Four Cam V8 dimensions, Mesured the Lexus motor Options

[Brett W]

Length from the bell housing flange on the block to the front of the balancer/serpetine pulley: 25.5 inches

from bottom rail of block to highest point on the valve cover 21 inches.

I might be sticking this into a stock chassis if it looks possible.

[neo914-6]

Brett,

I don't disagree with your conclusion but I believe it still boils down to personal taste or we'd all be driving Japanese cars for the sheer sense of it. This is a hot topic in many auto forums (Mercedes for one). The Japanese tend to overengineer many of their products. It has prompted better american (and European) engineering. Unfortunately losing many customers since the 70's and the difficulty to compete in operation costs has kept US manufacturers at a disadvantage. The Japanese government also subsidize their car companies and has limited importation. With higher cost of living, the american market demands cheaper and more reliable products typically available from off shore. My primary issue is that Japan it is more of a copier/developer and not an innovator (with Honda being an exception).

30 yr old american engines have been the choice in 914 conversions because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. They also fit without major surgery and are a great value for the performance. New american engines appear to have better engineering but less durability and as with all new engines very little DIY maintainability. The FI, aluminum material and newer technology is desired as you'll soon see GM LS engined 914's.

There are many sites that favor the Northstar even if it is a "disposable" engine. One site shows a new engine for $2500 which would be well worth replacing every 5 years. This is the age of disposable design. The one real problem with Japanese engines are designed to outlast the rest of the car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Install the Toyota engine and show us the results, I'm anxious to see it. SHOW us why your conversion is superior and others are POS.

Felix