Hello!
I've been lurking around here for a while, and have yet to find a detailed post on a 3SGE Altezza swap on a LHD Lexus IS200/IS300 for a streetcar build. Decided to list down my project so hopefully my build can help those that are planning to do the same.
![137987]( "137987")
TL;DR, if you plan on doing this swap buy an entire Altezza halfcut including the rear end. It'll make your life so much easier and save money, trust me.
And just to get it out of the way, I didn't get an Altezza instead of an IS because right-hand drive cars are not allowed in the Philippines. There are a few Altezzas in the country that have been converted to LHD, but I don't want to drive a converted car. Also, where's the fun in that? Anyway onto the build.
![137989]( "137989")
I used a 2000 Lexus IS200 as a base car for the swap. It came with the slow AF 1G-FE and automatic tranny. After two years of use and fixing the suspension, I decided to do the 3SGE swap this year since the engine was getting tired and misfiring quite badly. The swap is currently ongoing, but it wasn't as easy as removing the old engine, dropping in the new one, and calling it a day. Worse yet, I only bought the engine and transmission since my friend gave it to me at a good price.
![137990]( "137990")
Since my car was automatic, I had to source a set of manual pedals and a clutch master cylinder. Unfortunately, the RHD pedals don't fit perfectly onto my LHD car, and I only ended up using the clutch pedal and master. So I'm currently stuck with the big brake pedals until I find a workaround. The shop doing the shop has suggested I cut it up, but if you guys have any suggestions that would be really helpful.
![137991]( "137991")
For the engine itself, I had it refreshed before installing it in the car. I'm currently using the original IS200 crossmember. It sits without any modification, but it's a bit too forward. As a result, the shifter doesn't lineup center and the propeller shaft was short by around 3-4 inches. The mechanics are trying to find a solution for it since we still have space to move the engine back nearer the firewall. At the same time, we will also try using an Altezza crossmember if all else fails. I will update you guys on how it goes.
![137992]( "137992")
There's also the issue of the headers and the steering column. Japan-branded headers for the 3SGE won't fit in a LHD drive car since they won't clear the steering column. I'm not too sure about the factory headers, but they probably won't either. You'll have to fabricate a custom one to do so. Thankfully, my friend still had his old setup before swapping to a 1JZ.
![137988]( "137988")
The other problems I still need to solve are relocating the ABS, finding a long enough throttle cable, and having the wiring sorted out to work with a Link Monsoon standalone. The location of current ABS gets in the way of the stock airbox as well as any aftermarket filter kit. I'm planning to put it behind the passenger strut tower, similar to the Altezza, since I'm relocating the battery to the trunk either way. For the throttle cable I might just use whatever works.
If you guys have any questions regarding the build, don't hesitate to ask! 😃 I'll try to find the photos of the parts I used as well for reference.
![137993]( "137993")
Also, picture of my car before we started the project ✌ Cheers!
I've been lurking around here for a while, and have yet to find a detailed post on a 3SGE Altezza swap on a LHD Lexus IS200/IS300 for a streetcar build. Decided to list down my project so hopefully my build can help those that are planning to do the same.
TL;DR, if you plan on doing this swap buy an entire Altezza halfcut including the rear end. It'll make your life so much easier and save money, trust me.
And just to get it out of the way, I didn't get an Altezza instead of an IS because right-hand drive cars are not allowed in the Philippines. There are a few Altezzas in the country that have been converted to LHD, but I don't want to drive a converted car. Also, where's the fun in that? Anyway onto the build.
I used a 2000 Lexus IS200 as a base car for the swap. It came with the slow AF 1G-FE and automatic tranny. After two years of use and fixing the suspension, I decided to do the 3SGE swap this year since the engine was getting tired and misfiring quite badly. The swap is currently ongoing, but it wasn't as easy as removing the old engine, dropping in the new one, and calling it a day. Worse yet, I only bought the engine and transmission since my friend gave it to me at a good price.
Since my car was automatic, I had to source a set of manual pedals and a clutch master cylinder. Unfortunately, the RHD pedals don't fit perfectly onto my LHD car, and I only ended up using the clutch pedal and master. So I'm currently stuck with the big brake pedals until I find a workaround. The shop doing the shop has suggested I cut it up, but if you guys have any suggestions that would be really helpful.
For the engine itself, I had it refreshed before installing it in the car. I'm currently using the original IS200 crossmember. It sits without any modification, but it's a bit too forward. As a result, the shifter doesn't lineup center and the propeller shaft was short by around 3-4 inches. The mechanics are trying to find a solution for it since we still have space to move the engine back nearer the firewall. At the same time, we will also try using an Altezza crossmember if all else fails. I will update you guys on how it goes.
There's also the issue of the headers and the steering column. Japan-branded headers for the 3SGE won't fit in a LHD drive car since they won't clear the steering column. I'm not too sure about the factory headers, but they probably won't either. You'll have to fabricate a custom one to do so. Thankfully, my friend still had his old setup before swapping to a 1JZ.
The other problems I still need to solve are relocating the ABS, finding a long enough throttle cable, and having the wiring sorted out to work with a Link Monsoon standalone. The location of current ABS gets in the way of the stock airbox as well as any aftermarket filter kit. I'm planning to put it behind the passenger strut tower, similar to the Altezza, since I'm relocating the battery to the trunk either way. For the throttle cable I might just use whatever works.
If you guys have any questions regarding the build, don't hesitate to ask! 😃 I'll try to find the photos of the parts I used as well for reference.
Also, picture of my car before we started the project ✌ Cheers!
