August 3, 2026 Daniel Ho

Lexus IS300 3UZ TL70 Swap: Installing an FR-S Transmission Behind a 3UZ Part 5

Can you use an FR-S or BRZ transmission behind a 3UZ-FE V8 in a Lexus IS300?

That's exactly what we're doing with our 3UZ-swapped Lexus IS300 drift car.

One of the biggest decisions with this build was choosing a manual transmission. Instead of using a CD009, R154, W58 or another traditional swap transmission, we decided to try something different: the Toyota TL70 6-speed manual transmission found in the Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86/GR86 platform.

The goal with this IS300 has always been to build a capable drift car without letting the budget get completely out of control. The TL70 caught our attention because used transmissions are relatively easy to find, the transmission is compact, and its size makes it an interesting option for the relatively small IS300 transmission tunnel.

The missing piece was figuring out how to connect it to the 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE V8.

That's where Xcessive Manufacturing came in.

In this part of our Lexus IS300 3UZ swap, we're installing the Xcessive Manufacturing UZ-to-TL70 transmission adapter setup, clutch and flywheel, fitting the TL70 transmission, modifying the clutch hydraulics, installing the complete engine and transmission assembly into the IS300, and adding an oil pan baffle for our drift application.

Looking for parts for your own swap? Browse our Lexus IS300 swap parts at Lunatics Co.

Can You Use an FR-S Transmission With a 3UZ?

Yes. A Toyota TL70 manual transmission can be paired with a Toyota 1UZ-FE or 3UZ-FE V8 using the appropriate transmission adapter, flywheel, clutch and supporting components.

For our build, we're using the Xcessive Manufacturing 1UZ/3UZ to TL70 Transmission Adapter Kit.

The Xcessive setup allows the UZ-series V8 to be paired with the TL70 transmission used in Toyota 86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ applications.

You can also purchase the Xcessive 1UZ/3UZ to TL70 Transmission Adapter Plate separately if you're putting together your own clutch and flywheel combination.

For us, this opened another transmission option for the 3UZ IS300 project.

Why Use a TL70 Transmission in a 3UZ IS300?

The biggest reasons we're experimenting with a TL70 are cost, availability, physical size and fitment within the IS300 transmission tunnel.

Finding the right transmission for this build was difficult.

There are several popular choices for manual-swapped Lexus and Toyota builds, but each comes with tradeoffs.

A Nissan CD009 is popular for high-power swaps, but it's physically large and can require significant transmission-tunnel clearance depending on the application.

The Toyota R154 is another popular option, but good transmissions and complete swap setups can become expensive.

The TL70 gave us another route.

Used FR-S and BRZ transmissions can often be found relatively inexpensively compared with some older performance transmissions. They're also compact and relatively light.

The transmission's physical dimensions were particularly interesting for our IS300.

Because it's smaller than some alternative swap transmissions, we expected it to fit into the IS300 transmission tunnel with less modification.

The shifter position also lands relatively close to where we want it in the chassis.

Whether the TL70 is appropriate for a particular build still depends on power, torque, vehicle use and driving style. We're documenting our experience with it specifically in this 3UZ-powered drift build rather than claiming it's the right transmission for every UZ swap.

What Is a TL70 Transmission?

The TL70 is a 6-speed manual transmission used in the Toyota 86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ platform.

For engine-swap applications, its relatively compact dimensions make it interesting when transmission-tunnel space is limited.

The challenge is that the TL70 was never designed to bolt directly to a Toyota UZ-series V8.

An adapter system is therefore required to properly mate the transmission to engines such as the 1UZ-FE and 3UZ-FE.

For our build, that job is handled by the Xcessive Manufacturing UZ-to-TL70 system.

Xcessive Manufacturing 1UZ/3UZ to TL70 Adapter

The Xcessive Manufacturing 1UZ/3UZ to TL70 Transmission Adapter Plate provides the connection between the Toyota UZ V8 and TL70 manual transmission.

The adapter is CNC machined from 1-inch 6061 aluminum and is designed for both the 1UZ-FE and 3UZ-FE.

It also includes the necessary adapter mounting hardware.

For builders who don't want to piece the clutch and flywheel setup together separately, Lunatics Co carries the complete Xcessive Manufacturing 1UZ/3UZ to TL70 Transmission Adapter Kit.

