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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Lexus LS400 V8

Gentlemen,

Any one using this engine in an MGB? Know anything about it? Any one looked into using it in an MGB? Size? Weight? Cost?etc? Any information on this engine welcomed. Thanks

Dan Masters
Dan Masters

Same V8 that's in the SC400. Aluminum block motor, making I think around 300hp. There's a guy in Aus that did the conversion, but I know nothing more than that.

Justin
Justin

We looked at that engine while considering a swap in a Morris Minor. It would have been too large for that car but not tremendously so and could be a candidate for an MGB. Seems cost was an issue.
Jim
Jim Blackwood

I have been researching the engine for my conversion as they are relatively cheap over here. I have been talking to our growing Lexus community and essentially very little is known about the engines. Go-fast bits are still yet to be developed on a large scale so most people are developing their own. I saw some photos a while back of someone in Oz trying to fit one in an MGB, but they only showed a it placed in the engine bay - not fitted. I haven't heard about it since.
This is some of what I have found out so far about the engine, although I do not know how accurate it is:

Size: 700x700x700mm (28"x28"x28")
Weight: 462 or 470lbs
All alumunium
Code: 1UZ-FE
The later versions had VVTI (1997+ I think)
4.0l capacity
32 valve, quad cam
Most come attached to an auto box
190kw at 5100rpm (no VVTI)
206kw at 6000rpm (VVTI) peak torque (402Nm)
10.0:1 compression (no VVTI)
10.5:1 compression (VVTI)
Respond well to turbos/superchargers
Cost: AUD$800 bare to AUD$2500 for complete half cut

Other versions include:
4.7l 2UZ-FE with an iron block 173kw
4.3l 3UZ-FE is the newer version of the 1UZ-FE and is aluminium 206kw - 5600 rpm. Peak torque is 430Nm at just 3400 rpm

They make a supercharged version over here and made a car called the Bullet Roadster based on an MX-5 (Miata). I hear there are some dragsters around the world with this engine producing good power - over 1000hp.

So if anyone has gone further than just research it like me, I would be interested in hearing your stories.
Stuart Overell

That's:

190 Kw = 255 hp
206 Kw = 276 hp
402 Nm = 296 lb-ft

for us metrically challenged.
Edd Weninger

Dan,

Looking at the HP numbers and weight, the Ford 302 is still a better option for USA conversions.
Of course, I'm biased slightly as well !! :)

Cheers

Pete

1969 302 V8
Pete Mantell

Thanks for the input, guys.

Pete,

You won't get any argument out of me on the Ford. However, Ford engines are not as readily available in other parts of the world as they are here, but the Lexus is much more common (or so I've been told).

On the other hand, there is a lot of "gee-whiz" associated with the Lexus. And whether we like to admit it or not, gee-whiz is important to many (most?)of us. Or have I been hanging around with street rodders too long. Nah, we're all street rodders at heart.

Just to put your mind to ease, though, I'll still firmly in the Ford camp.
Dan Masters

This thread was discussed between 15/06/2004 and 17/06/2004

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