Yoda

Dropped the truck off at Sunderland4x4 today. He's going to send me picture updates as the conversion goes along. I'm also having them galvanise my bumper and fit a light bar while they've got it. Not a lot to report about the conversion that I haven't already said. It's due to start on Wednesday and follow the plan we laid out using the Pajero 3.5 GDI gearbox. It was very interesting seeing the other projects they've got in at the moment; This Wrangler has had a Hemi conversion. It dwarfs my truck in real life. [img width=375 height=500]http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa398/Luke_Elliott/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/87CB6701-37A6-4FFA-BC61-380053EF70BD_zpstvwjunou.jpg This Jeep is in for an Isuzu V6 conversion [img width=375 height=500]http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa398/Luke_Elliott/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/197F7EC1-044C-4F4D-B777-BC05597F73CC_zpsaq49lvp8.jpg And this Jimny has had the usual Frontera V6 swap [img width=375 height=500]http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa398/Luke_Elliott/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-12/25D4080B-BE79-41E4-8DD7-44E1F4004874_zpsgnsbg8ei.jpg

The thing about customising is just that. A vehicle is built for a generic population and multiple countries to meet multiple regulations. So any factory vehicle is compromised in order to make as many sales as possible. This is why special editions are always limited runs. There isn't the market for a factory tuned special edition car as most people won't buy it. So they make a limited run of them to make them sought after and desired and make the maths work. Even manufactures do custom work. That's what concept cars are all about. They want to demonstrate what they can do with all the rules and regs lifted. But they don't produce them because for the most part they won't sell. Customising, when done right can make a car that is already brilliant, even better. But it does have to be tasteful. That said there will always be people who don't like it. I've come in for some abuse about what I've done to my truck. And I've had people tell me that putting a Lexus engine, basically Toyota, in a Mitsubishi is an unforgivable sin. There is a whole world of customising going on and not all of us are Kevins who drive around in Nova's and 106GTi's. I'm fairly confident that I could show images of countless cars before and after modification that most people would agree have improved the car. It's about knowing what to do and doing it right. A lot of these mods are purely aesthetic. Just changing a line, contour or panel of a body in a subtle way can dramatically improve a car's look. On the other hand, certain cars should not be modified. Because of their highly classic status or pedigree. A Ferrari 250GTO for example. Genuine Selby Cobras. Mercedes 300SL. Cars of that special historic status should not be touched. Modern versions would probably be the Veyron and Enzo. And in the middle era I think you could argue that the Lamborghini Countach is now in this group. There's obviously many more but you get the point. It's not that these cars can't be made better with customisation. (Excluding perhaps the Veyron and Enzo) it's that it's ethically wrong to try. They are perfect with their flaws. While the LS400 is a great car, it doesn't sit in this category. A car that might in the future is the LFA, because it's a technical masterpiece. But not just yet. It needs time. Don't get me wrong. Most people who modify cars ruin them. But a few companies and people get it right. Lotus have always been great at it. Look what they did to the Vauxhall Carlton, turning it into the Lotus Calrton. That's my personal take on it. If you modify a car I believe it should be done in such a way that it looks factory. So that if you show it to someone who was none the wiser and told them it was a factory special edition, they would believe you. For this reason I believe that a subtle roll on the LS400 arches would work if done with the right wheels and tyres. It can't look like you tried to slam it to the ground in a wide boy style. It has to be tasteful. But you must not lose ride comfort for it. Otherwise you are wasting the billion dollars Lexus spent to develop it. Which probably means aftermarket suspension too.

That was my understanding too. But the original vehicle is a diesel so I'm assuming it cannot be left down to the requeiments for the original vehicle in original spec. Also my truck (original vehicle) was the last year to not have a CAT. 2001. So I'm thinking the issue will focus on the engine. Maybe I'll have to call the DVLA. Is my 96/97 1UZ considered to be from a mark 4 LS400?

The time for my engine conversion is rapidly approaching. The subject of CATS occurred to me. Does anyone know whether a 1UZ converted vehicle needs CATS? Do LS400's have CATS? That's supposed to say will I need cats. But apparently I can't edit the title.

Ah yeah I'm on a few 1UZ Facebook groups too. I haven't commented much. Just watching and learning. Sounds like a fun build. My builds are always long term too. I do most stuff myself and when you work fultime and have other obligations they never move quickly do they. I bought my truck in 2010 completely standard. Since then it's had a body lift, suspension lift, veg conversion. Water injection, few engine tweaks, full bed liner respray, winch bumper, spot lights, snorkel, split charger and obligatory bigger wheels and tyres. I've done it all myself bar the repsray for which I still helped. I would do the conversion too but I only have a drive way. And the engine isn't the end of it.

