me some motivation!!
Can you take some pics of the exhaust?

 

[MarkN]

after messing up my LS1 and LS6 i only use iron blocks now. the piston slap alone is enough reason but iron blocks hold up longer from personal experience. my camaro ended up with a 408 iron block in it by time it was all over with.

The piston slap is annoying for sure.. but I have heard it on iron blocks too, just not to the level of the aluminum blocks.. I have 160,000 on the L33 in the FJ62 and it burns no oil, 15.5 mpg, and runs awesome.. For what I do I think either would work fine...

 

[MarkN]

Nice build!
Gives me some motivation!!
Can you take some pics of the exhaust?

Thanks.. yes I will take some as soon as I get it on a lift again...

 

[Brentok]

Really nice! Do you have any pictures of what you did with the shifter linkage and cable?

 

[MarkN]

Really nice! Do you have any pictures of what you did with the shifter linkage and cable?

I might have a few grainy ones.. I will try to take some better pictures when I have it up on a lift...

 

[MarkN]

Update.. Over 2000 miles... with very few problems.. I did change out the radiator... it had a small leak. I ordered a Koyo from Amazon for $70. It was listed as used, but it was new with a damaged box and a small amount of damage to the radiator itself.. but nothing I couldn't correct with a small screw driver. I still haven't been able to get the oil pressure gauge to work, I will continue working on this in the future.

I have installed a 5701 viper remote start system and a Kenwood DNX772BH Double DIN nav system. I think both of these are great additions to this vehicle.

I finally got the cruise control working.. see my post on this LS SWAP - DBW - Cruise Control

 

[MarkN]

Update - to do list

Need to do…
Figure out Oil pressure gauge
Need to get backup lights working - Done
Remote Start - Done
Nav system - Done
Rear storage
Winch
Spare tire
Center caps
Engine Cover
Rebuild seal front axle
Front brake rotors and pads