Why You Should NEVER 2JZ Swap a Lexus IS300 (It's a MASSIVE Pain)

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The Lexus IS300 is overall a FANTASTIC car. It has stood the test of time for reliability, comfort, and much more. However to swap the 2JZ GE over to a 2JZ GTE and have everything work is... difficult to say the least. Thankfully we have Henry and his absolutely STUNNING IS300 to walk us through his journey and quest to build the cleanest IS300 possibly in the USA. So let's talk about it!
#toyota #lexus #2jz #1jz #2jzpower #1jzvvti #turbo
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Chapters:
Intro: 0:00
DK Sponsor: 0:40
Henry's amazing journey and review begins: 1:57
Toyota STILL BUILDS 2JZ ENGINES: 2:32
Cool sounds: 3:47
Henry's insane OCD: 4:00
Booooost: 5:23
Sick burnout! 6:11
The turbo sound is amazing: 7:20
R34 Dashboard?! 8:14
Let's go fast bb: 8:59
The best reaction ever: 9:10
10:10 More skids my dude
Why I wouldn't build this: 12:08

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

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[@ThatDudeinBlue]

Friendly reminder that the 2JZ-GE and 2JZ GTE are different. Also the Altezza came with a Beams motor.

[@suprafastmafc]

The ge's are actualy very stout. Pletty of accounts of them doing 900+ hp on stock bottom end. The vvti ge's have weak rods. So, not sure if it came with that. The a340 can be built to take a TON of power. And if you can figure out the differences in the intake and exhaust bolt patterns on ge heads, get better ignition on it, turbo oiling, and proper fuel/management. 👍 Sounded like the bulk of his complications were dealing with the 1jz head swap. I imagine the manual trans was a bit of fun, and probably wouldnt physically fit in the tunnel.

[@mr.cangieter8758]

​@@suprafastmafcIS300 Ge's and Supra Ge's aren't the same. Is300 has thinner rods.

[@Ek0wn]

Lets not forget the Altezza also came with the 1g-fe.

[@Viper42104]

​@@mr.cangieter8758you do know you just have to change the rods rights? The ONLY difference between a GE and GTE is a turbo.

[@j.e3336]

​@@Viper42104A turbo and a few components l....it's essentially the same.

[@HenryJZX]

So stoked on the review!! If you all want to see how it came together I’m releasing build series videos every weds at 6!

[@dylanhoblin953]

Hey look into panic wires link package dude you can have a single ecu an everything will work like factory mat over at panic wire is amazing with his customer support an their product is amazing I'm building a 2jzgte vvti cd009 swapped is300 right now an the whole swap came out of my 98 gs300 an everything worked stock even alarm system their system is awesome. The issue is the Toyota bean can net work no one other then panic wire has been able to Crack the coding

[@adambrown6100]

I know Henry irl and he is by far one of the most passionate and kind people around. So proud to see him so happy, he deserves it

[@spideym35i]

I love Henry's personality. Aside from the awesome car he built, he looks like a fun dude ro hang out with

[@HenryJZX]

Awww come hang I live in Charlotte NC😂😂😂

[@robertfarmer6316]

Yeah dude , I agree with OP…. Def stay uploading on your channel im sure you’ll be successful …. I don’t see any scenario where you don’t blow up and have a huge channel! Much love from Detroit

[@coldmoonlight6361]

​@@HenryJZXToo bad I'm in Washington.... That's a bit of a trek lol well done on the build man 🤘

[@bluesk8crew]

So cool to see him just giggling like a little kid in his first fast car while being in his own car that's flicking awesome 😂 seems like a awesome dude love a well done Is300

[@oldhunterraziel5327]

How is it a pain? Literally drops right in, grab a harness and bam your done. Did this myself to my 2002 IS300 and was about as straightforward as swaps get.

[@toxicmasculinity7870]

Probably because of the fact that the factory GTE may have a bit of a different layout regarding installation than the GE.

[@sezuawn3861]

​@@toxicmasculinity7870The title doesnt say "Why You Should NEVER 2JZGTE Swap a Lezus is300", it says 2J thats it.

