3UZ Swapped Lexus GS 450h Is Purely Awesome Lunacy

Dare to be Different

You generally don't see a lot of engine-swapped Lexus vehicles. And when you do, the most popular choice is Toyota's legendary 2JZ. But Club Lexus member bonuscrew (Klimenti Bogaturov) decided to do something entirely different with his 3rd gen GS450h.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

Logical Choice?

The most obvious question here, of course, is why? Well, Klimenti apparently had some issues with his original drivetrain over the first three years of ownership. He considers the 3UZ to be "Toyota's most reliable engine," so it was the logical choice for him.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

Love Takes Time

Thus, he ordered up a kit from Japan and completed the swap. The job took around six months to complete and involved replacing all of the wiring and most of the control units.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

Additional Mods

Nearly 20,000 miles later, the 3UZ has performed perfectly. In the process, Klimenti has also added a full exhaust, LS600h brakes, coilovers, poly bushings, custom leather interior, and an IS F-Sport steering wheel.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

Major Surgery

But now, this swapped Lexus GS is undergoing some serious surgery, courtesy of a custom body kit builder known as Monsterservice. He shipped his car across Russia to let them perform their magic, which involves quite a few changes.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

Wide Body

The plan is to give this Lexus sedan the widebody treatment, along with a custom ducktail spoiler that the company will transform into a future product to sell to the buying public.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

One Deep Dish

The wheel choice has already been made, and Klimenti is going with a set of Work Meister S1 3Ps with a deep enough dish to fit an entire 12oz beer can inside.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

Parts Collector

In the meantime, Klimenti has been busy collecting other parts, including a set of fog lamps and newer GS450h taillights.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

No Stance

Interestingly enough, he has chosen to stick with the stock camber instead of stancing the car. He's also planning to add upgraded coilovers and arms to the suspension.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

Finish Line

We're certainly excited to see how this rather unique GS turns out, and we bet you are too. So be sure and head over here to follow along as it inches toward completion!

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this 3UZ swapped Lexus GS450h here in ClubLexus.com.

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