shabbyblue

iTrader: (2)

I want to change my engine out. I know about the GTE swap, but I live in Ca. so I don't think there is any way possible to pass smog plus my car is 99 so can't do the USDM swa either. And I really don't like the idea of running a LS1 in a lexus but I think that is the only legal swap you can do in Ca. My question is what do I need to do to swap a GS400/430 into a GS300? Has anyone every did this? I don't want to buy another car, because I like all the stuff I have done to the car already. I asked the question already once, but didn't get much detail people just told me it would be hard to do and cost a lot of money. What are the challenges with these swap?

angus

iTrader: (4)

GTE swap can pass emissions when you retain your harness and use a piggyback (aem fic)

shabbyblue

iTrader: (2)

Oh that is good to know. That would even work in strict Ca.

offbad

iTrader: (5)

GTE can pass emissions and OBD2, just "fails" visual

offbad

iTrader: (5)

also, why not just buy a gs4?

less headache than a swap.

shabbyblue

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I hear you with getting a GS400. Only problem is have a nice bodykit, rare parts like daizen sways, springs, all the daizen bushings. So to swap all that will cost a lot of money to and I probably won't be able to sell car now. The GS400 swap into GS300 is harder than a GTE swap? What all needs to be done. I understand the engine compartment is different right. What needs to be done to get GS 400 engine in a GS 300 body. The engines are real cheap, seem to be a lot cheaper than a GTE engine. Plus I can rebuild the engine while it is out of the car. I'm just looking for a little horses, high 200 is fine for me, I would do the GTE but the of dudes here in Ca. show no mercy. Don't know the right people and you will be taking the bus. My friend says there is a new law on the LS1 were you have to get the matching gas tank, he said to be totally legal you have to buy their LS3 engine. I know a lot about American engines but I'm a ford guy I have smog legal 331 that passes smog, but I left a lot of horses on the table with short tube headers, a small cobra intake, a small trickflow cam, and 4 cats. I don't know much about Lexus cars though. I have had this car for 12 years, but it's about time for a new engine soon. Doesn't seem to be as many smog legal options

egs21

Not worth swapping. Just buy a GS4. Way cheaper and a lot less headache.

shabbyblue

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I have some stuff on the car that I don't want to start over on another car and also some parts that are no longer made. I guess I can look into the LS1 swap, but I don't see how a GS400 swap is more difficult than a LS1 swap. I would think price and install would be cheaper than an LS1 swap.

GeorgeGS4

Agreeing with everyone, you can buy a 400 for cheaper thanfinding that motor and swapping....If you like everything about your car aside from the power, what about going the route of IS300's and Supra NA's and just turbo your existing setup?

shabbyblue

iTrader: (2)

Would love to turbo it, but form what I researched on the web it won pass Ca. smog. Plus GS400/430 at this point are going to have high mileage also.

angus

iTrader: (4)

I did the "swap" (of cars!) in 2005.

I had a gs300 and originally thought about turbo (N/A-T) or a GTE swap, but after looking into it, I figured that a 400 would be the way to go.

So I bought a 400 (that I still have) and swapped my suspension, body kit, wheels, stereo, etc. etc. and then made my 300 stock and sold it - Was a lot of work but well worth it.

shabbyblue

iTrader: (2)

Well here it is I sold the GS300 and got GS 430. I hear they have delay when you take off compared to GS 400, but I haven't notice it at all. Did the later GS 430s have a delay. I have a 2003. Well anyways here are some pictures. I swapped everything over from my old car, it took a while. I even.had to take the bus for a week waiting for the car.

FrankT

Way to go. Sweet looking ride...

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

The earlier 430's like '01-02 had the delay. My aunt has an '01, and its only delays if you mash the gas hard from a stop. I test drove other '01 and '02 and it did the same. In 2003, I think they revised the car in some aspects even the tho specs are the same. My '05 will burn tires on take off with no delay. So I believe '03-'05 had the bugs worked out from the earlier 430's.

egs21

I had the same thought, but the other posters are right. It will be easier and less expensive to find a GS400 or GS430 vs. doing a swap.