[@badbreedpat4626]

That’s it. Bam you’re done huh? God I hate the “all you gotta do is” people on social media

[@macbook802]

​@@badbreedpat4626all you gotta do is block us

[@socalguy829]

which harness? the BEAN network in IS300/IS200 is a nightmare, i bet most of your dash gauges and AC no longer work

[@Joe.0oo]

Haven’t seen Henry in years since our old car club days, but he’s a great guy and watching what he has done with this IS since COLLEGE has been a joy to see updates in our group! Rock on Henry!!!

[@MCMS331]

So clean ‼️ One of my favorite car reviews 🔥‼️

[@thebrownguy79]

There’s a glitch in the Matrix 5:23 for three second glimpse after that timestamp. Decal on the passenger side window glitched. I must of rewound this section of video countless times.

[@Thinginator]

The joy from both of you in this video is infectious! Clearly there a ton of attention to detail went into making that a very well-rounded car.

[@HLYGR4IL_GRCSquill]

Dave and henry are punching the air right now after everyone is saying “ThE Is300 CaMe wITh a 2J tHo”

[@HenryJZX]

😂😂😂😂

[@ciliotta]

Loved t o see this build come together over time. such a solid setup!

[@2jzplusboost]

thanks so much for this video! spreading knowledge and info about the IS300 platform is huge because they are 20-25 years old with still a lot of limited info for people who want to go boosted.

[@That_Stinger_GT5]

This is soo clean and it shows his love, dedication and the time that was put into it. I want an IS like it but ik thats a BIG project to take on. But cheers to him man, that 2J is SOLID

[@HenryJZX]

Thanks so much my man!!!

[@That_Stinger_GT5]

@HenryJZX ohh shit! Didn't expect you to respond. Haha, you're welcome bro, this is one of the cleanest IS's I've seen by far. It makes me want to get an IS again, lol

[@HenryJZX]

@@That_Stinger_GT5 well thank ya man, they’re amazing cars. At one point years ago I debated selling it all for a reliable fk8 type r and I’m happy I stuck with it. definitley tested me but boy was it worth it!

[@233Runner]

I can feel the love between Henry and his IS300! And the pure joy he showed from the passenger seat. That’s the same love I had when I owned my MKIV.:R32 (VR6/6MT/AWD) with the iconic “Wookie” exhaust note. Sadly, she rusted out from the underside to the point of no return.😢

[@905cavillac2]

Engine bay is very well put together💪

[@mrvento_za]

Love Henry's reactions when David steps on the gas. Real car guy. Can see how much he loves this car.

[@hi_tech_reptiles]

One of my favorite cars. Love the interior, exterior etc. Money no object id manual swap and turbo charge a Sportcross lol. Even a smaller engine IS Sportcross if I could get one. Killer build!!

[@HenryJZX]

Thanks man! I have a sportcross too, I want to LS swap it pretty bad👀👀

[@photilal1960]

Not all that expensive tbh. Clean SportCross will run $7500-10k manual swap $3k maybe, and then 2JZGE non VVTI motor and boost it will run around $5k

[@jose_s_bam7938]

I have one. Never letting it go. Not this clean though.

[@shanetyler9391]

Great video :) wonderful build man looks really great! :)

[@bradjordan6984]

Love the build! . Bring it out to the Tri State Supra Meet in NY this year!! Hope to meet you 200 supras and other JZ cars will be there ✌

[@spyplanez]

Cleanest ever. Amazing to see in person. You are a beast Henry

[@rayjhay8624]

This guy is Amazing. Personality is perfect. God bless brother

[@trenttavarez2309]

I am over the moon excited watching this i have an 02 grey is300 THANK YOU

[@GroovesAndLands]

Nicely done IS300. I'mma push back a bit on the don't "swap" an IS300 commentary: The Link G4x offered by Panic is an excellent solution. My 20+ year old harness was cooked and falling apart, so I ordered an ECU and complete new harness from Panic, fully customized for my specific application with fuel pressure, IGN1A coils, ethanol content, exhaust pressure, etc. All I had to do was plug it in, configure the inputs/outputs, and calibrate. This setup totally replaces the OEM ECU - so long as you have a manual transmission. It controls the HVAC and instrument cluster like stock. Only thing missing is the MPG gage. Plus, the Link G4x is an amazingly versatile and powerful ECU. I describe it as 95% of Motec for 25% the price. Those gearheads down under sure are good at engine control. Final thought: I DO agree with not swapping a GTE. The GE-VVTi is cheap, plentiful, VVTi is an advantage and the cylinder head is as good as the GTE. The oil squirters on the GTE are unneccessary on a street car. The blocks are the same. Just put some rods and pistons into the GE-VVTi, install the turbo/cooler/fuel system/Link G4x - and let it eat.

