Tell me again why you wouldn't use a Lexus engine ?

[EireRodder]

Am curious as LS400s' with MOT start at around 500Stg. If you bought a runner and scrapped it you could get engine, gearbox, aircon, superb stereo, etc.etc. I understand that they can cost a fortune if they go wrong, but with the limited mileage it would do in a rod, would it not be a wise choice ?

[kapri]

I think the trouble is making it look 'pretty' or even tidy in fact. would work fine ,IMO, under a full hood. Just that many are still 'points and carbs' people.

[rem]

Life's complicated enough as it is - why make more work for yourself when there are umpteen good-looking, simple-to-work-on, well-supported engines to choose from?

"Lexus sounds sweet kid.." No, just isn't right, is it?

[Jonny69]

It's a pretty big engine too. I know of a few people who have sized one up but it's practically a 600mm cube with all its bits hanging on it so it can be difficult to fit in a car with chassis rails.

[Blackpopracing]

Bill 'actsofshed' on here is going to use one, they are the engines of choice in Australia, very reliable, and capable of huge power with a simple ECU upgrade, think about 450-500Bhp just by reprogramming the ECU. Bottom ends can take 600Hp completely stock.
Brilliant engine if used under a closed hood, I'd go for it if you can sort the electrics, financially a bargain motor.

[Alley Kat]

Hi Pat,
I'm aiming to slip one into my car (not the one I bought in Ireland, since got another the same). here goes:

£300 for a bare motor but prob best imho with the car because the looms aren't all the same, so having it's 'context' may be useful. My car cost double that, for which I have a driveable thing with engine+box, wiring, suspension, brakes etc. Cost vs an SBC? No contest imho.
No manual option though I have a Supra turbo box to be nailed behind mine. That cost £150 inc clutch, prop, etc etc. Takes 500+ horses all day.

They can be made to look nice, no they're not really going to suit a trad rod, but hey there's more stuff out here than that. As I mentioned recently there was one in a US mag made to look good in a 32; subtle ifs street rod type car but not yer super high tech thing at all. Would it suit a trad rod? Not really. Though there is a very trad looking blower setup if you can stump the $s.

Motor is same size as an SBC but sh*tloads lighter (340lbs). Takes 5-600bhp on std 6-bolt bottom end.

Soarer is basically the same, more power, different intake and sump setup which may help, but harder to find. That's what I've got.

Mileage is not generally an issue, they say 150k is nothing on these motors. Not read about anyone having to rebuild one yet, except in prep for taking lots of boost, not that I'm an expert. You can get forged pistons, cams, etc and there's a fair few making over 1000 bhp.

I chose mine because I want to do something a little different, because of cash, and because I want to do make strong affordable hp further on.

Mine sounds good as anything at the mo with its open headers. Revs like a ******* and tickover rumbles fiercely, like Satan ordering breakfast.
Happy? O yes.

[Alley Kat]

PS - not that much hp with just a chip, need boost for that level.
Tuning parts are plentiful though if not as immediately accessible. I have a big old list at the ready. At the end of the day the best route is boost.

Why make more work? Depends what you want I guess. I'm in this to tread my own path, to do absolutely what I want to do as far as poss regardless of where the well-trodden route is or how difficult it may seem. It's a major thing for me but I have other things to keep me sane if it fails.

[Pike]

Here's a couple of pics of one that I see in SoCal, I quite like it !!!

http://www.ftr.btinternet.co.uk/forum/DSCF0253_024sm.jpg

http://www.ftr.btinternet.co.uk/forum/Dscf6834sm.jpg

[A32Flathead]

Here's a couple of pics of one that I see in SoCal, I quite like it !!!

http://www.ftr.btinternet.co.uk/forum/DSCF0253_024sm.jpg

http://www.ftr.btinternet.co.uk/forum/Dscf6834sm.jpg

So thats what that ****** thing was...Saw it at Bakersfield, and wondered WTF kinda engine it was...I only just noticed the number plate... :rolleyes:

[Paul B]

Why don't we use Lexus motors?
Same reason we don't use Lexus bodys mate; they're not traditional hot rodding material.

[Jumpin Jim]

Considering the regular amount of tech postings on most 'older' car forums re: carbs and ignition problems it has to be the future (on closed bays). Get your shed around the wiring and you've cracked it. Let's face it most modern ecu cars service periods are to die for.

BUT, would you not be in danger of putting the vehicle perilously close to modern emission testing and the need for a cat??? The kit car fraternity don't specify pre smog mills for nothing!?