A high-mileage SC300 with a
still healthy engine came in needing help.
Naturally, the owner- a physical fitness trainer wanted a better engine,
before the old one died- but wanted a street-legal conversion. Green and healthy. We also happened to have available a 95 Supra 2JZGTE U.S. Spec
engine (3000 miles) that had been waiting for an SC300 or GS300 body. (Note: GS300 owners read the GS300
article.) This straightforward
conversion was something we had been wanting to do. The 2JZGTE is the factory upgrade engine for the Toyota SOARER in
Japan (aka- SC300 in the U.S.)
What was really interesting
about this project was how the owner and car (with the Twin Turbo power) were
perfect for each other. It is funny how
cars tend to acquire the characteristic of it’s owner, and/or how an owner
eventually begins acting like his car.
The 2JZGTE was a natural choice for car and owner in this case. He wanted stock power and NO upgrades. Basically he wanted a Turbo Soarer- a car
anybody in Japan could buy. Toysport
was happy to indulge him- and no we could not talk to him for any
upgrades. Lean and mean.
The engine swap was
straightforward- after the correct mounts and oil pan were identified. All the US emission parts, down to the catalytic
converter were replaced with the correct Supra pieces- this car is street
legal! All diagnostic hook-ups work
too.
The stock non-turbo 5 speed
tranny was retained with an upgraded clutch set-up. No he did not want the 6 speed.
Traction Control was also by-passed.
Exhaust upgrade consisted of a Greddy exhaust and HKS downpipe. An HKS intercooler was special ordered for
this application. A Supra engine
harness adapts perfectly to the original factory wiring, with some rewiring to
interface with the dash. Only some
fabrication for the intercooler ducting was needed. An HKS EVC IV, Turbo Timer, and HKS TwinPower were the only
electronic add-ons.
We spent more time working
out the AC and heater problems- that the car originally had (before the engine
conversion). IMPORTANT LESSON- a flood
damaged car will have many and expensive electrical problems.
With the engine happy and
potent- we decided to slightly tweak the body too- much like muscle toning or
sculpting. A Bomex body kit was installed- less the rear
spoiler. The front spoiler was modified
to incorporate the grille on the later SC.
The car is unbelievably fast
but easy to drive. Since the gearing
was kept all original, (the drive train was geared for 200HP not 330)- and the
engine just accelerates, even short shifting- there is tremendous torque. The car feels 1000lbs. lighter. An original Soarer with the turbo engine
will not be as fast and fun!
A really motivated Lexus SC for a really motivating physical fitness trainer. The only question left now is when, not if- the owner will start acting funny……oh, he also asked us to put weights on our phones- the only exercise we get…….