2006 IS250 LS1 Swap
#87
Sorry to keep everyone waiting. Work and family are definitely not making this a quick build.
First off, I picked up a set of BCs from the forum that are in like new condition. I wasn't intending on spending money on the suspension yet but it was a good deal and local so I took advantage of the opportunity.
The biggest news for this update are that my motor mounts, transmission mount, and oil pan are done. Below you can see the finished but not yet painted mounts.
I tacked them up in the car but then had a local shop TIG them. I weld well enough to stick metal together but I don't trust myself with motor mounts or my oil pan. If anyone is looking for a great welder in the West Palm Beach area check out TIG Vision in Riviera Beach, FL. He did great work and charged me $80 for the oil pan and $120 for all the mounts.
Here is a close up of one of the mounts so you can see how clean the welds are.
Here is a pic of the completed oil pan and a close up of the welds.
.
I have also been working on the steering system. I picked up a steering rack from an RX350 which looked it would fit with minimal modifications. However, the inlet ports are on the wrong side of the input shaft so they hit up against the front cross member. I have since swapped it out with one from a Tacoma (I think) and this one looks promising but will need adapters for the outer tie rods. I'll post more on this in the near future.
Here is a shot of the motor mounts mounted to the front cross member, you can also see the RX350 steering rack. In this pic the input shaft to the steering rack is sticking straight up but it will actually be rotated back to align with the current steering shaft. I'll have to fab up some custom mounts.
The last 2 images I'll leave you with are the engine and transmission in their final resting place (even though they will probably come out and back in about 5 more times during the swap)
Next on the list is sorting out the steering situation, working on the clutch pedal mods and clutch master cylinder installation, and measuring for the drive shaft. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for staying tuned in.
First off, I picked up a set of BCs from the forum that are in like new condition. I wasn't intending on spending money on the suspension yet but it was a good deal and local so I took advantage of the opportunity.
The biggest news for this update are that my motor mounts, transmission mount, and oil pan are done. Below you can see the finished but not yet painted mounts.
I tacked them up in the car but then had a local shop TIG them. I weld well enough to stick metal together but I don't trust myself with motor mounts or my oil pan. If anyone is looking for a great welder in the West Palm Beach area check out TIG Vision in Riviera Beach, FL. He did great work and charged me $80 for the oil pan and $120 for all the mounts.
Here is a close up of one of the mounts so you can see how clean the welds are.
Here is a pic of the completed oil pan and a close up of the welds.
.
I have also been working on the steering system. I picked up a steering rack from an RX350 which looked it would fit with minimal modifications. However, the inlet ports are on the wrong side of the input shaft so they hit up against the front cross member. I have since swapped it out with one from a Tacoma (I think) and this one looks promising but will need adapters for the outer tie rods. I'll post more on this in the near future.
Here is a shot of the motor mounts mounted to the front cross member, you can also see the RX350 steering rack. In this pic the input shaft to the steering rack is sticking straight up but it will actually be rotated back to align with the current steering shaft. I'll have to fab up some custom mounts.
The last 2 images I'll leave you with are the engine and transmission in their final resting place (even though they will probably come out and back in about 5 more times during the swap)
Next on the list is sorting out the steering situation, working on the clutch pedal mods and clutch master cylinder installation, and measuring for the drive shaft. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for staying tuned in.