[@lysticalz]

You're correct, but the mindset is from the experience of a person that swapped their is300 years before this option was available. nowadays ecumaster and panic wire pnp kits are available and running a standalone is as simple as plugging stuff in(which is awesome). Video title probably wont dissuade someone from doing the swap as nowadays the price alone will do that lmao.

[@AtomicFirecracker116]

As a is300 owner this build inspires me.

[@LJGaldo]

6 years ago, a pearl white IS300 reviewed by ThatDudeinBlue made me dream about a first gen IS300 being my first car. 6 years later on a different video, I am dreaming of 1.5JZ swapping my GGP Manual IS300 to be just like Henry's!

[@Andres-300]

I bought a 5spd,LSD is300 because of his first white is300 video!!!

[@JDubST]

Dude Henry's reaction is always my reaction whenever I let my dad drive my Focus ST, which only has a tune with some bolt ons, and I'm in the passenger seat. I don't know why, but it's such a different feeling than being in the driver's seat lol.

[@kuurizzo1896]

IS300 already comes with a 2JZ. It's a 2JZGE motor aka the Naturally Aspirated non turbo 2JZ motor. It came in the IS300, GS300, and SC300 in the USA. Just add a turbo, throw in some Supra TT pistons, connecting rods and crank and you esentially have a 2JZ-GTE motor which is what every 2JZ lover wants is the "GTE" turbo motor. My Turbo IS300 made 525whp on a 60/1 turbo setup, and 614whp on a t67 setup. Same motor, same internals for 14yrs, no issues until i sold it to current owner.

[@alejandravictoria2722]

Henry has taste & awesome human! 🙏🏼✨

[@dannycohen8870]

Honestly i think one of the best sounding engines to come out from toyota is the 2UR-GSE that comes in the 2008 lexus isf when it gets into the higher rpms man it loves to scream. People think the lfa sounds better but who cares the 2UR-GSE is a 5 liter na japanese v8 that sounds amazing

[@13THPR0PH37]

💯 I have both the 1st Gen is300 and the isf.... Best engine ever.

[@IS300Spartan]

@@13THPR0PH37 Which one is your favorite? I've always wondered what could have been if I'd opted for an ISF...

[@Vip_Gzus88]

that car looks and sounds amazing ! creds !! ❤

[@kumingo]

I love everything about this video.

[@spudpotat24]

Omg Henry has an addictive personality, he is great.

[@valkyriesurvives5109]

Didnt the is300 have a 2jzGE from factory?

[@suprafastmafc]

yes

[@mentalkangaroo4228]

yessir

[@ryotaryuu]

Yup

[@718stix]

😂

[@AlexPerkins252]

Yeah that was my first question 😂

[@RPD___]

The build of my dreams 😍

[@Gone_Rogue300]

Your IS sounds so badass OMG! I have the same model but Auto! I want to manual swap it!!

[@stevel3695]

Brother I've felt your pain specifically Sourcing valvetrain parts for a 1j head. It is literally impossible to find valvespring seats oem, or aftermarket for a 1jzgte head. I think 1jz valve spring seats might value close to gold /oz😂.

[@HLYGR4IL_GRCSquill]

Letssss gooo ive been waiting so long😭😭🫡🫡

[@robertmoore119]

Awesome vehicle! When those were first hitting the street, I had my 02 Camaro. I recommend always going to a sanctioned track with them now, back then, I races one the street, Industrial sites sometimes. I had a fairly stock cat, so I always lost too those, but most of the time, only about a half a car length, fun times. I never felt bad about my losses to them, I was happy I could keep up that much. They aren't slow..

[@daviddellit8344]

Thank you.

[@J_spec6]

11:20 What's up fellow Sportcross brotha! Awesome build!

[@38tech]

He energy should be everyone's energy. Big up on the build!

[@indigoxproduction5594]

I’ve done it in from the experience. This was my first car I ever did an engine swap on it honestly wasn’t hard at all mistakes were made, but that was from my own error. I could’ve been more organized with things as well, but we learn from our mistakes.

