eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

I have always liked the Lexus IS300 and when I saw the LS1 swap was not only possible but practical I decided that was the route I was going for my daily driver. I picked up a 2002 IS300 with 187k on the car for a great price. After that I found a perfect donor car, 2001 Trans Am with 113K on the motor, lots of go fast goodies and a freshly built top end.

My goal is to have the swap done by the beginning of August. I plan to retain cruise control, A/C, and all the stock gauges. I know to keep the temp and mpg gauge working I will have to keep the 2JZ ECU hooked up. I'd like to keep all the creature comforts of the Lexus with more power! The only thing I should be losing is traction control.

I've ordered swap headers and motor/trans mounts from Dedicated Motorsports that should be here any day now. I've also got several other small parts on the way. I got the motor and trans out of the TA today. Next weekend I'd like to get the motor out of the Lexus and set the LS in to get dimensions for the drive shaft, power steering, heat, and A/C lines. Wiring is the only part that has me nervous but I should be able to work through it.

For now here are some pics of both the donor and the project car.








I will be parting out the rest of the TA after I pull all the parts I'm going to need to complete the swap.

curbcheck

Off to a great start, I always loved the IS300. And the one you picked up looks to be in great condition. Good luck with your build

eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

It's certainly not in bad shape, there are some small dents and marks in the paint but for the year and miles it is decent.

Stancel

iTrader: (8)

Welcome to the world of LS swapped IS300s. You are going to want much wider rear wheels than stock...

eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man. I am planning on different wheels and tires once the swap is done. I need too figure out wide I can go on a non staggered setup. I don't want different sizes front and rear since I plan to daily drive this a good number of miles.

Stancel

iTrader: (8)

It is going to be tough to get a good tire up front unless add fender flares or run a lot of camber. Stock my car would scrub the chassis at full lock with 235s on stock wheels.

seadoo

Going to be watching this.

eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

I don't have any real progress updates today but I got a bunch of parts (I bet the mail and UPS guy hate me).

3" Electric Cutout


Cats and 3" flex hoses


4" to 3.5" reducer for the intake


Weapon R Coolant Tank


LS2 GTO oit pan, windage tray, pick up, and dipstick (should get this notched and welded at work this week.


I got these a while back from a buddy at work, they came on his CTS-V and he didn't like them...so I got 'em.


I probably won't get much done this weekend since it's my wifes birthday. I'll probably just get the motor cleaned up and the oil pan installed.

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

I have Always loved IS300s for a LSx swap. Perfect cars.

seadoo

I am very interested in doing this swap, very curious to know how to retain the factory AC function. Last update Matt did he had to use a seat heater switch but was working on getting to function like factory.

eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

I wasn't able to get the oil pan notched today at work but should be able to tomorrow. I also stopped on the way home and picked up the pan gasket, front & rear main seals, and an intake gasket so I can do some clean up this weekend and get the motor ready to go in the car.

I'm not certain that it will work since I haven't done it yet, but here is my approach. The A/C (auto function at least) relies on the Intake Air Temp sensor. This is the same one I believe that allows you to see the outside temperature on the dash. Since I plan to retain the 2JZ ECU I'm going to see if I can get that to engage and disengage the A/C compressor instead of the LS1 ECU running it.

Anybody know why this wouldn't work?

BoostinIx

iTrader: (7)

Can't wait to see this go down

seadoo

Lo. oking forward to seeing how your venture goes with the AC. I will retain the stock ECU for the gauges and AC if it works.

madmike9396

iTrader: (29)

Damn man looks like the swap is coming along good !!! keep it up dated

eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

Hey! I was gonna shoot you a PM with this thread and couldn't remember what your screen name was.

eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

So I had another busy day at work today (been that way a lot lately). I wasn't able to get the oil pan welded, but I did get it cut and the panels to be welded in are ready for Monday.

We used the band saw for the vertical cuts in the pan.



Then moved over to the mill with a slitting saw for the horizontal cuts.


Finally have the clearance needed for the subframe, just need to fill it back in so it will hold oil.


I'm also going to have to cut a good bit out of the baffle to match the new shape of the pan.


Minus the welds this is what the pan will look like when it is done.

seadoo

Looks good! Are you planning on keeping the cruise control as well? Moving along nicely, I am watching this thread like a hawk on a mouse! lol

eng1nerd

iTrader: (2)

I am planning on keeping cruise since this will be a daily driver and family car. The TA had cruise on the drive by wire setup so I should be able to use that and just trigger the cruise module with the factory Lexus controls. I'll have to look at the wiring to make sure they operate the same but using the GM cruise has been done on a number of other swaps.

Thumper28

iTrader: (4)

Band saw and mill are definitely the way to go. I used an angle grinder in my garage and it was a PITA.

madmike9396

iTrader: (29)

looking good man keep up the good work. that IS300 is gona be a blast to drive