The complete setup is particularly useful because adapting the bellhousing is only part of the conversion.

You still need a compatible flywheel, clutch disc and pressure plate before the drivetrain can actually work together.

Installing the Flywheel and Clutch

The first step was preparing the back of the 3UZ for the manual transmission.

We started by cleaning the work area and installing a new pilot bearing.

The bearing needs to be installed evenly and seated correctly. We used a socket with an appropriate outside diameter to carefully drive the bearing into position.

Next came the flywheel.

With the flywheel positioned correctly, the flywheel hardware can be tightened and torqued according to the specifications appropriate for the components being used.

The clutch disc is then positioned using a clutch alignment tool.

This step matters more than it might seem.

If the clutch disc isn't centered correctly, getting the transmission input shaft through the clutch and into the pilot bearing can become extremely frustrating.

Once the disc was centered, we installed the pressure plate over it and secured everything.

Lunatics Co carries the Xcessive Manufacturing 1UZ/3UZ Flywheel Kit for R154, W58 and TL70 transmissions for builders putting together a UZ manual transmission swap.

What Clutch and Flywheel Work With a 3UZ and TL70?

The Xcessive UZ-to-TL70 system uses a combination of Toyota-based components to make the drivetrain work together.

The Xcessive 1UZ/3UZ Flywheel Kit uses a modified Toyota 3S-GTE flywheel configuration, matching pressure plate and TL70-compatible clutch disc.

This allows the UZ crankshaft and TL70 input shaft to work together as part of the manual conversion.

The complete 1UZ/3UZ to TL70 Adapter Kit combines the transmission adapter solution with the required clutch and flywheel components.

That's important because an engine-to-transmission adapter alone doesn't solve clutch compatibility.

Installing the TL70 Throwout Bearing and Clutch Fork

Before installing the transmission, we refreshed the clutch release components.

That included replacing the throwout bearing hardware and clips and applying a small amount of grease where the clutch fork pivots against the ball.

Anything involving metal-on-metal movement needs to be inspected while the transmission is out.

This is one of those jobs that is easy to do on the floor and considerably more annoying once the drivetrain is installed in the car.

We also discovered a small clearance issue with some of the clutch hardware inside the bellhousing.

The original hardware we tried was slightly too large and contacted the inside of the bellhousing, so we later replaced it with lower-profile hardware that provided the clearance we needed.

It's another example of why test fitting everything matters during an engine swap.

Installing the TL70 Transmission Onto the 3UZ

Installing a transmission by yourself isn't ideal, but the relatively compact size and weight of the TL70 made it manageable.

The engine was tilted slightly backward, and we used a jack to help control the transmission angle.

From there, it was a matter of finding the correct angle and carefully guiding the transmission toward the engine.

Because the clutch had been properly centered with the alignment tool, the input shaft eventually slid into place with only a little adjustment.

That clutch alignment step paid off.

I actually had to remove and reinstall the transmission more than once while correcting a few small issues, and the size of the TL70 made that considerably easier than it would have been with a much larger transmission.

Using the 3UZ Starter With the TL70

We're retaining the 3UZ starter rather than using the factory FR-S/BRZ starter location.

Because the TL70's original starter opening isn't needed with our configuration, that opening can be covered as part of the swap.

This is another example of how the transmission is being adapted around the UZ engine rather than trying to retain every component from the original FR-S drivetrain.

Adding a Brake Booster Vacuum Connection to the 3UZ

Before putting the engine into the car, we addressed a few smaller systems that would be easier to reach while the drivetrain was still out.

One was brake booster vacuum.

We installed a banjo-style fitting with a hose barb at the rear of the engine, giving us a clean location for the brake booster vacuum connection.

Keeping the connection at the back of the engine helps avoid routing an unnecessarily long vacuum hose across the engine bay.

Small decisions like this can make a big difference in how clean the finished swap looks.

Converting the IS300 Clutch Line to -3 AN

The factory clutch hydraulic connection wasn't going to work with our new transmission configuration, so we converted the system to an AN-style line.

We installed an M10x1 to -3 AN adapter at the existing connection.

From there, we can run a -3 AN clutch line toward the hydraulic connection at the transmission.

