I'm thinking about getting a high mileage 1993 LS400, and I was curious about engine replacement. I don't plan on doing that unless the engine konks out, but if that were to ever happen is it REALLY expensive? Or is it pretty average in comparison to other cars out there?

 

I have no idea what the labor is, but the cost of acquiring a replacement does not seem to be to daunting if Ebay is any indicator.

There appears to be little to no market since the 1UZFE is so reliable. I see many engines sell for less than a $850.00 that appear to be good donor candidates.

 

A brand new engine from the dealership with installation shall cost almost $10,000. Believe it or not.

 

if i was gunna put in a new motor i would go for wither a 2jz or a 1UZ from the 98+ LS since it has about 290hp instead of the 260 and 240ish the 2nd and 1st gens had.

-ANnant

 

wouldnt you have to change the ecu?

 

If you don't already have the car or are after that particular model, I'd suggest a 95-2000. Those can be found starting at ~$5K (95) and range to $20K depending on miles and condition.

As for the 98+ VVTi, you also will need the tranny and ECU. One local tuner shop quoted me $12K for the complete install into my '97 (Includes motor, tranny, ECU and necessary changes to the center console.) A high price considering the overall performance gains. Some of the other import engine shops could probably drop the same year motor in for about $1,500 or so.

 

its actually a handme down 93 LS400. Its still in great shape...but I was just worrying about the engine. My parent's have always taken care of it, but highe mileage would scare anyone. i think?

 

The 1-UZ if taken care of is near bomb proof. If you wonder about the condition of the engine, have a compressio test done on it and then you'll know what to expect from it. The other key areas would be the tranny and rear end. Check the fluids. Drive line stuff is way $$$ if it has to be serviced/replaced through Toyota/Lexus.

The accessories like: A/C compressor, rack pinion, power steering pump and such...
mostly $100-$400 shots if required. Then there are the suspension gremlins like lower control arms, ball joints. Not to scare you...just areas to be aware of with this generation LS.

What kind of miles are we talking on this LS?

 

the 1UZ motor is bulletproof. mine is 130k miles strong. i know of LS's with well over 250k miles on the original. dont be overly woried if the cars been even sketchily taken care of. juss do general mantainance and it should last you a good long time. :-)

-Annant

 

Can a 93 engine be just a drop in for a 92 car? I'm thinking of getting a lower-mile 93 engine.

 

i have 205,000 on my '93 and the engine and tranny are still silky. use mobil one.

 

The engine is making this slapping sound like the bearing is going out. In the last several days it is getting louder. It could be the exhaust leak. I'm taking it to Midas Friday to see if they can tell me it is exhaust leak.

 

I have two words for you. EGR Pipe.
Look it up on here - plenty of info.
And don't worry about the engine if your parents took care of the car. It will outlive the everything else on the car.

 

i've seen them with 300k still running well on the original engine. if scheduled maintenance has been done, don't even worry about the mileage.

 

I found what the problem is. Fan Bracket bearing.