IJZGTE VVTi Swap Started (UPDATED 09/08/09)

modifyd · August 5, 2009

Just wanted to throw a starter picture up to see what people think about my VVTi swap. I envy to those guys that keep the radiator support intact when doing a swap. I've found it most helpful being able to climb in and out of the bay to weld and grind. As of right now the steering box is mounted on the passenger side and the firewall is cut out. The engine will sit in the passenger compartment about 6 inches and a 'dogbox' will be built - kind of like an old van so I can access the plugs, etc. The sheet metal from around the firewall has been completely seam welded for structure and also where the steering box is now. I have the pinch molding spot welds drilled out on top for the new firewall as well as the old dash mounts inside. It will be getting a rolled bar for a dash that will eventually tie into a cage. Also about 90% of the engine bay brackets have been removed to clean up the bay. Updates probably won't come often as I only get to work on it about every other weekend being out of town for my job.

PS: have no idea how that driver tow hook got bent - just noticed that.

Edited September 8, 2009 by modifyd

Scotty Dont · August 5, 2009

Can't see much but why did you go with a vvti engine I thought they were limited to the amount of power they can make compared to the non-vvti engine.

modifyd · August 5, 2009

I'll put up a few pictures when I get them off my phone. This was just a quick overview of how far it's gotten. I went with the VVTi for the single over the twins and for something a little different. I plan on a 3.0 block way day down the road.

JustPaus_88TSi · August 5, 2009

Can't see much but why did you go with a vvti engine I thought they were limited to the amount of power they can make compared to the non-vvti engine.

Either will make more power than anyone can logically use on the street.

I know the VVTI 2JZ's have no issues making retarded power, not sure if there's a difference in the 1JZ's or not.

Convette · August 5, 2009

haha my car has a big hole in the front too. I came very close to cutting my rad. support many times... ANyways, cool swap. If you a spec sheet for a tight as$ cage let me know. I had mine built by Art Morrison, it is the cheapest you will find anywhere for DOM.

modifyd · August 5, 2009

Just a few more pictures I took this past weekend with the first picture. They show the semi-smoothed strut towers and welded seams. The rust is from me being lazy and not cleaning and primering the metal after grinding. You can see it in the floorboard as well. It was worse on the driver's side as I removed the sound-deadening and never painted it.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7220/imag0026tbd.jpg http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/imag0026tbd.jpg/1/w320.png

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7240/imag0027w.jpg http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/imag0027w.jpg/1/w320.png

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9016/imag0028u.jpg http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/imag0028u.jpg/1/w320.png

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4162/imag0030.jpg http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/imag0030.jpg/1/w320.png

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2945/imag0031k.jpg http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/imag0031k.jpg/1/w320.png

Idriftjunk,

That would be great to have those specs. Are you using 1.75"? I caught much cain for the 1J as the guys I work on cars with restore '69 and '70 Mustangs (think year's correct for body) and they thought the V8 route would be much better. Looking at your's, I think we're in the same boat! I just always liked the 2JZ and got this for a good price with the R154, so here we are.

Ryan_V · August 6, 2009

Ah man, the swap I've been wanting to do for 10yrs....minus the VVTI.

I was told that there isn't a single manifold available to fit the 1jzvvti head right now.

Do you know what's really weird about the 1JZ heads, and I don't understand it. Exhaust ports 2 and 5 are smaller than all the rest of the cylinders. I wonder if the 1jzvvti is the same way??

Driftmotion sells upgraded 1jzvvti turbos.

modifyd · August 25, 2009

Update: Dash bar installed, waiting until the next weekend to mount column on right side. I tacked the factory mount back up on the left side just to get an idea for the brackets. I'm going to use the factory lower half of the column mount.

Also, looking to make the mounts for the 1J and then sell it and go with a 2JZ non-VVTi.

Idriftjunk,

Do you have a file you could send me with those cage specs?

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/1715/imag0043z.th.jpg

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/2006/imag0047f.th.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6074/imag0049s.th.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6851/imag0050l.th.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7268/imag0051nif.th.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5287/imag0041gvh.th.jpg

Edited August 25, 2009 by modifyd

Convette · August 26, 2009

progress looks good man, whats your email adress? I'll send them to you.

modifyd · August 26, 2009

Thanks, I actually regressed this weekend, lol. I was leaning on the windshield looking at the column supports and noticed the bottom of the windshield was separated about 1.5" away from the seal. The sides were separated as well so being a genius, I decided to remove the windshield. It would make it easier to weld in the dash bar. After a little twisting, the windshield wouldn't come off of the top seal, so rather than wire cut it, I pulled harder and.... crack!! That's why in some pictures there's a windshield and in others there's not one.

Anyway, thanks again for those specs. My email is cterry.siemens@gmail.com