UZJ78 (1UZFE into LJ78) - North America

[GTSSportCoupe]

I'm posting this for Pradocruzer (BC, Canada), as he doesn't have much time for posting these days.

Pradocruzer imported an LJ78 about 10 years ago. He made a number excellent modifications to his truck and drove it without any issues (no head problems) for that time. Recently, although his 2LTE was still running fine, he decided to go for a 1UZFE out of a JDM Toyota Celsior for a bit of a power up. This is the RHD equivalent of the Lexus LS400, minus some of the emissions stuff.

Over the space of just a couple weeks in his spare time he swapped in the 1UZFE, and had his truck drivable again. Sounds like he is tying up a couple odds and ends now like going to a quieter exhaust and installing an aftermarket trans controller (spitronics).

As far as I know, this is the first 1UZ into an LJ78 in North America (this swap is more common in New Zealand as I understand it). So hats off to Pradocruzer!! I'm hoping this is the first but not the last LJ78 to be converted to 1UZ.

Here are some pictures of his work:

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

More pictures:

 

[Tapage]

so is he keeping the Celsior auto tranny .. which one it's .:?

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

so is he keeping the Celsior auto tranny .. which one it's .:?

No, I think he is using the Prado transmission, but with the Celsior bell housing and torque converter.

 

[Postoy]

Awesome! Thanks for posting this up GTSSportCoupe! I will be following this... this might be my future.

 

[clintnz]

Good work. They fit there nicely eh? I moved my radiator forward a bit to fit in an engine driven fan. You'll need a pretty good electric fan to keep up if it's ever used in warm slow conditions.

Is that a std front-hung sump or has it been modded? Mine was a mid sump & we had to do a cut & shut on one side to clear the front diff.

If it's going to be used anywhere wet look into sealing up the cambelt area - you can trim down & seal/rivet in a std lip seal to go in the hole in the cover in front of the cambelt pulley. Gobs of silicone sealant around the rest of the cam belt covers & you're done.

Cheers
Clint

 

[pradocruzer]

Hey Clint they do fit nicely. I was concerned about the electric fan also and may have to switch back to a clutch fan.
I recycled lots of parts off the 2lte like the intercooler pipes (now exhaust) and the electric fan I already had.
It is a front sump and no modifications to the pan.
I have about an inch and a half clearance at full stuff with my lift.
Thanks for the waterproofing tip I noticed the timing belt cover was not sealed well.
What trans are you running in yours?
I have the Prado autobox with the mods to fit the 1uz.
Just ordered a Spitronics trans tcu we will see how that works out.
With the 529 gear ratio I wanted to custom tailor my shift points.

 

[kbushnz]

One of the guys here in NZ has kept the hydraulic controlled radiator fan. Works really well... He had it in the front and now has rear mounted it...
Make sure all the electronic sensors are water tight... Esp the crank angle one any sign of water and they cough and splutter. Also the starter is in the tunnel the Vee of the block creates... This also can fill with mud and water.....

 

[clintnz]

Hi Mate, we just used the existing R150F 5 spd trans. Custom machined flywheel, Modified the 1UZ bell housing to take the clutch slave cylinder & fitted an adapter plate to match onto the gearbox. My friend Mike who was the brains behind the conversion has done several into different Toyotas so had drawings & templates for all the bits.

Cheers
Clint

 

[gofast]

Now this is a hot mod! That motor with selected bolt ons will produce a reliable 700 horse. I envy you

 

[Jim from Idaho]

For those interested in doing the same swap for their Prado, check out http://boise.craigslist.org/pts/5014544228.html

Complete 60K miles engine, wiring harness and ecu for $875.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

For those interested in doing the same swap for their Prado, check out http://boise.craigslist.org/pts/5014544228.html

Complete 60K miles engine, wiring harness and ecu for $875.

That is actually a pretty good looking motor and perfect year too. If that was near me I'd buy it!

I've read the 95-97 version makes about 30hp/30tq more than the 90-94 version of the 1UZFE. It has higher compression and better headers. This is not clear in the Lexus specs, but only shows up when people dyno the engines. I think its the best version, as its still easy to wire (compared to the 300hp 98+ VVTI version), but makes better power than the early version (early one is dynos around 230hp, this one dynos around 260hp). If someone wanted to boost the motor, the early ones are better though, as they have larger rods and lower compression.

 

[Postoy]

Any updates on this? Wondering what you did to get the trans shifting properly. Also do the stock mounts work? Or do they need swap mounts? I cant seem to find much info on the actual engine mounts. -M

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Any updates on this? Wondering what you did to get the trans shifting properly. Also do the stock mounts work? Or do they need swap mounts? I cant seem to find much info on the actual engine mounts. -M

You should contact him and go visit him. He lives in Gibsons BC. A ferry ride away for you. He's a professional mechanic and runs a business there. If you don't have the time for a swap, he could probably do it for you. I've got his email (and phone too I think) if you can't get ahold of him here.

 

[Jim from Idaho]

Hey Clint they do fit nicely. I was concerned about the electric fan also and may have to switch back to a clutch fan.
I recycled lots of parts off the 2lte like the intercooler pipes (now exhaust) and the electric fan I already had.
It is a front sump and no modifications to the pan.
I have about an inch and a half clearance at full stuff with my lift.
Thanks for the waterproofing tip I noticed the timing belt cover was not sealed well.
What trans are you running in yours?
I have the Prado autobox with the mods to fit the 1uz.
Just ordered a Spitronics trans tcu we will see how that works out.
With the 529 gear ratio I wanted to custom tailor my shift points.

So now you've had more than a year with the new motor. How did the swap work out?

 

[cruiserman5]

You should contact him and go visit him. He lives in Gibsons BC. A ferry ride away for you. He's a professional mechanic and runs a business there. If you don't have the time for a swap, he could probably do it for you. I've got his email (and phone too I think) if you can't get ahold of him here.

I am currently trying to attempt this swap my self and looking for some expertise... I am located in Calgary. Is there any way I can get some advice from you and pradocruzer as well? If he still runs his business I would love to leave my LJ78 with him.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I am currently trying to attempt this swap my self and looking for some expertise... I am located in Calgary. Is there any way I can get some advice from you and pradocruzer as well? If he still runs his business I would love to leave my LJ78 with him.

I have not done the swap myself. Pradocruzer sometimes visits this forum, so you could try messaging him.