Spitronics looks like a really sorted piece of kit. Full manual race to full auto and you can change the aggressiveness of the shift. Launch control too, although that's apparently boost related. Comes with push buttons for shift control if you fancy placing them somewhere discreet like behind the steering wheel. But you don't have to use them. Base engine map which cannot be erased. And the hole thing is custom made for the 1UZ. And it unleashes the engine to rev past 9k I understand. I'm sure you already know all this. But it's been a big learning curve for me. I cut my teeth on mechanical diesels. I have a question? Where all 1UZ's cable throttle or did they at some point change to FBW? In time I plan to pull a few more HP out of the engine. I'm guessing with the Apollo intake that I'll be reusing, the custom exhaust and the ECU we'll be pushing 300fwhp. I don't have a numerical target. After all it's not a race car. But I plan to get a bullet cars manifold so that I can supercharge it. Some headers to make the most of the exhaust. And some high lift cams. No idea what kind of figure that will leave me with. But over 400 at the flywheel is a safe bet. I always knew these engines were good. But the more I learn about them the more amazing they are. There's a Capri on YouTube with 947rwhp. That's well over 1000hp at the fly wheel. No doubt forged and balanced internals, but still! Do you have a build thread for your car Steve?

Just thought I'd log on and give you guys a quick update. Steve, sorry I didn't get an email notifying me of your comment. Only saw it today when logging on. Not a lot happening at the moment. Most major parts bought in. Conversion parts spend so far is £1422. Which stands as: Spitronics ECU and TCU £542. Engine, box, ancilleries. £510 Timing belt and water pump kit £223 Pajero Tiptronic shift and transfer levers £127 Pajero centre console. £20 Just got a fuel pump and filter to buy. Everything else is consumables or minor parts like electrical connections etc, which I will leave to Sunderland4x4 to sort out. The magic day is 16th Dec. Most likely means I won't get it back until the new year, but I'm fine with that. Just happy to have it being done.

I think that's already beginning to happen personally. In my research for my conversion I've uncovered a small following for this engine. When I first mention it to someone I expect them to not know what I'm talking about. But more and more when I order a part for example and they ask for a registration, I say there isn't one as it's an engine conversion, I've often had people say "oh you're doing the old 1UZ transplant!" It's fast going to come the engine of choice. Better in every way and more reliable than a Rover V8 and cheaper by miles than an LS1. It's a no brainier. The chap I bought my engine from says he sells them faster than he can break them. Tell me more about these QTP electric cut outs. I've not head of that. I too looked at Varex boxes but for a conversion that's already costing my ££££ I don't want to spend the extra on Varex.

Varex boxes by any chance? Don't feel bad about planning to dismantle an Ls400. I'm putting a 1UZ into my truck. The sole reason I joined here and I've had pretty good support and interest. 1Uz conversions are becoming more and more popular in all kinds of vehicles. Should you be interested I found several people / companies who break LS400's and put the engine, box and all the gubbins on a palet for you. I paid £510 delivered for mine or you can go up to about £1000 for a low miles Jap import version.

After some digging I've found out that the gearbox from a 3.5GDI Pajero is also compatible for this conversion. The gear ratios however are different. That Paj is a big two tonne vehicle with an engine not far off 1UZ perormance figures. So the ratios will be far better suited to my truck mated to the 1UZ. I've also sorted the tiptronic issue and that looks like a go too.

Hahahahaha.:) I think I can cope with a 1UZ. I am coming from one of the most unreliable 4pot diesels ever built.

Even Toyota themselves are doing it. They've built a Dakar replica truck by taking a 2UR-GSE and putting it into a production Hilux. They even kept the Diesel transmission and diffs.

As a newbie to the Lexus world and one that will only own an engine at box at that, I found this thread thoroughly interesting. For one, my truck will be towing now and again, with the 1UZ fitted, as it does now. The Lexus and Mitsi auto boxes are supposed to be identical. Mitsis aren't known to have gearbox cooling issues or box oil coolers fitted. However it's made me think about fitting one. Also all the research I've been doing for the conversion has slowly created a hankering for a big comfy Lexus for long journeys and anything I don't want to use my truck for. I too was wondering what would be best between an Ls400 and an LS430. I won't be getting one yet as the conversion is costing a pretty penny. But I'm defnintly seeing what's attractive about the world of luxury saloons now.

Progress. Sorted my engine. Everything on a palet for £510 delivered. 126,000miles on this engine. A decent saving on the Jap engine at 80k and £1055. The way I see it you would still do the same things to both engines prior to fitment as from what I've found 80k isn't low enough to just fit and forget. If more needs doing I've saved some dosh to do it with. Total motor factors finally called me back and they do the belt kit. So that's sorted. They and ECP still list the water pump as onbsolete but I did find it elsewhere eventually. Now one question I do have is seals. A Dayco version of the kit from Oz lists a "seal kit" included. So that's crank shalf seal I'm guessing and what else? Should I be looking to do seals at 126,000? What other seals would it be? Here's a link to the kit from Oz; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dayco-Timing-Belt-Kit-for-Lexus-LS400-UCF10R-1UZ-FE-4-0L-V8-DOHC-32V-KTBA162HP-/351498797324?hash=item51d6f6010c

I appreciate the feedback to be honest. I wanted a kit because I don't know what's needed in terms on individual parts. But I think I'm beginning to get a handle on that so I will price up a kit from OZ vs individual parts here.

