Importing Half Cuts from Japan

[Tony427]

Guys, I have a couple of projects underway which require a couple of Lexus LS 400 front end half cuts.

Anybody out there have any trusted and reliable contacts for getting a couple of these half cuts over here. I have quotes via Australian sources, but it seems daft bringing them over via Australia, and I'm wondering if theres any UK companies/ individuals doing this.

I've been offered a couple of compolete engine packages over here but I prefer to go the half cut route so that I get absolutely everthing needed for the projects in one package.

Thanks for any help or advice. PM me if you dont want to publish resources.

Cheers,

Tony

[Tony427]

Thanks for that Gazboy.

Take a look at my profile and it'll give you a good idea.

Cheers,

Tony

[Mustard]

should be rapid!

I know of an ex lexus technician (now porsche)from Redditch believe it or not! who plumbed a Lexus V8 into a 'stock' car or something of that nature for someone, needless to say it was pretty rapid as its a very light unit for its size

>> Edited by Mustard on Saturday 1st January 22:13

[Tony427]

Mustard,

Any way of getting hold of the Lexus Techie, first and last name should be enough to enable me ferret him out........

The Beemer engined beast is great fun, especially as it has been lightly breathed on in the exhaust manifolds and software departments and flicking up the Tiptronic box at full bore is grin inducing. However, as I will be keeping one of the new builds my aim is to get it through the SVA and then play with the induction system.

Some light ( 9 psi) intercooled boost from a couple of CT 26 Turbos should give it an "interesting" level of performance. With the Lexus " self learning" ECU theres no need, I believe, to fit an aftermarket ECU system either as long as you keep the boost to less than 9.5 psi.

Cheers,

Tony

[Mustard]

YHM

[Tony427]

Mustard,

Thanks for the info, I'll be looking into obtaining technical assistance.

Now I just have to get the engines and gearboxes and I'm all set.

Cheers,

Tony

[tuttle]

Very interesting projects I'm not completely sure what you mean by 'half-cuts'.Jason at Greenline is very helpful but may be unable to source what you need quickly.Nengun Performance have a 2nd user branch & have used them before www.nengun.com/
or shipping details:www.nengun.com/shipping.php
Also have sent you mail of trusted Japanese 'sourcer'address.Write him with your needs & he'll scout them out(usually in about 10days).
Best luck Matt.

[Tony427]

Thanks Tuttle, yhm.

For the uninitiated a "half cut" or "front clip" is a complete front half of car. Imagine taking an angle grinder to a car, removing the windscreen, and cutting the roof at the A pillar, removing the front doors, cutting the floor just behind the front seats, and seperating the two halves of a car from each other. That is a half cut. The front end has everything needed to run the car, cats,ECU and all sensors, radiator, even dashboard, although sometimes the front wings and steroe are also removed.

It basically means that the engine and gearbox transplant is easier in that as long as you transplant everything that came on the half cut the car will run. You then start to strip out everything you dont need such as AC, ABS, etc etc.......although I do have ABS sensors on my Jag running gear !!

Cheers,

Tony