1UZ V8 into MX-5

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Discussion

Synergy

Original Poster:

4,443 posts

181 months

Monday 22nd March 2010
quotequote all
A friend of mine is thinking of chopping the 1UZ-FE V8 out of his 1992 Lexus LS400 and dropping it into an MX-5. He's done some research already and apparently there are 2 or 3 people in the UK who have done it (or are doing it) but actually finding those examples for specific info is proving a little difficult. I've done a bit of searching myself too but haven't turned much up - maybe i'm looking in the wrong places?

The idea is to use the R154 manual gearbox from the MK3 Supra with a bell housing adapter plate. It seems GM LS V8 swaps are more popular but he's keen on using the engine from his Lexus as he already has the car and likes the powerplant.

Can anyone offer any info that may be of use? Examples of such a conversion? Things to bear in mind? Any thoughts/ideas on what would require upgrading and what might be robust enough to cope? Obviously the brakes and suspension will need attention, but are there known upgrades that work well?

All suggestions/ideas welcome. The idea is in the early stages so if you have any thoughts at all, please chime in smile

Herman Toothrot

6,702 posts

204 months

Monday 22nd March 2010
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V8 Roadsters in canada do tubular subframes for engine swaps, you can get them shipped to the UK via Flyin Miata.

GravelBen

15,860 posts

236 months

Monday 22nd March 2010
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There was one (with twin turbos!) floating around in NZ a while back but I'm not sure if its still running or if they separated the body and engine for different projects.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gncfIvMRdSs

offroading.net

2,712 posts

196 months

Synergy

Original Poster:

4,443 posts

181 months

Tuesday 23rd March 2010
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Thanks very much chaps. All useful stuff that will be looked into.

Much obliged.

maser_spyder

6,356 posts

188 months

Tuesday 23rd March 2010
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Keep us posted, sounds like an interesting project!

Risotto

3,929 posts

218 months

Tuesday 23rd March 2010
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OT but just found a V12 one here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ZIIVsUV3U&fea...

Synergy

Original Poster:

4,443 posts

181 months

Wednesday 24th March 2010
quotequote all
maser_spyder said:
Keep us posted, sounds like an interesting project!
Will do. He's just trying to fnid somewhere for us to do it, a lock-up or garage or something. Then we should be on with it.

Risotto said:
OT but just found a V12 one here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ZIIVsUV3U&fea...
Blimey, he's not messing about!