Sneak Peek at the 2JZ (Lexus Inline 6 Motor) I am Cramming into my Ex-Girlfriend's Engine Bay

I did a thing today.... 2jz Toyota Mini Van!

Guy picked up the JDM 2jz that I had sitting forever. One of the coolest dudes I've met. He's going to be putting it in a super clean Toyota Cressida. We'll probably be in touch pretty close on the build because I am going to show him a bit of the wiring side of things, which sounds like the only thing he's a bit uncertain about.

Going to be so cool to see his swap unravel!

Really got me excited taking a look at the 2jz Tacoma that's been sitting for a while now as I am nearly done building my regular cab. I'm so thrilled to have the regular cab more off road oriented and eventually have the 2jz Tacoma as a daily. I could technically take it right now to get BAR'd (I'm sure it's at least going to be a couple trips...), but I really really want to finish all the fine little details on it first and get her all wrapped up soon.

 

California right? What are the guidelines for engine swaps?

 

Yessir! So basic guideline revolves entirely around emissions based stuff motor related. So this excludes the gas tank (I am sure all the 4-link offroad crawler guys will understand that one......). Anyhow, motor has to be same year or newer from the same manufacture. Toyota/Lexus. All emissions stuff has to be from the new motor, such as catalytic converters. I thiiiink the air box too but I am going to see if I can get by with using the stock Tacoma air box first. Stuff like that for the most part. Also, motor has to be from same or lesser weight vehicle. What I am getting at is you cannot stick a Tundra motor in a Camry, if I understand that part correctly.

 

Just started the ol' girl up for the first time in what seems like a year. Forgot how amazing it sounds!! I am done building my regular cab and going to be moving back onto this on the weekends. I know it is counter productive kinda, but I am going to start working on polishing the paint back up and getting the flares black and making her fresh to bring back some spark! Then go from there. Was awesome to sit in those Lexus seats!

 

I bet that thing sounds awesome in there!!

 

Working on fixing up the paint today. Paint was never all that great on this truck. Cut and polished the bed and will do the rest of the cab tomorrow. Don't want to go wild as my buffing pad is picking a lot of junk up from the paint. Will save the serious detail for another day. But what a wold of difference!

 

Rims are 6 lug off around an '05 Tundra if I recall. They're 16" and the 5 spoke.

Tires are Mickey Thompson ATZ and in the 275/75/16 flavor.

 

What kind of buffing wheel and compound are you using here? I have a buffer but don't really know what products I should use with it.

I would love to try it out on my worn out paint. Planning a paint job towards the end of this summer so its not the end of the world if I accidentally cut through the clear anywhere. Just wanting to learn the ropes.

 

What a pain, but she came out super clean!

 

Little Rev to end the night. Felt good to hear it run after all this time. https://youtu.be/S2LlvZLEO1Y

 

I don't recall what I am using actually, I can check tomorrow if you really want. However, all the big name brands work just fine in my limited experience.

From what I've gathered and experienced there are a few main things to know about. There is also a really good detailing thread somewhere, most likely stickied.

Good wash first and foremost.

• Clay bar to pull all the bugs and junk still stuck in your paint so it doesn't get buffed in and scratch more.
• Compound is similar to using baking soda on the teeth...it is a very fine grit for cutting and smoothing the paint. Works amazing on oxidized paint that looks like it had been finished off with 1,000 grit sandpaper just from the sun eating it away.
• Polish is more of a chemical step than anything else to finish it off.
• Wax. I use synthetic (because of my other truck). It holds up to dirt and many washes substantially better than canuba wax in my experience.
• Rotary/Orbital buffer made life waaaay easier. Could not have done this by hand.

At the end of the day, a good wax is like good sunscreen for us whiteboys. Once the wax wears off the sun begins to cause the paint to become porous and is like a bad sunburn. Go many years too long and your paint will be burnt essentially.

 

YYEEEYAH

 

sub'd

 

Don't ask, don't tell....

 

Recently

 

Grill is on. She's getting closer!!!! No longer looking like a parts truck anymore.

 

@Tyler Lacasse , WOW am I impressed with what some of you guys here on TW are doing to these 1st gen trucks. I've read through most of this really long post. When your finally finished, give yourself a huge pat on the back for a job well done. You'll have one hell of a Unique 1st gen truck.

 

Thank you sir! This build has most certainly seen its ups and downs. Right now the struggle is time from work, but we're getting closer and closer! You guys all have been a huge motivator.

 

Well guys...

I have so much fun with my regular cab and between all the other projects I have going on, I am thinking about letting the 2jz truck go just because it is not practical to me. Looking for a better daily driver for my 80 mile daily commute to work.

I am not expecting a bunch for it because it hasn't been officially made street legal yet. There are lots of little details that need to be done still, but it technically can be driven because it is all hooked up and ready to roll. I just drove it 20 feet in my backyard the other week haha.

Located in San Gabriel if anyone is interested in this truck...make me an offer!

 

I’ll give you $5 and an unfucked chicken