1997 SC300 Rebuilt by a Self-Proclaimed 'Redneck'

Redneck Build

When you think of vehicles that rednecks drive, you probably picture some kind of lifted truck. Most certainly not a Lexus. But Club Lexus member silentkill, a self-proclaimed redneck, has been working on building his very own SC right here in the forums, and it's most certainly not some kind of corner-cutter, either.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

Changing It Up

As silentkill points out in the beginning, he doesn't have any experience with imports. But that isn't stopping him from doing it right. "I have a lot of domestic experience and wanted to change it up. I had originally leaned towards LS swapping the car, but I decided that's no fun. I just picked up a '97 GE block with GTE rods and pistons w/ ARP head studs. Zero idea what route I'm going, but I am strongly considering using my non-vvti head from my 97." 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

Changing Plans

Clearly, silentkill came to the right place. His fellow Club Lexus members helped him sort out his plan, which required a few changes. "I am officially scrapping the idea of using the GTE piston block and just using mine because I know its origins. It also seems super uncommon to install a GE head on top of GTE pistons. So I am going with the tried and true NA-T using a TT head gasket on my now 100k-mile GE."

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

Starting the Process

And just like that, this build could begin. First, silentkill removed the bumpers and lights before tackling engine removal. He also opened up the donor engine, which actually turned out to be very clean on the inside. Then, it was time to get fabricating. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

Under the Radar

Our redneck took a short break from engine building to source a new set of rolling stock. Thankfully, he ditched the shiny stuff for a set of more subdued wheels. And before you knew it, the new engine was installed along with the turbo. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

Routing Pipes

With a goal of 600+ horsepower, it looked like silentkill was well on his way. The biggest job at this point was simply getting all the piping installed and manipulated so that it fits. Along with all of the requisite rubber hoses and piping as well, of course. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

Budget Build

But after lots of work, silentkill managed to get the front bumper mocked up and it fit well, for the most part. Since he was working mostly with eBay parts, they obviously required a little bit of finessing to make them fit. But this is a budget build, after all.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

Moving Along

And there were still plenty of things to sort out, but this SC was obviously moving right along. "I have the Tial installed with a 5 psi spring for now. I'm sure the tuner will have me change it, or that'll be fine for 5-10 psi. The XSPOWER dump tube advertised as a 90 wasn't a 90 and I have to buy the same one my roommate got for his Mazda. Then it'll perfectly dump down under the car."

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

Waiting Game

Things were really moving along at this point, and soon silentkill had his new engine filled with oil. And right off the bat, he had pressure with no leaks. But he still needed to wait on the arrival of some injectors before he could proceed with the fun part. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

World First

At this point, we're getting extremely close to seeing this turbo SC come back to life. So be sure and head over here to stay tuned for the completion of what might be the world's very first "redneck" built Lexus!

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about this forum member's SC300 right here in ClubLexus.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.