GS450H - How to remove the engine - Any tips?

[Dan--T]

Somebody has finally agreed to buy the engine from my GS450H so my EV conversion can get moving.

Problem is he's set me an ultimatum, so I have to get the engine out and stripped down ready to collect in 3 nights.

I assume some of you have pulled out this engine before. - Can you give me some hints to help me do it quickly? -

Can the engine be separated from the transmission and engine pulled out leaving the transmission in place? (ideal for me as the transmisison will stay in the car)

Can the engine be pulled out of the top?

Any subframes or other annoying large items have to be removed to get it out?

Any experience shared will be very helpful
Thanks
Dan

[sfk]

I can't give you specific advice on engine removal from this car as I haven't done it yet myself, but 99% of modern cars have their engines and transmissions assembled on the front subframe and this is then lifted up from below into position with all the suspension attached.

Therefore easiest is to drop the subframe from below. If this isn't an option, engine will have to come out through the bonnet. There may be radiator supports and crossmembers in the front that are removable to make this easier. It will have to come out high and at a steep angle. So you'll need a good engine crane and someone to help keep it stable.

Final and most difficult option would be to try separate the engine and trans while in the car. The V6 engine is large and there isn't much space to maneuver so this is the last option I would try. You'll need a good 6 inches to get the torque converter away from the bellhousing. I doubt there's that much space available to move the engine forward.

If you can get the car lifted high enough I would separate the trans from the engine first and rest it on the ground. You may have to loosen and lower the front subframe to do this. Then pull the engine up out the engine bay. Will be much easier without the trans attached.

The chances of leaving the trans in the car totally undisturbed are practically zero sorry

[Dan--T]

Ok thanks, this job is sounding less and less enjoyable.

Unfortunately dropping the whole thing out the bottom isn't going to be an option as I don't have a lift and won't be able to get the car high enough.

Engine and trans straight out the top I think is preferred, but would like to know if it is physically possible before I try it really

[sfk]

You'll discover the answer half-way though

[celeron55]

Just search for videos: "lexus gs engine swap"

[Dan--T]

I did try that but can't find anybody pulling the engine out of a gs450h. It's all gs430s and swapping in 2jz's

[celeron55]

True, but it's pretty much the same car. I can't imagine there being a huge difference. It'll come out similarly and you can note how large engine hoist you need and what components to remove first. Of course there will be the HV cables in addition and maybe the gearbox weighs a bit more.

[angusmf]

The usual thing is to tilt the the trans end of the engine/trans assembly down as you pull it out so that the engine comes out first, followed by the trans. Realistically, this is how you find out whether you have to remove the trans to be able to lift everything up and over the radiator (just remove it and the core support if you can!) You might be able to "undo" the tilt as you lift if you have a leveler. If you do have to separate, it's at least going to be more out in the open and easier to get to fasteners. But in general:

Step 0: Rent borrow or buy an engine hoist, maybe with a load leveler
Step 1: Remove everything you can get to with the hood open
Step 2: Start pulling the engine/trans out by whatever lift points are there already or that you make by sticking bolts in open threads
Step3: Remove all the stuff you didn't remove in Step 1
Step 4: Just keep going. You're not gonna stop now, are you?

[jnsaff]

Lexus tech and the service manuals have a step by step guide how to remove and replace anything, including the engine. I think it's a great place to start. I don't have that book yet but there are digital copies of lexus-tech available on ebay and stuff.

[Dan--T]

It's out
Two evenings, was actually a very easy engine to pull out, slam panel bolts out, plenty of room in the bay, whole lot pulled straight out the bonnet with no messing about with crazy angles necessary

[sfk]

Nice to know. Thanks

[Lwerewolf]

IS350 is the same way. Potential issues later on if you intend to reuse the cruise control radar - you'll have to recalibrate it, and that requires a special environment.

(I assume that you did remove the radiator, rad support, front crash bar and all that - the engine looks like a somewhat tight fit otherwise)

[Dan--T]

Hi yes I removed all that, but my car unfortunately isnt high enough spec to have radar cruise, so no worries there

[myunatan]

Hi Dan,

I was curious to see if y9u managed to do the engine swap on your Lexus GS450H?

I am in need of an engine swap myself and wanted to know how long the job would take and if it's possible to remove from the top.

Please let me know.