GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

It's 2JZ-GTE Time! FINALLY!

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Old 10-18-12, 07:27 AM
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duckJAI
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Default It's 2JZ-GTE Time! FINALLY!

So it's been a couple of years since I've wanted to do the swap, but I couldn't find a place that has experience that could do it for me. I've searched and searched but it's not too common in Canada as it is in the US.

Well, last night I found a place and got my first taste of what it's like (stock 2JZ-GTE in 2nd gen GS300).

It was awesome.

Now that I've found a place that can do it, and an importer that has a few Aristo clips I am set on my ways (I was on the brink of selling the car and picking up an 07-08 IS350).

Now the question is, what mods should I do since I'll be doing the swap now that I can save in the foreseeable future?

My goal is nothing more than 400whp. I don't think I'll go single turbos as well since I like fast spooling, instantaneous response (it will be a DD).

The only things that I know are:
Fuel Pump (Walbro)?
Torque Converter
Intercooler

I'm also planning on upgrading the suspension (I currently have Stance 14/10k) and I want something better. Since we have harsh winters up here, I want a coilover system that I don't always have to swap in and out, and I can just leave in. DD'ing in Toronto, 1 or 2 track days at most, and just some good old aggressive driving on the ramps is all I need. I've been contemplating a lot on the Fortune Auto 510 series, and maybe add Swift Springs and go 16k/12k? I want a coilover system that will feel like a KW v3, that will actually absorb the hard bumps that I might come across DD'ing it (I constantly bang my UCA on the strut towers on 19" and it's getting annoying, maybe cut the whole but I really don't want to if I can avoid that).

Any suggestions would be great!



Old 10-18-12, 07:58 AM
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jcat_350
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In addition to what you just listed, if I were swapping I'd do:

-external trans cooler
-3" exhaust from cat back
-Supra TT Auto 3.76 LSD
-Tom's 6 link
-Upgraded sway bars
-600cc injectors (400whp requires 400cc, but leaves room to grow once the boost bug hits)


Also, don't get hung on the single turbo = lag myth. A properly sized, probably smaller single turbo will easily get you 400whp and will spool fast, and probably last longer than stock twins especially if you go water cooled ball bearing. Don't forget, the GTE stock only puts out about 275hp. You'll have to dial up the boost a good amount to get to 400, requiring a lot more fuel. Make sure you set aside another good 500-1000 for unexpected necessities during the swap (fuel couplings can get expensive), and if I were you I'd do all the engine maintenance before it goes in (oil/filter, timing belt, water pump, serp belt, gaskets, hoses etc.).

I'm sure there's some I'm forgetting, but pretty much search for JeffTsai on here or TeamProject on youtube, he's essentially the master of making GS's faster (see what I did there? ) and that should tell you what you need.
Old 10-18-12, 08:11 AM
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LudeNsoL
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As far as suspension you should try front RCAs. I'm running BC coils and my UCA used to always hit. Now after the RCAs no more hitting. And it rides so much better! Another thing since your going to be running more horsepower you'll need better stopping power. You can do either LS400 or supra brakes. RCAs are needed for clearance. They also cause less stress to the ball joints. Good luck!
Old 10-18-12, 08:15 AM
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jcat_350
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Originally Posted by LudeNsoL
As far as suspension you should try front RCAs. I'm running BC coils and my UCA used to always hit. Now after the RCAs no more hitting. And it rides so much better! Another thing since your going to be running more horsepower you'll need better stopping power. You can do either LS400 or supra brakes. RCAs are needed for clearance. They also cause less stress to the ball joints. Good luck!
this too
Old 10-18-12, 09:02 AM
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duckJAI
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Funny, because I was JUST searching the RCA topic and deciding what thickness I should go.

I'm either deciding on FIGS or SAGE (still not sure which one). Is 18mm enough to stop the UCA banging? I know 18mm will clear the BBK brakes.

I have been also thinking if I get RCAs, maybe I might get the Bilstein PSS coilover kit since it has lifetime warranty and I can run it in the winter time no problem. The only bad thing about it is theres no dampening control and can't go low (but RCA will solve the latter part of that problem, even with an 18mm I should be able to keep the same ride height as I have now).

Last edited by duckJAI; 10-18-12 at 09:05 AM.
Old 10-18-12, 11:04 AM
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1sWt2GS
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damn your car looks nice, definitely a sleeper
Old 10-18-12, 11:31 AM
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tmf2004
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nice looking GS for the swap
Old 10-18-12, 12:00 PM
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WRX2GS
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Sorry, noob here. What are RCA and UCA's? Nice Whip duckJAI!
Old 10-18-12, 12:31 PM
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jcat_350
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Originally Posted by tC2WRX
Sorry, noob here. What are RCA and UCA's? Nice Whip duckJAI!
UCA = upper control arm.

RCA = roll center adapter


Search for RCAs you'll find a wealth of info on the 2GS forum.
Old 10-18-12, 12:33 PM
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vongtrieu
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hope to see finish product SOON!
Old 10-18-12, 12:45 PM
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Justin2JZ
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Subbed. jcat pretty much summarized everything as far as the swap. 400whp is possible with the twins. Is it a JDM or USDM 2J? All you need is a boost controller (16-18 psi for high 3 to low 4xx whp ) big FMIC, a walboro 255, dp/mp and exhaust.

Last edited by Justin2JZ; 10-18-12 at 12:55 PM.
Old 10-18-12, 12:57 PM
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jcat_350
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might be a stupid question, for the money have you thought about going NA-T? 400whp is pretty easily and affordably attainable with a good NA-T setup...
Old 10-18-12, 01:13 PM
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duckJAI
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I've done my fair share of NA-T (240sx KA-T) and I'd rather stick to OEM for piece of mind.

I just want to do others have mentioned and do BPU and push it up 16-18psi on stock twins.

This will be an Aristo swap. If I need more power in the future, I can always upgrade. But at the same time, the JDM 4spd tranny can only withold 450whp IIRC, so I don't want to be building trannys since that's some good $$.

It's a DD car, and I don't need too much power. Better option than going to an IS350 for 306hp and not much upward movement
Old 10-18-12, 01:17 PM
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WRX2GS
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thanks will do
Old 10-18-12, 01:21 PM
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duckJAI
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Ok I've located a front clip and need to start planning. I'm excited!

My wife approves of this (of course, rather than spending 20k on an is350).

For pre-swap maintenance, can someone help me with a short list of what to do/get?

1) Timing belt
2) Water pump
3) Serp Belt
4) Gaskets - which ones?
5) Hoses - which ones?
6) Torque Converter - PI? or which other ones? 3200 rpm stall? (I want to be able to do burn outs in my automagic 2JZ-GTE ) This is also my DD.
7) Intercooler kits - which are good ones for our cars?

Are all the above parts (timing belt, water pump and serp belt) the same for the 2JZ-GE or is it GTE specific?

Last edited by duckJAI; 10-18-12 at 01:29 PM.


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