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Jap imports?
Julian B - 28/3/16 at 08:35 PM

Hi All

Ive been toying with a new build and i want to stick with v8s but something slightly newer than the trusty Rover v8 Ive been doing a bit of reasearch and the engine that keeps cropping up as a bit of a goodie is the lexus 4.3 v8 ...3uz-fe Its smaller and lighter that the rover and kicks out around 300bhp normally aspirated

Here are some stats googled from the web :--

The Rover V8 basic dimensions:

Length : 708 mm
Height : 707 mm
Width: 770 mm
Weight: 220Kg (minus starter & flywheel)
Power: 150 – 230BHP (ignoring the TVR 5.0 version)

Lexus V8 4.0 quad cam 32 valve V8 basic dimensions:

Length : 655 mm
Height : 610 mm
Width: 620 mm
Weight : 177Kg (minus starter & flywheel)
Power : 256BHP -305BHP


SO here is the question ... where can i get one and what should i pay Anyone any experience on importing second hand jap engines etc?

Thanks for reading

twybrow - 28/3/16 at 08:51 PM

Did the offerings from across the pond appear on your maybe list - e.g. The Ford or Chevy small blocks? I know some can be a little agricultural, but readily available parts and lots of upgrade options would make me follow the well trodden path.

[Edited on 28/3/16 by twybrow]

richardR1 - 28/3/16 at 08:58 PM

Why not buy a complete car 2000 LEXUS LS430 AUTO BLACK **BARGAIN**
At least you would get test the engine and transmission to know they are all good. Flog the private plate, wheels and other valuable bits and you've got a cheap engine.

james h - 28/3/16 at 09:05 PM

I believe the 4.0 from the earlier LS400 is actually a stronger unit - it can take more power should a turbo be needed. I think it is the conrods and crank which are forged in comparison to the 4.3.

turbodisplay - 29/3/16 at 07:23 AM

I would try breakers,
The story is that those engines are so reliable that they rarely break, so the secondhand value is surprisingly low.

Darren

Ugg10 - 29/3/16 at 08:13 AM

I think the 4.3 also has variable valve timing so you will either have to get the oem ecu to work or pay out fir an omex710/dta s60 to control it. 4.0L can be run on megasquirt if needed.

russbost - 29/3/16 at 11:00 AM

quote:
Originally posted by richardR1
Why not buy a complete car 2000 LEXUS LS430 AUTO BLACK **BARGAIN**
At least you would get test the engine and transmission to know they are all good. Flog the private plate, wheels and other valuable bits and you've got a cheap engine.


I would defo go with something like the above, that car would almost certainly break for more than the asking price & bear in mind, that's an asking price not what you'd offer. I can't think of many cheaper ways of getting 300BHP + for less than a grand (Saab turbo - but that's nothing like a V8!).

What's more you can test the engine & transmission, you can gradually work through the wiring & ECU connections etc. to find what you can & can't work with - you'd almost certainly be better to run with standard ECU if that's feasible with your install - & you know you have everything you need - go & buy an engine from a breaker & it may well not have, alternator, starter, exhaust manifold, any ECU. engine loom, various sensors etc etc etc. When you come to fire it up you don't know if the reason it won't run (which at first attempted start I'd be prepared to bet it didn't!) is due to the engine, sensors, ECU or wiring, not an issue if you've taken everything from a running vehicle. Plus if you buy an engine from a breaker unless it comes with ALL the bits you need to run it in the car you're going to have additional cost along the way

turbodisplay - 29/3/16 at 08:32 PM

Many ecus require the transmission ecu to talk to each other. without it limp home mode may be a problem.

james h - 29/3/16 at 08:35 PM

A Toyota Supra gearbox is a relatively straightforward combination with these engines. Otherwise it's s the sluggish auto.

paulc - 29/3/16 at 11:37 PM

770mm seems a bit on the high side for the width of an RV8

Measured mine at 505mm across the heads. The rest would be down to what manifolds you use.

I spent some time looking at using the 1UZ-FE in my Thruxton GT, and eventually concluded it wouldn't fit as its too wide across the heads (wouldn't fit between the top chassis rails at the front) so I ended up going with the RV8 instead (which fits with a couple of inches to spare).

As mentioned above a supra box is usually used if you want a manual, but I did find a company making a kit to use a T56 with the 1UZ-FE.

Julian B - 30/3/16 at 07:50 AM

Thanks Guys

The consensus is to buy a car and strip it .... Probably the most sensible and cost effective thing to do . Thats exactly what i did before i built the Rush . A short trip to North Wales and i found myself the owner of a SD1. The only problem i had was convincing the Mrs to let me pull it apart ...

Cheers

turbodisplay - 3/4/16 at 12:48 PM

As for gearbox I was looking at a bmw gs6 53bz /dz.
Massive torque capability as rated for 530-600NM, in actuality can handle more.
Currently going for the 8hp70 bmw auto, which does appear to have the same bellhousing.
The input shaft will require a bit of fabrication though.
Re engine I`m looking at a V8, although may not be the lexus V8.

Darren