Building an IS350 6MT
2nd gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Hi, I have a 06 is250 6MT And currently have the is350 Long block, Im going to start the Swap in the future. but im kinda confused about the VDIM system for the is350, do I absolutely need it to swap to the 2gr?
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Somerset
Hey Jeff
I might be getting my hands on the flywheel that you have there.
I was wondering if you would be willing to share all the parts that you purchased for the clutch setup as I will need to purchase them.
I might be getting my hands on the flywheel that you have there.
I was wondering if you would be willing to share all the parts that you purchased for the clutch setup as I will need to purchase them.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 33
Likes: 15
From: Kildare - Ireland
THank you Jeff for all the report here. It 2024 and I am thinking to do the same to convert my is250 2.5 to a 3.5 auto. But I will keep mine automatic. Will I need to change the dash or ECU. What are the ads ons apart from the engine and fuel lines. As you mentioned that we are able to use the same transmission as the one from the IS250. I highly concerned about how difficult the electronics and wire part will be. As I want to start and finish the project as quick as possible. Like on a week once I have all the parts
Driver
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 8
From: Russia
3.5 ecu needs remap if you want to retain VSC and TRC
There are other possible upgrades
Wiring wise, required changes are few but are important, they include at least wiring of ecu pin E2 to chassis, also pins TAM, SPD, CCS
There are other possible upgrades
Wiring wise, required changes are few but are important, they include at least wiring of ecu pin E2 to chassis, also pins TAM, SPD, CCS
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 33
Likes: 15
From: Kildare - Ireland
And what is the reason?
As I am only swapping the engine (no need for transmission adaptation because I am using the original automatic of the is250). I found a supplier that is selling the 3.5 engine with an ECU as the supplier mentioned:
"All engines are well tested and complete with all accessories (steering pump, kick starter, alternator ECU, and AC compressor)"
If this is true, then a lot of hassle would be voided, apart from taxes and delivery costs to Europe.
What do you mean " at least wiring of ecu pin E2 to chassis, also pins TAM, SPD, CCS"
By the way thank you for the first reply...
Last edited by is250sage2007; Feb 5, 2024 at 04:16 PM.
Start a new thread and leave this on alone!!!
Jesus people start a new thread. Will someone benefit from this, maybe? Does it need to be here, NO!!!
The rest of CL will thank you. lol
The rest of CL will thank you. lol
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Germany
I found something interesting: The Toyota Mark X GRMN uses the RA60 (possibly modified). It has the same engine, 2GR-FSE. Here is the transmission: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-c...5/chassis/3301
And here are other parts like clutch kit etc: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-c.../80855/chassis.
Might be interesting for those looking to swap.
And here are other parts like clutch kit etc: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-c.../80855/chassis.
Might be interesting for those looking to swap.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 8
From: Russia
I mentioned ECU pins how they are mentioned in wiring diagram
When installing native 2GR ecu, you will lose at least VSC/TRC because variant coding will not match. This can be fixed by ecu reflash
You can of course keep 2.5 ecu to control 3.5 engine, but it will not control 6 out of 12 injectors, and all running modes except wide open throttle will be messy (however you will retail VSC without any reprogramming)
And like the hint above, new thread can be started
When installing native 2GR ecu, you will lose at least VSC/TRC because variant coding will not match. This can be fixed by ecu reflash
You can of course keep 2.5 ecu to control 3.5 engine, but it will not control 6 out of 12 injectors, and all running modes except wide open throttle will be messy (however you will retail VSC without any reprogramming)
And like the hint above, new thread can be started
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 33
Likes: 15
From: Kildare - Ireland
I mentioned ECU pins how they are mentioned in wiring diagram
When installing native 2GR ecu, you will lose at least VSC/TRC because variant coding will not match. This can be fixed by ecu reflash
You can of course keep 2.5 ecu to control 3.5 engine, but it will not control 6 out of 12 injectors, and all running modes except wide open throttle will be messy (however you will retail VSC without any reprogramming)
And like the hint above, new thread can be started
When installing native 2GR ecu, you will lose at least VSC/TRC because variant coding will not match. This can be fixed by ecu reflash
You can of course keep 2.5 ecu to control 3.5 engine, but it will not control 6 out of 12 injectors, and all running modes except wide open throttle will be messy (however you will retail VSC without any reprogramming)
And like the hint above, new thread can be started
Yeah. I will start a new thread soon, once I get the engine. I got some good deals. I had to postpone the project because I went on holidays and bought a condo on this last minute(tired of rent). You know, there aren't is350 in Europe. Specially in Ireland. That is one of the reasons for the swap. It's cheaper for me to swap the engine than importing an is350 fom Japan
I will do most of the whole project by myself. Kind of self learning. The only outsourcing will be the ECU. I will also document everything on the thread.
I will add the link here for people looking for exchanging knowledge and tips.
Thanks for the help.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,211
Likes: 746
From: California
I found something interesting: The Toyota Mark X GRMN uses the RA60 (possibly modified). It has the same engine, 2GR-FSE. Here is the transmission: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-c...5/chassis/3301
And here are other parts like clutch kit etc: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-c.../80855/chassis.
