Z28owner

Any problems associated with swapping in a 2000 4.0L V8 from a GS400 into a SC400?

Engine mounts are the same are they not?

Would it be an easy swap I can do in one weekend?

Any tutorials?

How do the VVTi motors like boost?

JBrady

Actually the earlier engines 90-94 are better candidates for boost due to lower compression and stronger rods. A swap to a 2000 engine would require MANY changes including brackets and wiring and of course a complete ECU swap and the required connections and functions of gauges and more.

IMHO, before I would spend the money on a 98-00 engine and swap I would turbo the stock engine. I would be more inclined to swap with an GM LSx engine as the are well supported in aftermarket and are easy to make substantial power with.

Z28owner

Thanx dude.

Koma

iTrader: (3)

There's also OBDII issues.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Would the Trans from the Non VVTI and Transmission ECU work ?

Koma

iTrader: (3)

The non-VVT-i tranny will not mate up to the VVT-i engine without modification. Also the ECU will probably only work with the VVT-i tranny.

MJHSC400

Greddy vmanage-- BTW--

Look at this guys swap in an IS300 wagon --- GS400 VVTI motor swap--

Click Here

Maeve

iTrader: (2)

MJHSC400,

Thanks for the link.
I`m just done reading the article.
What an awesome project !
It`s cool to see a guy built his car out of his own garrage.

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Too bad some ding dong old lady ran a red light & hit the car.

MJHSC400

After reading the whole writeup, It was stunning to see that happen and I was very pissed myself-- I couldn't believe that happened to him after logging nearly 150 man hours on the entire rebuild--

That dude is like a young Chip Foose.

That swap should give a lot of hope to those that wonder if a VVTI swap is even possible in a GEN 1 OBDI SC

jibbby

Forget about it, not worth it......I was thinking of just swapping in the heads and VVti into 1uz...and that won't work either....

That swap should not be tried for the extra 50hp or so...Just not worth the trouble...Physical mounting is the same, ECU and tranny codes are the problem...

MJHSC400

I see your side of the argument, but if it does become well documented on how it is done, which that writeup is a decent start, it could end up a worthwhile avenue for both modernizing and restoring an older SC...

It could be done in a 300 or 400-- and the VVTi system takes the place of cam gears but it's variable, retaining driveability-- It seems like a set of slightly more aggressive cams with the VVTi would be worth it and driveable.

It would be expensive, but so are other mods----- You might just be able to get a VVTi SC400 motor/trans for less than modding your older 1UZ to 310 crank hp..... maybe a lot less.. And I think that is a 5 spd automatic..

That swap would make an older SC a different animal alltogether.... And it's all factory stuff... Engineered for reliability.

jibbby

Like JBrady said the rods and lower compression is better in the earlier model 1uz-fe motors...Typically a slightly stronger motor then the newer ones....

MJHSC400

I doubt you're gonna break a rod N/A-- and plus that probably translates to a quicker spinning rotating assembly with lighter rods--

The VVTI swap would make a fun stock daily driver, and fast enough for me with all the bolt ons, plus a swapped lsd to maybe a 4.27, or 3.91

Maeve

iTrader: (2)

Yep ... that if you want to supercharge it or put a turbo in it.
I understand your concern, but when in comes to a daily driving,
I believe all 1UZ-FE motors are good (stock motor).

A friend of mine owns a 1998 GS400 which has 235,000 miles on it. His job requires travelling from San Francisco to Los Angeles all the time. He never has problems with his GS. He takes car of his car very well.

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I agree, this 4.0 VVTi Engine swap has opened a new hope in restoring an old SC. Perhaps ... if we wait another 5 years, an engine swap from the new GS 460 engine is possible, too.

jibbby

Hey, you can also swap in the 4.7 tundra motor if you wanted too...That will give you the most N/A power...The Intake may need to be shortened abit but that baby bolts right in too...Forget about the 4.0's and the 4.3's, if your going for a toyota V8 motor SC4 swap you might as well consider the 4.7 tundra....

PS. Even with the newer 4.3 VVti motors with all the ouside goodies you won't see much more then what 250-275whp if your extremely lucky...That gets old real fast...trust me you need atleast 300whp to do damage...400whp is really what you really need and want in our relatively heavy SC4's but then the tranny concern comes into effect.......