Lexus SC300 2JZGTE

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…….