Filling the Engine Compartment

This is the big moment, to see what fits, what is to be removed, and what is to be modified!

The engine and gearbox are lowered into the engine compartment.

The Lexus V8 is in the jeep's engine compartment... but, the manifolds are touching on both sides, and steering rod is in the way of the alternator.

Let the modifications begin!

The arrival of the V8!

We finally visited LEXTREME in Pretoria, (www.lextreme.co.za)  and purchased the magnificent Lexus V8 engine.

This was an eye opener to all involved, as we loaded the engine and gearbox into a Corolla Verso (people carrier). I had done my homework, and had fabricated a wooden cradle in advance to stablise the engine en route back home.

My dad, impressed by the V8 inside the Corolla Verso!

After a long journey home to Botswana, having completed all importation formalities, the engine arrived in the back yard...

.. and sat for a while next to its recipient vehicle, until I could get back from a couple of business trips.

Still Saving up..

Almost a year later, and almost enough cash to buy the Lexus V8!

The engine compartment is ready and waiting..

Plenty of research later, I confirmed that decent Jeep engines are few and far between, and economically not a proposition. Having made the amazing discovery that the existing gearbox is actually a bolt-on to the 1UZ-FE Lexus V8 , this finally made my mind up.

The next decision was between the VVTi version and the non VVTi version.
Non VVti would mean no conversion necessary on the gearbox end at all. However, I eventually decided on the VVti for the sake of gaining a 5 speed automatic instead of the 4 speed gearbox, plus the fact that the VVTi puts out higher kilowatts, and is a more economical motor to run.  Adapting of the existing transfer case to the 5 speed gearbox will be needed, but this is not difficult to overcome.

The old Jeep is still in great condition.