LEXUS GS300 VERTEX HKS TWIN TURBO 

The arrival of the of Lexus GS 300 in the US (the Aristo in Japan), was a highly welcomed and anticipated event at Toysport and by the whole Toyota enthusiasts community.  It is widely known that finally Lexus had a model that was available with the potent Toyota 2JZGTE turbo engine (in Japan).  So we anxiously waited for the 2^nd Generation, hoping the turbo model will come Stateside.  The new model change was an opportunity for Lexus to introduce a TRUE high performance model- that can outperform most European “factory tuned” models.  And the availability of aftermarket upgrades guaranteed a world class performance touring machine.

It was not to be….. and into the mid-model change there was still none. So we decided, collected parts, and went on to build one. Think about it- this is how Toyota keeps Toysport in business!  The JZX161 Aristo in Japan came with the 2^nd Generation 2JZGTE VVTi.    Officially known as the Vertex edition, the 2JZGTE came upgraded with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing.   (1997 Supras in Japan also benefited from this mid-model upgrade, but was never available in the U.S.) 

Fully-Built 2JZGTE’s are usually based on the Non-VVTi engine, so the set-up we used was the reliable and proven 1^st Gen 2JZGTE with the HKS Twin-Turbo GT2835 with all the HKS Electronics support.  Being HKS’ First US distributor they happily obliged Toysport with everything in their catalog.  From air intake to exhaust, all electronic controls and suspension too!!- was all HKS.  TRD parts were originally planned for the suspension and other chassis components- but conflict with the L-Tune concept being developed by TRD USA and Lexus Division was deferred to. The only custom fabricated parts were fitting the largest HKS intercooler available (which fit nicely under the hallowed out bumper cover- with just a 2mm sharp corner (of the intercooler) pushing up the bumper face) and a modified down pipe (the kit was based on a Supra install).  Enough said.

The car had to be rewired-  the Lexus factory electronics in the GS is the most fully integrated system encompassing engine management, vehicle stability, vehicle security, vehicle GPS, sound system, and probably a monitoring mode that records how the car was driven- for warranty purposes.  With the rewire- all active electronic controls went out with all the wires (ending up on the shop floor).

Pure and simple- this was one of the fastest car Toysport ever built. 

There was something odd about this conversion though, and if you read all of our Project Car articles closely you will know why.  Toysport usually upgrades the mechanical aspect and this was actually a retro-fitment.  So the whole set-up was replaced and redone with the new and correct 2JZGTE VVTi- of course the HKS hardware all managed to stay.

The VVTi engine now awaits some more upgraded HKS electronic pieces…… No rush to finish this now since we now know how it will run….advantage of the newer engine will be throttle-reponse and of course, bragging rights.  A Lexus is a Toyota.  And  Toyotas we know very, very well……….