pauldridge

Actually, as I recall, the fuel pump can be removed from the fuel tank by accessing from behind the rear seat... Just pull the seat back out, and you will see the access. For safety's sake, disconnect your battery before disconnect those fuel pump leads from an open tank (unless you want to create the next terrorist incident in the US!)

Jarrett Humphries, www.powerhouseRacing.com, specializes in Gte swaps into the SC300. He's located in texas. If you're mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself... see www.fly-hawaii.com/lexustt

I've done the swap, and documented the process. Most of the above comments are right on. It can be done, has been done... you just need money and patience. see my website for pics and info: www.fly-hawaii.com/lexustt Feel free to email me direct, via link on the site, if you have any questions... happy to help

Bear in mind the bottom end of the Supra GTE TT engine is virtually identical to the Lexus stock, with exception of some peripherals. Both the Lexus transmissions will bolt right on with no modifications. Some folks think the automatic is a bit weak to handle the extra power, and particularly if you tweak the TT engine beyond its stock output (who wouldn't.. it's so easy?). The 5-speed manual, however, is pretty bullet-proof. Mine has gladly handled the 450HP I've thrown at it over the past 15k miles. The stock Lexus clutch will FIT, but it won't last for 3000 miles with any appreciable boost from the TT engine. After some trial and error, I found that a heavy-duty Toyota truck clutch unit did the trick, and holds the torque without complaining.

The engines themselves are physically virtually identical for all MKIV models from 93 through the last ones in 98. It is just the ECU, and most likely the corresponding main wiring harness that differed when Toyota started including the OBDII diagnostic software. My own engine is a '97, but running the older, pre-OBDII ECU. I haven't had personal experience with the OBDII, it may interface just fine, but several Supra forum posters seem to indicate that the complexity increases a good bit when making a conversion.

Whew, That's a lot! Not trying to make a sale.. but EVERYTHING you need to know is covered in my conversion manual... however, I'll try to answer your questions best as I can: The TT engine fits with NO modifications into the SC300 engine bay. There is even an opening already there as provision for the intercooler pipes, and place to mount the intercooler in the right side of the forward compartment.(thanks to the Japanese Lexus Soarer with the turbo engine). The actual year of the Supra engine used is pretty much immaterial, they are all virtually identical. It is the ECU and the wiring harness that is somewhat different with the OBDII diagnostics, and that system can be somewhat more troublesome to connect up. Best to stick with a 1995 ECU and harness, or earlier. Also, it doesn't matter whether the engine was used originally with auto or manual, either will mate up with the stock Lexus transmissions(s). I used the Lexus 5-speed, which is plenty strong for the job. Most sources seem to think the automatic is a bit weak to handle the extra power. Cost? Can vary wildly... if you can get a complete Supra engine/intercooler, MAF, Oil Pump, Fuel Pump, harness, ECU, radiator, then your other costs will be less than $1,000. Obviously, any missing pieces from the Supra side will increase the overall costs. Hope this helps! Phil

There are a number of SC300's with Supra TT engines, including mine. A bit milder, I wanted the ultimate street, not track car, and very happy with the 450+ HP. Happy to answer questions from anyone else considering such a swap. phil at fly-hawaii.com

there are a number of conditions which will cause the AC ECU to turn off power to the compressor clutch... high drag on the compressor, inadequate freon pressure, etc. If not already, I'd at least take it to a Lexus dealer for final opinion before springing for the new compressor. I had a solar-sensor check code, along with several others, turned out, in my case, the speed sensor info was not getting to the ECU. There never was a solar-sensor problem!

I have installed a Supra TT engine in my SC300, and documented the process on my website. Can't speak for sure about the SC400, but have to believe that most of the fitment and interface would be similar.