Am I right in thinking that you can't get a belt, tensioner, and water pump kit in this country outside of Lexus dealerships? I can't be the only one considering ordering from the U.S. Please advise. Evidently still have a lot to learn about all things Lexus.

Great, pm sent. Is that "Full Japanese service history" and "UK service history?"

Thanks for replies guys. As said hopefully he's ok. No great panic on my end though. I'm quite happy to purchase from Nippon. However since yesterday I've received a reply from another chap who breaks LS400's. They're UK vehicles I believe so not the low miles you get on a Jap engine, but he's selling the whole kit for a good deal less. It's good to have options.

Good progress today. I found a company that imports low miles vehicles from Japan and then breaks them for the UK market. Nippon AutoSpares they are called. An LS400 doner car from the UK will cost £1000 - £1500 and have anywhere between 100k and 170k miles, from what I've seen. While I'm not at all scared of that sort of mileage, Nippon currently have an engine, box and ancillaries ready to go with 80,000 miles for £1k. Less work, less hassle. Less miles. Less time dismantling. So I've basically called them and said I'm happy to take that package but can I have a couple more things added in. I have to call him back Monday for that. Which brings me to the next question. Can anyone link me to a service schedule for the 1UZ so that I can see what should be done before its fitted. Oil, filter and coolant is a given but the rest probably depends on whats coming up due vs how awkward it is to do later.

Hello everyone. This went on the back burner due to illness but I'm happy to say it's back on now. The conversion is now being handled by http://www.sunderland4x4.co.uk. They've got plenty of experience with the 1UZ-FE engine and know what they're doing. Its booked with them for late November early December, once they've finished their current customer projects. I'm now buying in everything I need. I've just ordered today a Spit-Tronics ECU and TCU from www.race-systems.co.uk. This was recommended by James at Sunderland4x4. I need a doner car now. LS400 pre vvti. I've got a few ear marked online but if anyone has anything here for sale let me know. Last time I was on here Benfur did offer me a palet with everything I need delivered within England. I've tried to contact him in the past couple of days it so far haven't heard anything. Does anyone else know if there are reputable Lexus breakers around who would do a careful removal of parts? I would prefer a palet if possible as it savesa lot of man hours and hassle. I'm going to dress the engine up myself pre fitment so again if anyone knows of any decent dress up kits give me a shout. The conversion is going to use the Torque converter, bell housing, input shaft and pump from the Lexus box and fit those to the Mitsubishi Auto box from the 2.8 Pajero. Which, as mentioned previously on this thread is the same box as the Lexus and will retain my four wheel drive. In theory at least the Transfer case should bolt to the Lexus box. If that does turn out to be the case then I can re sell the Mitsi box. For now that's about it I think. I'll update this as I order everything and post pics as we dress the engine up.

My truck is with Brentacre insurance. They specialise in all things modified and although a broker they have their own underwriter. Each time I've added a modification I call them, they note it on the records, job done. Literally. The Holden I mentioned is with Bridle Insurance in Southampton I think. To get the unlimited mods policy you need to be part of an owners club or the like and state that you do take it to meets etc.

I have come across this before actually. My best mate has a Holden Commodore. Its on an unlimited mods policy with a specialist insurer. The unlimited mods include horsepower. It currently puts out 650bhp but he pays the same as he did when it was 300bhp. The insurance company actually told him that if he personally does the mods or has them done then that works in his favour because it means he cares about the car. It would be different if he bought it with all the mods all ready done apparently. My truck is on an unlimited mods policy as well. But it did not include horsepower increases. So that's why I am so happy with the additional premium they quoted me for the 1Uz conversion.

Thanks bud. Gotta shoot off right now but I'll drop him a pm later if he hasn't seen this.

I like the idea of what it supposed to do. Unlike regular fuel additives it is meant to totally de-carbonise your engine. This will only help things if it really can do this. There is another product on the market that does the same thing. By a company called BG Products. Similar concept, except the additive is fed in through the induction system instead of the injection system. But still de-carbonises the engine. I know of a couple of guys - not Lexus - who have used the BG products induction clean and claim a noticeable difference. I am always weary of the placebo effect with things like this though. I'm not saying it doesn't work, but I do prefer hard data than someone who is convinced their engine is better after spending X amount of money. Personally I use a water injection system which will also de-carbonise an engine. Given what I have just said it is hard for me to show you hard data :D but the decor effect is noticeable It smoked like a trooper for the first 1000 or so miles after installation. - Again, not a Lexus.

Can anyone tell me the most economic motorway cruising speed in an LS400? And what revs that speed equates to?