A 300-HP Lexus V8 Turned This Montero Into the Ultimate '90s SUV

This article details a unique and innovative build where a 3UZ Lexus V8 engine was swapped into a Mitsubishi Montero, transforming it from a reliable but slow vehicle to a powerful and robust SUV. Here are the key points of this project:

Project Overview:

• Vehicle: Second-generation Mitsubishi Montero (1995-2002).
• Engine Swap: From the original diesel engine to a 3UZ V8 from a Lexus SC430.
• Power Output: The swap approximately doubles the power output, providing around 300 horsepower.

Key Components and Challenges:

• Transmission Adapter: Northwest Toys LLC provided an adapter to connect the Toyota/Lexus transmission to the Mitsubishi transfer case.
• Custom Mounts and Crossmember: Custom mounts were required due to the non-standard engine installation.
• ECU Tuning: Quantum Auto in Fresno, California, worked with a tuner in Russia to adjust the ECU for compatibility.

Project Timeline:

• The build took approximately 18 months from start to finish.
• Ongoing optimization and troubleshooting (like air conditioning issues) are still being addressed.

Benefits of the Swap:

• Power: Significantly improved acceleration and

Read the full article at The Drive

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