Hello, my name is Gino and I've been toying with the idea of picking up a GS to do a 1jz swap for a fun daily driver and was wondering what are some things I should be looking at or paying extra attention to when shopping around for one (asides from the basics when purchasing any used car)? Was surprised to not come across a sticky for this, but while searching, seems like ball joints are definitely a weak point and peeling clear coats (like with all other Toyotas of this era). Anything else I should be especially aware of? Thanks in advance.





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If you are swapping the engine than mostly it's just the suspension to inspect well. These have a common issue with the monstrosity of a break booster/master cyl. going out. If it happens you can order/swap in a used JDM one for pretty cheap. They can be problematic with their door lock and window actuators, and mode/blend door servo motors fort he HVAC system. Just check the suspension well though. These have knuckle bushings in the rear that are forgot about and most people don't even know to check. Similar to wheel bearing or ball joint movement if you push on the wheel right. In addition to the ball joints up front, it's the caster arm bushings that commonly age, crack, and deteriorate. But if you are a 1JZ fan, that means you are probably into drift and you will be the type to change all the suspension components out anyways for lowering/camber/adjustability. So just make sure everything in the car works well enough for your standards then have fun with it. Great cheap platform to work on.

 

Exactly the info I was looking for. I'm a 40 year old father looking to drive something a bit more spirited than my Prius or 6000+ LB. GX470, so definitely not turning it into some crazy drift machine. But yes, I'll definitely be going thru the suspension components regardless because it's an almost two decade old car. I'm assuming used actuators aren't too difficult to come across?

Thanks much.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...iy-thread.html

 

Yup, browsed thru that. Really impressive archive and tons of great info.

 

Why would you swap in a 1JZ? The S16x chassis never came with that engine in any region. Do you already have this engine sitting around?

Also, the GS300 came with the 2JZ...just the non-turbo version. No swap required.