I've been contemplating a rather unconventional project, one that might raise eyebrows among Lexus purists: an engine swap on the RCF. While the RCF's naturally aspirated V8 and elegant design are undeniably appealing, I've been exploring the possibilities of a significant power upgrade.
The idea of transplanting the powertrain from a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 into an RCF chassis intrigues me. The GT500's supercharged V8 offers a substantial leap in horsepower and torque compared to the RCF's engine, promising a considerable performance boost. The challenge, of course, lies in the engineering complexities of such an undertaking. This isn't simply a matter of bolting one engine onto another; it would require extensive modifications to accommodate the larger engine, transmission, and associated components, including custom engine mounts, drivetrain modifications, and potentially chassis reinforcements. Furthermore, the integration of the GT500's electronic systems into the RCF's existing architecture presents a significant hurdle.
While the resulting vehicle wouldn't necessarily be lightning-fast in absolute terms, the increased power and torque would undoubtedly yield a more exhilarating and responsive driving experience. The project would be an ambitious and complex one, but the potential rewards – a uniquely powerful and refined vehicle – make it a compelling challenge. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions on the feasibility and potential challenges involved in such a project.

 

Seems like just supercharging the RCF would be easier. There are bolt-in kits for that, RR racing will give same dyno specs as Shelby 500GT

 

As easy as that can be supercharging and bolt ons its not gonna make that desired power and take off. Even if you do those things suspension and tires the Lexus would still be dated getting whooped by a gt mustang with a turbo and boost.

 

Yes, but you have the exact same power as your project, at 1/2 the expense and 1/50th the trouble.

What you do about suspension is a down-stream issue from the project your proposed about. And people have done that mod so you can ask them how to solve other issues, better than re-inventing the wheel on your own. I believe the RR Racing sc kit actually dyno’s out a *slight* bit ahead of a GT500, but they are extremely close.

 

You’re right it could be half of the cost but i have an issue but I feel the car needs to be faster. Yes, I will be losing reliability issues, but the main thing to me is the speed on that car which Lexus could’ve really improved because I’m tired of seeing a beautiful car be so dated and people choosing of course BMWs Mercedes and hellcat over a beautiful well-made car, although those supercharging and bolt ons even though racing Bolt ones it just makes the experience too easy. A car that can be track oriented and street ready. Ooh man!!. But in hindsight, I know I will run into some issues.

 

I am unclear how a GT500 swap with less HP and fewer FT/Lbs would be that much faster than an sc install, but you may have some different physics where you live than we have around here. Good luck either way.

 

And as far as suspension, I would use magnetic ride suspension as the same suspension they use on The Cadillac Ct5 v blackwing.

 

This seems like a rather large waste of time and resources trying to re-invent the wheel, a little silly in my humble opinion. Superchargers have already been proven on this car/platform, at the end of the day you’re better off installing an RR Racing supercharger. Would it not make more sense to just buy a Shelby gt500 at this point, or just buy a faster car? Unless you have the skills necessary to take this on yourself or the resources, this will be very expensive and difficult. When engineers design a chassis, they do so with that particular engine/transmission/suspension setup in mind. With enough money anything is possible tho. Once you get passed the “I wonder if this is possible” phase, have reached out to a few shops and worked with them to price everything out, be sure to come back and let us know though.

 

Anything can be done with enough knowledge, time, and money. There's drift RCFs with 2JZ engine swaps. No point in asking strangers for their opinion on a project like that, just do it if you already have the power train laying around.

 

the reason why i ask strangers for their opinion is i don't have much knowledge on the Lexus RCF thats why i want any and all feedback for this project. Is getting people’s expertise on certain criteria

 

Hey, they have stuffed the Ford 5.0 into a Miata "Monster Miata" so anything is possible.

 

This isn't to sound mean or rude but if you are asking these questions and you are not familiar/doing the work... this is gonna be out of your league and probably many others.... Do you own an RCF? If you do, enjoy it for what it is... if you don't own one buy a car with the engine that you want in it... it's gonna be way cheaper, reliable, and less headaches not only in fabrication but in terms of diagnosing problems that will inevitably arise.

-Nigel

 

I say do it and live up to your Username! Anything can be done and it sounds like you already know the extent of the project. Would be cool to watch the build process!

 

Yeah, as others have said - not trying to be rude but you pretty clearly are going about this the wrong way for what you want.

What you are describing doing would require actual professional engineers with electrical, mechanical, fabrication, and hacking experience just to start with. That and multiple tens of thousands of dollars in R&D capital for their labor alone. That’s before parts and materials, too.

The scope that you described is NOT something a hobbiest will ever be able to do on a smaller platform like the RC-F.

Most engine swaps that people do already had a decent basis for most of it in place from other platforms. Either that or they simply use a standalone ECU with the understanding that there will be a LOT of things that don’t integrate with the car’s OEM systems.

If you want a supercharged RC-F right now, RR has the only kit available (for now). That said, there are a fair amount of reports of issues with that kit, even though they aren’t often talked about publicly, sadly. So, buyer beware if you want to pursue that route.

 

I think you are on the right track. But you should make it rear engine. Put that beast in the back of the car. That would be so cool and imagine how hard it would dig off the line. All you would need was a giant carbon fiber wing to add to the project and some stickers.