Might be interesting for those looking to swap.
And here are other parts like clutch kit etc: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-c.../80855/chassis.
Might be interesting for those looking to swap.
Regarding VSC/TCS, this is primarily a problem on 2006-2008 IS250s without VDIM. On 2009+ both the IS250 and IS350 share the same VDIM system. There are obviously still ECU pinout differences between the two.
Jeff
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: FL
I am curious on the remap for the VDIM delete one the 2grfse ECU it is the only issues I have with my swap and would like to resolve it. I did purchased the entire setup to add VDIM but I would prefer to code it out. If you could tell me a little more about this it would be much appreciated.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 33
Likes: 15
From: Kildare - Ireland
I am curious on the remap for the VDIM delete one the 2grfse ECU it is the only issues I have with my swap and would like to resolve it. I did purchased the entire setup to add VDIM but I would prefer to code it out. If you could tell me a little more about this it would be much appreciated.
I finally bought a 2GR-FSE for my is250(why? Because why not? Seriously? Yes they don't have is350 in Ireland).
I will do the swap myself. But it will take forever. Because I am also swapping the transmission. I will give more updates once both the transmission and engine arrives (So for now I got a Honda RSZ as a daily while I do the work on the is250). I am still hunting for a transmission which I will let you what type it is once I have it 🤝
This will be a massive head scratching and learning curve. All progress will be documented here. Not as good a Jeff technical info. But doing this to inspire new builds as this car is the next thing once it's 25 years old. So guy look after your is250/350 😁
Last edited by is250sage2007; May 1, 2025 at 12:36 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 352
Likes: 26
From: California
There were a few hiccups, the ECU doesn't know how to deal with the clutch pedal, haha. After I did a few things I was able to drive with full power (my first ECU that was reprogrammed drove well once I figured out what was causing the issues, but I still had some issues with the Start button and the ABS/VDIM).
Electronically doing a 6MT swap on a automatic IS350 would definitely be easier than doing the engine swap on a manual IS250. Of course I always knew this, but there are other components that either act differently or don't exist on the manual cars.
So I'm ending up having to swap a couple of other components and adding in a couple of relays to get things working. 
I still think it's probably the easier way to go than doing a 6MT setup on an IS350, though I'm not sure which would be a cheaper swap.
Jeff
Electronically doing a 6MT swap on a automatic IS350 would definitely be easier than doing the engine swap on a manual IS250. Of course I always knew this, but there are other components that either act differently or don't exist on the manual cars.
So I'm ending up having to swap a couple of other components and adding in a couple of relays to get things working. I still think it's probably the easier way to go than doing a 6MT setup on an IS350, though I'm not sure which would be a cheaper swap.Jeff
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 33
Likes: 15
From: Kildare - Ireland
Right Gents. First step has started.
[img alt="Right Gents.
First step has started. Got almost all the parts from the gear cluster from a junkyard today from an is220d. Which are the clutch pedal, panels and handbrake... I will collect the remaining next week, which are the handbrake attachment and cable, which are in good condition. All these parts full price coated me 250 euro... A fair price, I didnt want to lowball to save me time with hassle.
I am waiting for the engine. I will order the trans once I have the engine in 2/3 months."]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/1079x1487/screenshot_2025_05_30_20_04_00_04_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6_cf7bfb8d66989b7e3ff3439c59a8ae3badef89ee.jpg[/img]
I got almost all the parts from the gear cluster from a junkyard today from an is220d. Which are the clutch pedal, panels and handbrake...
I will collect the remaining next week, which are the handbrake attachment and cable, which are in good condition. All these parts full price costed me 250 euro... A fair price, I didn't want to lowball to save me time with hassle.
I am waiting for the 2gr-fse motor. I will order the trans once I have the engine in 2/3 months.
I will keep everyone updated. And I might do a TicToc account or add everything on the YouTube to help whoever is planning to do something similar.
[img alt="Right Gents.
First step has started. Got almost all the parts from the gear cluster from a junkyard today from an is220d. Which are the clutch pedal, panels and handbrake... I will collect the remaining next week, which are the handbrake attachment and cable, which are in good condition. All these parts full price coated me 250 euro... A fair price, I didnt want to lowball to save me time with hassle.
I am waiting for the engine. I will order the trans once I have the engine in 2/3 months."]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/1079x1487/screenshot_2025_05_30_20_04_00_04_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6_cf7bfb8d66989b7e3ff3439c59a8ae3badef89ee.jpg[/img]
I got almost all the parts from the gear cluster from a junkyard today from an is220d. Which are the clutch pedal, panels and handbrake...
I will collect the remaining next week, which are the handbrake attachment and cable, which are in good condition. All these parts full price costed me 250 euro... A fair price, I didn't want to lowball to save me time with hassle.
I am waiting for the 2gr-fse motor. I will order the trans once I have the engine in 2/3 months.
I will keep everyone updated. And I might do a TicToc account or add everything on the YouTube to help whoever is planning to do something similar.
Last edited by is250sage2007; Jul 28, 2025 at 09:55 PM.