Engine conversions: early engines into late models and late engines into early models.
You'll also find these posts cross-referenced in their manufacturer categories.
To refresh your memory, this is a swap of a Lexus 2JZ engine, with Supra turbo aftermarket parts added, into an S2000. Since Twin Turbo Supra engines are expensive and nearly impossible to obtain these days, the naturally aspirated version of that engine used in various late Lexus products makes for an easier starting point. Ultimately, it won't be as durable, but then that probably doesn't matter to the mindset of this crowd.
The swap is neat, fits under the hood, and seems at first glance to be a natural. The basic swap offered uses the standard S2000 transmission and differential. Price is about $16,000. A Getrag manual transmission, as used in the Supra, costs extra. A rear differential has been discussed (from the Silvia, convenient to fit but in my mind of questionable durability) but not yet produced (as far as we know). I consider both the transmission and differential a requirement. Notice that so far nobody has discussed anything about cooling (something the stock Supra was very good at doing) or inspection/emissions.
First a video showing some of the components, under the hood and in the driveline.
Then 2 on the dyno and in driving.
Apparently at this point they have the Getrag Supra transmission in place, but not yet a stronger differential. That kills it in my mind because the stock diff is notoriously weak... now increase torque by a factor of (at least) 3x. Forget about it. But, it will be fun in the short time it lasts...
Now lets get real. This car will never pass an inspection, much less an emissions check. The Lexus 2JZ engine barely made it into OBD-II compliance in this country (HP and torque were very weak) and was then summarily cancelled when Toyota finally produced a modern V-6 engine. And then there was the ultimate version of that engine, in the Supra. It's been said that the Supra TT engine was a detuned 500-HP engine for the street, and it's probably true. It's extremely easy to modify this engine to make more power. Lots and lots of it - 500 HP Supras are very common, and 700-900 is not uncommon. But while we all loved the Supra and it's engine, we all remember that any mods whatsoever to that engine immediately killed off any possibility of passable emissions.
So the 2JZ/S2000 could never be used on the street.. or at least it could be used on the street until it's yearly inspection and emissions check. Then it becomes a track-only vehicle. Imagine being limited to your driveway for tuning the driveline and suspension. Then you finally get to a track event, only to find a minor issue (like the nose popping off!) that ruins the entire weekend. Sure, all of us have done this and been there, but it's not very rewarding in the long term. As as for illegally-obtained inspection stickers - that's just plain stupid.
Nevermind the superb weight balance of the car is ruined by this iron-block engine. Nevermind that the S2000 can't carry enough tire for a stock 320-horse Supra TT engine, much less 500 or 900 horsepower. Nevermind the stock brakes were never designed for this kind of stopping power, and that the solid discs in the back are inadaquate even in the stock S2000. Not to mention that the suspension components, which were designed to be as light as possible for the stock engine and overall parameters, would be worse than "spindly" for this application. Probably dangerously so.
Now before I get accused of being a party pooper, let me say that I'd love to build one of these and feel the rush of boosted acceleration. But there is a major difference in the realities of wanting and having. This wild animal is one we'd sure like like to "date", but marriage is impossible.
My recommendation: find a Supra TT. Leave it near-stock. Love and cherish it because we will never see another car like that again.
