I have a '97 engine and tranny and want to know if it's compatible with a 1996 Model of Lexus es300? Can't seem to find an answer anywhere and hope I can find help in this forum. Thanks.

 

I am fairly positive it is not

 

I was afraid of that.

 

I believe that the 97 was a VVT and the 96 wasn't. This to me says they are not compatible.

 

vvti was not in 99 + model?? cause mine is 1998 and non vvt

 

they're supposed to fit ... 1996–1999 Lexus ES 300 (MCV20R) ... go read this ...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_ES#1996.E2.80.931999

 

Same motor. However I would try and source one for the specific year, because you know that misc components will fit. Aka, the alternator may be offset in one motor and not the other, also motor mounts, I'd imagine they are in different locations from car to car. Then there is the issue of ecu compatibility and wiring differences between the change-over year to account for different accessories in both cars.

 

Same motor as long as you don't have vvt-i(99+ es300). Use your old wiring harness and ecu..dogbone mount is bigger on the 97+ es300 but can be swapped over.