7 Best V8 Engines to Swap Into an SC300
Daily Slideshow: Read this before you start planning on replacing that inline-6 with a V8 in your SC300!
1. 1UZ
If you're looking for authentic Lexus power, the 1UZ is the way to go. In essence, this would turn the inline-6 SC300 into an SC400. You could also opt for later generations of the UZ engine, but the downside to choosing the 2UZ and 3UZ V8s would be the lack of available support. Additionally, the 1UZ's stock internals are said to be capable of handling 10psi of boost, so forced induction is recommended!
2. The LS1
Arguably the best engine swap you can make for your SC300 is getting your hands on a Vette's LS1 V8. This 5.7L 346 cubic inch beast will turn your SC300 into something to be feared. While no engine swap is going to be a plug and play, there will be some work to be done with the motor and tranny mounts, but if you weren't willing to do the work, you probably wouldn't be reading this now. So roll up your sleeves and get to it; you will be thrilled with your new ride.
3. The Venerable LS2
Being one of the most adaptable engines ever, the LS2 can offer a lot more than its predecessor, the LS1. The LS2 has a large displacement at 6.0L, 364 cubic inches. This is surely going to rock your world.
4. The Durable LS6
If you need something stronger and more durable, the LS6 is your ticket. While the displacement is very similar to the LS1, the 6 breathes a lot better, is a lot stronger and has its own heads, manifolds, and camshaft that outperforms the LS1 by a decent margin.
5. The New BOSS 302
Ford's new BOSS 302 engines have the personality of the classic muscle cars. The 302 ci V8 has the sound of a days-gone-by hot rod. You will be the talk of the track when you fire up your SC300 with this mean engine.
6. The SHO
If you are simply a Ford aficionado, you'll definitely want to consider the SHO V8 that was produced in the 1996-1999 Taurus SHO. Perhaps one of the last true muscle cars in this era before the greenies came along to kill these classics. This third generation 3.4L DOHC engine will produce about 235 raw horsepower to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
7. The Hellcat
So you want to give em' hell? You have to grab a hold of this beast. Whatever manipulating, torching and cutting you have to do to your beloved SC300 to squeeze this monster into your bay is well worth the tears, pain and the loss of certain digits. FCA is going to be offering these 707 HP monsters as aftermarket products.
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