[@Melvin-01]

What’s the wiring like? That’s the only thing scaring me

[@noahdaniels6340]

Fuck yea buddy, came together even better than I thought it would, BIG things coming family BIG things

[@noahdaniels6340]

@ThatDudeinBlue12 ~no~

[@stevenshipman6290]

Looks great sounds amazing

[@henrynewgent8481]

Been following this on insta for a while. This is such a fantastic car. His wagon is nice too!

[@joeymendoza3859]

I never new i needed an IS as badly as I do now!! Makes me wish i bought my buddies when he was selling his 😅

[@dougrodriguez4977]

beautifully done.

[@gsstanza]

Im happy he was honest about how much time and effort it took to do the build and b/c of that he wouldnt suggest someone to do the build. I built my IS and it was like 20K just in parts which many were hard to find. Then another 10k in trying to get it to run right during the trial and error phase. 30K total and I still needed another 10k to go T56. It was cool having a 2J making 450HP but it wasnt wworth it in the end. There are other 2J cars out there that make more sense in building and cost way less. Also it comes with the worse 2J out of all of them, to really take advantage of the engine you have to swap in GTE pistons and rods. Money is just better spent else were unless your pockets are deep

[@ArpusTTcansuckit]

Same boat. But its just become kinda like click bait because the car came with a 2J from factory misleading people to believe its plug and play. I just feel a bit sorry because its just kids who cant afford a supra that get baited on these things. If it were people that had money to waste then i wouldnt care as much.

[@drtube159]

seems like the title should say "NEVER 1.5jz swap" and not 2JZ swap. IS300 with the stock 2JZ-GE makes for a easy build, rods and pistons and your bottom end is good to go. Lots of options for standalone ecu in parallel harness with stock ECU from ECU masters or Haltech. I'm working on my 2001 is300 build and really like his overall look of his build. I guess most IS300 builds aren't done to this level. I'll be up on the top shelf when I'm done.

[@arrgorndenethor]

Probably one of my Favorite looking cars ever

[@sfayer90]

That thing is sweeeeeeet nice work

[@franktherabbit42]

I adore these cars. I had the baby IS200 Here in the UK and it was amazing. Only problem was the fuel costs.

[@kristianodegaard6682]

I bought a 1JZ is300 partially because of this video. My favorite car to drive by far and I own an STI and Forester XT rally car as well haha

[@correctspec]

good shit Henry

[@SL4PSYM4XY]

Beautiful car. Always loved the IS.

[@swapitout5728]

Some more love for the is300 😊❤

[@J-Zed-Rising]

Putting the engine in and getting down pipe and intercooler piping done is a little tricky but nothing crazy. I never wired a turbo engine before but did it for the first time with my is300 and just twinned the ECU's together. I would tell everyone to turbo their IS because the car feels perfect, 450-600hp is the best for these cars

[@Touring_Low]

Idk about yall but a GTE swap is easy on an IS...i know that cuz i did one. Now is it cheap? Depending on what your final goal is, as it can get pretty expensive. Basic stock swap it's cheap (before Covid) and easy. Edit: also for engine management, LinkECU has a plug and play setup for the IS so you dont have to do that ghetto ass dual ECU.

[@shaunsegree4587]

Such a great build whats the specs on the rims

[@gritandgears9159]

It's always awesome when the homies get to play too.

[@tchitewere]

I legit watched this car get built on insta over the years, i love everything about this car.

[@SlowV6Mustang]

This would be the dream altezza/is300 build, but if I had to do a build I'd probably just get a turbo kit for the ge. Yeah it's not gonna make nearly as much power as a gte, but it's not impossible (from what I've heard) to push out 400-500 hp out of those motors and have tons of fun. If money was no object I would obviously do what Henry did.

[@2jzee103]

Im tryna get a is300 and do a ge turbo build. Hopefully one day soon.

[@EgguEd51]

You are correct, turbo kit on GE equipped IS300 can push 400-450whp with no issues aside from slipping clutch if you have OEM manual transmission

[@nicholasirizarry6068]

I got rid of my 02 is300 just because I was struggling trying to find oem suspension, I do miss it a lot

[@dylankanhai3650]

My guy Henry 🤝🏾

[@just_Dario]

Sheesh remember seeing this car with the first setup with his brothers S2k.. car looks superb 🤌🏾

[@johnmurraycompton569]

The reason his car looks so good is BECAUSE he sweats the details. Love it.

