Introduction and Ambition

[Brock]

I'm new here, figured I'd introduce myself and my upcoming project.
I should have this car by the end of the week.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...GEDC0037-1.jpg

And this engine and tranny.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...k/opel/1UZ.jpg

I'm not sure on the year of the car. It was lightly restored once years ago. I know it's been sitting for at least 8 years. Supposidly the stock engine has been rebuilt once, but that will be pulled and the engine going is a V8 Lexus engine from a '93 SC400. I'll be selling / giving away a lot of parts, so if you need any stock peices, let me know. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

[2 Fast 4 U]

Welcome to the site, I see the V8 in the second photo, do you want to put that engine in your GT?? If so use the search machine and read the info on putting a V8 in a GT, and it isn't easy I've heard

[Brock]

Yes, that's the idea. The Lexus V8 is a relatively small V8, 4L. It is a quad cam so it is a little wide on top, but if my measurements are correct, it should fit fine. It will take a lot of work. I have a independent rear end from a GS300 to use as well. Front suspension will also come from a lexus. Lots of fabrication and renforcement will be required but I'm prepared for all that. I've actually toned down my ambition a bit. Original idea was this Lexus engine biult up to accept a Holset turbo and a 5-speed manual. That may still happen in the future, but for now, I'm keeping it relatively simple.
My last project car was a '91 Toyota MR2 turbo. After working on that, this shouldn't be that bad.

[2 Fast 4 U]

Well, all I can say than is: good luck!!

[StephenM]

Originally Posted by Brock The Lexus V8 is a relatively small V8, 4L. It is a quad cam so it is a little wide on top, but if my measurements are correct, it should fit fine.

Small in displacement, but not necessarily small in external dimensions...rather wide as you noted, and also it looks like the cam gear covers / VVT drives on the front of the heads add a good bit of length as well. Though I suppose if you're tube framing the front half you'll have room to spare.

Originally Posted by Brock My last project car was a '91 Toyota MR2 turbo. After working on that, this shouldn't be that bad.

Coincidentally, my current car is a '91 MR2 Turbo. When I work on my Opel it seems like I trade a slight increase in engine accessibility for an increase in rusted fasteners

[kwilford]

Originally Posted by Brock Yes, that's the idea. The Lexus V8 is a relatively small V8, 4L. It is a quad cam so it is a little wide on top, but if my measurements are correct, it should fit fine. It will take a lot of work. I have a independent rear end from a GS300 to use as well. Front suspension will also come from a Lexus. Lots of fabrication and reinforcement will be required but I'm prepared for all that. I've actually toned down my ambition a bit. Original idea was this Lexus engine built up to accept a Holset turbo and a 5-speed manual. That may still happen in the future, but for now, I'm keeping it relatively simple. My last project car was a '91 Toyota MR2 turbo. After working on that, this shouldn't be that bad.

Those are interesting engine and suspension choices. Considering that you are essentially changing out the entire foundation of the GT with Lexus (aka Toyota) pieces, I agree with you that it will "...take a lot of work."

I have had an idea rattling around in my head for a while. My daily driver is a 2002 IS300 5-speed, and it has been "tuned" by a local fellow. Reg has done a couple of Supra 6-speed conversions, along with changing out the stock naturally aspirated Altezza (aka IS300) 2JZ-GE DOHC Dual VVT-i in-line six (215 HP) with an Aristo (aka GS300 in North America) 2JZ-GTE sequential twin turbo, notionally rated at 276 HP, and easily upgraded to 400+ HP. Aside from draining a person's pocketbook of a number of thousands of dollars (although MUCH less so than buying a new equivalently powered IS-F), it would also leave a "spare" 2JZ-GE and a 5-speed manual transmission.

The bad idea I have had would be to transplant that spare power-train (and a rear differential still to be determined) into my '75 Ascona SportWagon. That would leave my GT as a nice stock Sunday driver, the IS300 as the Daily Driver that would instill fear in the hearts of all the BMW 335i drivers (and maybe even an M3 or two) that take IS300's for granted. And imagine their surprise when a odd little Opel from the '70's left them wishing they had spent more money!

Anyways, good luck and keep us posted. That "little" Lexus/Toyota V8 is a very nice engine, and would be a neat change from the usual Opel GT V6 and SBC V8 engine swaps (the very few that get completed)