MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Toyota/Lexus 4.0L V8 (1UZFE)

Has anyone used or know of this motor being used in an MGB conversion? It's the quad cam all alloy 4.0L V8 used in the Toyota Crown (Japan) or the Lexus 400's (Soarer etc.)
They are a great motor - hi tech EFI, 6 bearing main, well suited to supercharging/ turbos and can be picked up reasonably cheap (full front cut with 80K km's AUS$2500)
I have had a look at one in a Triumph which worked a treat.
Cheers.
Steve

I have often wondered about the Japanese V8s for use in a MGB.I did my conversion with a 5,0L Ford as is is readily available here in USA and easy to work on to get power.Plus is now become a popular one.
I would think the starting point would be the dmensions and weight of the engine.Then the fun of fitting and adapting it to the B.Would be an interesting project for a healthy budget and a challenge,
Gil Price

Saw some pictures on this board not long ago of a project underway in QL somewhere, they'll be in the archives somewhere.
It looked as though there needed some bulkhead cutting and there might have been some interference problems with the rack (what else is new). On the plus side there looked plenty of bonnet clearance so no phlenum problems at all.
There might also be problems getting registered as you'd be using a non factory motor, you'd need to check with local reg's as they are a little less strick in Queensland.
Mind you it would be a crackerjack conversion. Thats one very nice motor capable of serious power increases.
Peter

They sound like a great engine. I think for some of us though the $$ involved with just getting one could be problematic. They you probably haveto go to a toyota/lexus dealer for parts etc...

BUT, nothing I have seen other than high end German stuff holds a candle to the longevity and durability of the Japanese drivetrains. 235K on my BMW, never rebuilt. MOre people I know have 200k+ honda's and Toyotas than anything american. BUT like mentioned, the american stuff (her in the US) is super cheap to get parts for and rebuild, plus the hop-ups...

Keep us informed on how your conversions goes!
Larry Embrey

Steve,good to see someone thinking further than primitive Pom pushrod engines[HeHe! that should get the natives firing on all cylinders]unfortunately, as Peter points out,engineering certification will be a huge problem.I've just found an engineer that will put his name on a Nissan VG30DE swap[V6 quad cam,24valve,forged crank rods and pistons,distributor free,170kws]BUT!!!in order to get certification, the engine MUST come from a car that had been Australian complied, oherwise the engine has to undergo a full emission test program[only one place in the country that is set up for this[in Melbourne] will cost round $10000, and will most likely fail-sorry, you don't get the money back.Most engine swaps using import engines use the numbers from the original engine[Jap engines have one digit short of the local market engines so your local motor registry computer picks it straight away.Certification required. even if you are swaping say a Jap import engine for it's local equivilent,up untill recently, engineers were certifying this sort of thing,but check out the emission angle prior to buying a half cut, rules changing all the time.I found a 1993 Nissan 300zx at a salvage auction, low volume import, [complied in 2000]I can use this, but must pass an emission test for ADR's for 1993 As the car had a compliance plate the test can be done at any place that has a gas tester,car[ must have cats fitted]My problem is , after looking over the 300ZX[ABS, 4WS,power everything,and a 5speed that does not have a bio-degradable 2nd gear] I've decided this tech. is to good to waste in a MGBGT. I'm rebuilding the Nissan. anyone interested in a 1979 Gt straight, never been hit,built RHD, perfect interior, see your reflection in the paint[yellow] comes with 1983 injected Rover, Rover 5 speed [2nd has not dissolved yet]lightened flywheel,new stage 2 cam and chain,new clutch, Rover brakes,You assemble. email for more info.$7500
Russell

Here's an interesting one, how about a Maserati Biturbo lump, 3 or 4 valve head depending on year, lightweight all alloy 2.5 or 2.8 V6, very compact very powerfull 240bhp plus- you can reliably boost to 300bhp with decent intercoolers.
As they're built of Italian steel they fall to bits but the running gear is absolutely top dollar. Can pick a whole car up for (basket case) for £1-1.5K and you get a quality IRS to boot! baragin!
John Maynard

If Italian steel keeps falling to bits --how coime Ferrari are doiminating Formula 1? Just wondering out loud !
Gil Price

there is Italian steel in F1 ferrari?
regards
michel

michel
Good question--LOL--the technical staff are short on Italians as well--guess we all really know F1 is truly run by the Brits.
I sure hope that Williams-Mclaren--BAR and Toyota can get going to make an interesting season of it as it stands the racing has not been riveting to watch.
F1 will surely not garner alot of attention from USA with the total domination of 1 team.
I find the NASCAR road races and ALMS exciting to watch
Gil Price

I agree, all. Now I prefer the CART particularly Paul Tracy a funny man.
Regards.
michel

The Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 is relatively cheap (I've seen them as low as $500US for a good used one here in teh US, to $1200AU for a complete engine/trans package in Oz...

They are pysically smaller than the Ford 302/5.0 AND the Rover 3.5 liter V8 that was commonly put in the B's. I'm looking at installing one in my Fiat 124. The main problem is getting the ECU to work, I would think. If I can get it to work in my 124 Spyder, my buddy wants to go that route in his MGB GT instead of the Buick/Rover V8 we have on a stand in his garage...

I've seen the Lexus V8 used in Cobra replicas, earlier RWD Corollas, and even an older Toyota pickup...
Chris V

Steve,
This has been raised before and sounds like a very worthwhile option.
The engine is physically about a 700 mm cube as installed in the Lexus.
The one problem in the Japanese transplant game is matching the electronics and unless you can find a specialist in that area you may have a long hard slog to get it all to come together.

Keep posting,
Cheers, Pete.
Peter Thomas

Gil,
It may well be a secret and extremely rare ingedient....just add a splash of German persistence (in the form of M Schumacher if possible) to a dash of Italian flair and simmer gently for a number of years at the highest level.
Serve as needed.

Cheers, Pete.
Peter Thomas

Peter --Yes I did omit the Shummie influence which is substantial, but it would be nice to see it all much more competitive.
michel--I enjoy CART as well -but have been concerned for its survival although it does look like 18 teams will run this year .THE IRL racing to me is boring and unneccesssarily dangerous.
Gil Price

Thanks to all who have taken the time to pass on their opinions/ experience/ knowledge. I will still be researching this as a real option as I think the finished product will be well worth it, although I won't get started for some time as I have a house (and more importantly - a shed) to build first.
Peter T - you are right about the electronics, this has been a major issue for most of the project owners I have spoken to, but there is a fair bit of experience and learnings around now so I am hopeful that it won't hold me back!
Russell - Engineers I have spoken to say what you have said is true if the donor motor is OLDER than the vehicle. If the motor is newer then just need to retain the motors emission setup - especially for Jap motors as Japan has the strictest emission standards in the world!
Good luck to all with their projects.
Steve

Steve,
Are you aware of the Performance Forums boards?

http://board.performanceforums.com/

There are a sprinkling of MG owners there and also a sizeable number of Lexus owners / modifiers / petrolheads.

This is one of the better boards in Oz and there is a specific section on engine conversions in the Tech Section.

Joining is free (fill out the usual form)and the knowledge base is vast.

Cheers, Pete.
Peter Thomas

This thread was discussed between 09/04/2004 and 21/04/2004

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical BBS now