While recently perusing the classifieds for suitable Brave Pills, this Lexus IS200 came up for consideration. Why? Hopefully it'll make some sense, with an engine twice the size of standard now fitted and the car being 20 years old. With 164,000 miles. But, when you think about it, this isn't that brave at all.
The V8 donated into this IS isn't some peaky, temperamental race engine; instead it's the 4.0-litre 1UZ found in the larger LS, the later VVT-I version no less, which is known for stoic dependability. It's a popular swap, as it fits with the standard car's six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. Indeed the transplant was even undertaken by Lexus themselves, when they put the larger 3UZ engine in the IS430 SEMA concept car of 2003 (see pics below), which just goes to show how much sense it makes. At around 300hp and 300lb ft, the engine isn't overly stressed, and how many times have you heard of LS400s doing mega miles? Here's that engine in something half a tonne lighter, with a manual gearbox, and presumably making quite a lot more noise as well.
The lack of a faster IS before the first F of 2007 always seemed bizarre, particularly given the first-gen 300 was powered by the 2JZ made famous by the Toyota Supra (albeit without the twin turbos). That may actually explain why there's been such appetite from the aftermarket for engine swaps, sating a desire (and an opportunity) that was so clearly there.
Beyond that, there's much to be encouraged by in this advert. It's being sold by a person who describes it as a "great car", but one that must go because they "have too many toys so it simply doesn't get used"; if this is the calibre of car that doesn't get driven, imagine what sort of cars they to get around to using... Furthermore, it's reasonably subtle to look at, cloaking the fact it has nearly twice the power of standard (exhaust notwithstanding), with a badge there for those looking but little else. That the lowered stance is mentioned is a notable point, the seller apparently keen to return it to the standard ride height for full sleeper effect. Which is cool.
Think of everything that could be done with this. It would probably remain a lovely road car, compact and with surfeit of power and torque - with that manual gearbox, too. Or the IS could surely be further fettled for a career as a track/drift car, its handy dynamics making it popular for this already and the engine of course making it that bit more exciting. That's before any further modification, too - Google 'Lexus 1UZ turbo' and the third YouTube result is a twin-turbo swap into an RX-7, so the sky's the limit when it comes to modifying this engine...
Oh yeah, and it's £5,000. £5,250 to be precise, but not a lot of money in any case. Despite the mileage it looks more than presentable inside and out, with the considerable rarity and curio appeal on top of the timeless charm of a big V8 in a small saloon. We're struggling to think of much more entertaining for the money than the Lexus to be honest, given the sound it must make and the oversteer it's surely capable of, but we'll hand it over to the floor - what would be better for £5k?
SPECIFCATION - LEXUS IS200 V8
Engine: 3,969cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear wheel-drive
Power (hp): 300@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 310@4,000rpm
MPG: Well, it did 23 or so in an LS...
CO2: Pass
First registered: 1999
Recorded mileage: 164,000
Price new: c. £22,000
Yours for: £5,250
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