Quirky Q 'bout 3vz/2jz pistons and propane

[lexusmech]

I've got a Lexus ES250 and want to swap in a 3vz motor..okay thats the easy part. I live in CA and was thinking of getting around the emissions swap problems and change to propane. My idea was to set it up for a propane/carb setup. Ok thats not really anything I cant figure out...What I thinking about is spec's for putting 2jz pistons (3.0L) into this 3vz engine (a stretch..i know...)....even with some minor machining for wristpins or ???. I would already consider milling the heads too, but I"m not sure how much I can get out of that with t belt problems and intake alignment problems. The reason is you don't really reep the bennefits of Propane untill 13:1 or 14:1 compression. Other ideas would be welcome. I'm currently in Iraq and trying to find spec's for these details is a little difficult right now. Just planning for the trip home...Also...I'm just a contractor, not a soldier.

Also, the 3vz has a distributor, but how much of it is "computer controlled"? I would consider going to a stand alone ignition if need be. I think some really nice horsepower could be had with this setup. And if this isn't hardcore enough...sorry in advance.

Thanks,

[Luckynumber5]

If you are changing the pistons out for sure get some head work done and get custom forged pistons. The 2jz or any other ge series piston will have terrible squish area against the fe styled heads, you need higher compression 3vz-fe pistons. I think the computer will control up to 25 degrees timing advance or retard but apparently does not care much for either except what the base maps are set to add at a particular rpm. A standalone will net you some great gains but you will need a knock light setup when tuning your spark tables.

[lexusmech]

I've been doing some more reading and i found out 2jz pistons just won't work, totally wrong diameter..2jz 86 mm 3vz 87.5mm So I'll have to wait untill i get back to do some real hands on research. I'm looking at (hopefully) the propane carb, and I found a cool standalone ignition setup http://www.autosportlabs.com/megajol...nsor-p-28.html that I think would be nice. Another wild thought is have more material tig welded to the pistons to really get the compression up. But first I'll resort to milling the heads

If I really get around to this anyhow.....