Read the article here: <a href="http://www.britishv8.org/Triumph/RodneyWells.htm">Rodney Wells' 1980 Triumph TR7 with Toyota Soarer 1UZ-F V8 Engine</a>
(http://www.britishv8.org/Triumph/RodneyWells/RodneyWells-TR7-BG.jpg)
That is really a nicely done car. Rodney should be very proud of his creation.
I followed Rodney's build on the TR7v8 forum at TriumphTR7.com. He also has a Ford master cylinder on the brakes, which eliminated the TR7 proportioning valve. He did that conversion pretty quickly over the winter months. There are several threads on it over there, and some good spec sheets on the WRX rotors and other stuff that was quite interesting.
Dan B
Thanks for the tip! I checked with Rodney and got more info on the brakes. The article has been updated... here's a snapshot:
(http://www.britishv8.org/Triumph/RodneyWells/RodneyWells-TR7-FA.jpg)
A few more additions to the article seem likely...
Great Swap - beats using the old RV8. Must have been tight with the DOHC heads (this often restrict conversions), see it using some (what looks like) std cast headers off the donor, that are good and tight.
I've just received and added a few more photos...
The headers are unmodified, but Toyota used tubular (fabricated steel) manifolds instead of cast iron.
Hey Dan, you sure you don't want to go this route on your TR7? I know the extra transmission I have mates up to a Lexus SC430 and the engine he used is the same as the one in the SC400. Might be worth looking into. You already have lots of parts for your BOPR but they should sell easily. Might take longer to sort things out but it looks like a pretty slick conversion. What were the trouble spots?
JB
I love Rodney's conversion! Really. It might be worth considering. I couldn't find an SC400 on Car-part.com and all the 430 engines are expensive though.
I was checking the wrong years. SC400s were made from 1991-2000. The 1UZ engines are around $2500 +/-
No they aren't.
You can pick them up in Ga for $250. I know of a guy who shoved one in a 914 who got it at that price.
You can get a JDM one for $499 in NJ - http://motors.shop.ebay.com/__?_from=R40&_trksid=p3841.m39.l1313&_nkw=1uz-fe&_sacat= and $475 in CA - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus-1UZ-FE-JDM-Used-Engine-LS400-90-97-SC400-92-97-/180509147281?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a072f0091
Do a search for 1UZ-FE on eBay - there are several for sale right now.
The problem (as I understand it) is that they aren't particularly tunable, so they are sub 300hp engines.
I don't ~know~ that though, it's just what I've been told. They work just fine in a 914 though ;)
Sub 300 hp will do just fine in a TR7. The 1998-2000 LS400 and GS400 used the 1UZ engine and the 5 speed automatic transmission, and I think that would be a right decent combination for anyone who does any city driving. Use the OEM controller and wiring harness for both engine and transmission and it should be a real easy swap.
JB
Alan, you're right! I found that link on ebay right after I posted about car-part.com. Also found one close to Jim for $650 on Craigslist, but it has way too many miles on it (160,000).
Rodney has done several TR7v8 conversions and says this is the fastest one ever.
You'll need the Lexus exhaust manifolds also.
JB