[@noduh736]

Basically exactly what I want mine to look like except for not as Shiney and maybe bronze wheels

[@wakeandrew]

This makes me miss my old SC400. I always wanted to get an SC300 and make it into a 2JZ-GTE.

[@ACEkilla17]

Dope IS300. Excited to build my sc300 but i still want an is300 like this lol

[@kerrytaylor4378]

Foreshadowing before Graysons Build is complete.

[@Million_Saucepan]

Should Review a Sonata N-Line

[@vjabonador1067]

A bit of a shame you guys in the US didn't get the 3S-GE Altezza RS200. I personally think that was the engine to get in the XE10 platform. Not as bulletproof as the 2JZ or has as much potential for power on stock internals, but I think the 3S engine series is being slept on, especially on that car.

[@rhubarbpie2027]

The last gen 3S-GE is a bad-ass engine with over 100hp/ liter and can see 300hp N/A with the right mods. I love my Altezza, the 2J boat anchor kinda ruined the IS300.

[@someperson7]

I love this guys design aesthetic. Cars should be fun and usable

[@willbroccolo8389]

I wanna see his wagon!!!!

[@JubeeHS13]

Thats the big issue everyone has with the swap. Getting the electronics to work. But i belive getting a haltech nexus ecu solves that issue now.

[@EsotericHashira]

What rear diffuser is that? I want to buy one also.

[@foreverpsycotic]

Was this another Evolved tuned car? I just got my 1jz MKIII back from them.

[@Jdjsksjdhdj]

but it has a na 2j in it. could i just do a one point five jz build in it instead?

[@R.A.N.B.I]

So did he swap a 1jz in i love the pure sound that engine makes

[@jakearmstrong4375]

We need to get some car reviews with some of itsjusta6 cars

[@xironmansdaddyx3653]

LOVE. IT. The only thing I'd change is the badging. I'd have left the "L", just so I could hand it to folks. 💯😆

[@HenryJZX]

😂😂😂 I love it, my other trunk still has the L. Need to put it back on now🤣

[@kasper_429]

I can't stand the eyebrow things on the headlights (I thought that trend died out already, lmao; no offense Henry!), but other than that, this thing is mint! I like the 1JZ over the 2JZ anyway, because it just sounds way better IMO.

[@hereforthecomments1818]

Nice to see a man cheesin over his car from the passenger seat even, he love loves his car

[@Toyota4Life]

There’s a tons of nice IS300 builds lol

[@1jzhatch113]

I need those wheel specs 🔥

[@LOVE-VIBES-X-PROJECT-CARS]

Idk man. Plenty people do it and have no issue plus na-t builds are more common now

[@stuchbrosmnore8627]

In general, the 2JZ series engine FIRST STARTED in the Toyota JZA147(Aristo)/Lexus GS. NOT the Supra MK4

[@sasukesuchiha93]

is it still a stock 2jz bottom end? with a built head

[@CDN296]

So in Australia we got the IS200 and some IS300, 1j swaps are fairly common along with 1uz , sr20 , rb25

[@Sam-go3mb]

You're telling me people aren't slapping Ford and Commodore V8's into their Tezza's? I'm gutted mate

[@CDN296]

@@Sam-go3mb I've only seen one LS swap and 2 barra swapped oh and 1 guy is going v12 from the century 💀

[@Sam-go3mb]

@@CDN296 good god that Century swap will be absolutely insane. hope I see that online

[@TsunamiSephi]

It's not even up for debate. This is the best looking Lexus IS on the planet. Incredible work.

[@wax333]

Why is it a pain some of the altezza came with the non turbo 2jz

[@kumakaroshi117]

Size and specs on the wheels any spacers ??

[@teddiazjr.6223]

Link or info on the fiberglass work in nj

[@TheSwedishCarGuy]

What a awesome IS300 :D

[@Salvisol]

Rwd 3sgte would have been cool. Lighter than the 2J tucks in closer to the firewall.

[@Gsr_automotive]

Henry's fitment is 10/10

[@1jzboi]

can confirm it's a doozy, but not impossible i've had 3 1jz swapped is200's and they are the best chassis to drive with a turbo jz multiplex wiring is a hassle

[@bryantloko]

I wish we got the option of the 3sge in the states tho

[@Autowill]

Me too, but fear not RS200 Altezzas should be legal to import pretty soon for the 1998 Model year.