Using an AN line gives us much more flexibility when determining exactly how the clutch hydraulics need to be routed around the swapped drivetrain.

Installing the 3UZ and TL70 Into the Lexus IS300

With the transmission finally attached to the 3UZ, we reached one of the biggest milestones of the entire build:

Putting the engine and transmission into the IS300.

The first attempt wasn't perfect.

We discovered that the engine mount brackets needed to be repositioned to give us additional adjustment.

We also removed one of the headers to create more room around the steering area.

The slave-cylinder area was another tight spot, requiring some firewall clearance before the drivetrain would sit where we wanted it.

That's the reality of a custom engine swap.

Even when the major components are designed to work together, the final installation can require small adjustments depending on engine position, transmission position, exhaust configuration and the individual chassis.

After repositioning the mounts and creating the clearance we needed, we tried again.

This time the drivetrain went in much more smoothly.

The 3UZ was finally sitting inside the IS300.

Why Adjustable Engine Mounts Matter on a 3UZ IS300 Swap

Adjustable engine positioning gives you more flexibility when balancing firewall clearance, steering clearance, exhaust routing, transmission position and oil-pan access.

We're using Xcessive Manufacturing components as part of the engine mounting solution.

Lunatics Co carries the Xcessive Manufacturing 1UZ/3UZ Engine Mount Brackets for the 2001–2005 Lexus IS300.

These brackets are designed specifically for putting UZ-series V8 engines into the IS300 chassis and provide adjustment for engine positioning.

You can also find Xcessive Manufacturing UZ urethane engine mounts for the Lexus IS300.

That adjustability became especially useful during the next modification.

Installing a 3UZ Oil Pan Baffle for Drifting

Because this IS300 is being built for drifting, we wanted to add additional oil-control protection to the 3UZ.

During sustained cornering and high-angle driving, oil moves around inside the oil pan.

An oil pan baffle is designed to help control that movement around the oil pickup.

We decided to install the baffle after putting the engine into the car for another reason:

We wanted to see whether the lower 3UZ oil pan could still be accessed with the engine installed in the IS300.

With our adjustable engine mounting setup pushed forward, there was enough room to access the lower oil pan.

That made removing the pan considerably easier than we expected.

Can You Remove the 3UZ Oil Pan With the Engine in an IS300?

With our particular engine position and adjustable mounting setup, we were able to access and remove the lower 3UZ oil pan while the engine was sitting in the IS300.

Our engine wasn't in its final bolted-down position yet.

We moved it forward using the adjustment available in the mounting setup, which gave us enough room to reach the lower oil-pan bolts.

That allowed us to install the oil baffle without pulling the entire drivetrain back out of the chassis.

Your available clearance can differ depending on mounts, engine position and other swap components, so this shouldn't be treated as universal fitment for every 3UZ IS300 configuration.

Installing the 3UZ Oil Baffle

With the lower oil pan removed, we took out the original internal components required for the new baffle installation and removed the oil-level sensor because it won't be used with our configuration.

We then installed the new baffle.

Because this is a drift car with relatively stiff drivetrain mounting, we used blue threadlocker on appropriate baffle hardware to reduce the chance of fasteners loosening from vibration.

One of the most time-consuming parts wasn't installing the baffle itself.

It was cleaning the oil pan.

All of the old sealing material needs to be removed so the mating surfaces are clean before resealing the pan.

We used wire brushes and cleaned the surface thoroughly before applying a fresh bead of RTV and reinstalling the lower pan.

With everything back together, the 3UZ now has additional oil control for the type of driving we're building the car to do.

Is a TL70 a Good Transmission for a 3UZ Swap?

The TL70 is an interesting option for a 3UZ swap because of its compact size, availability and compatibility with aftermarket UZ adapter systems.

For our IS300, packaging was a major reason for trying it.

A transmission that physically fits the IS300 tunnel without extensive modification can simplify the overall build.

However, transmission choice should always be based on the complete vehicle.

Power, torque, tire grip, vehicle weight, driving style and intended use can all affect transmission life.

Our car will ultimately give us real-world experience with how the TL70 performs behind a 3UZ in a drift application.

That's one of the reasons we're documenting the build rather than simply saying one transmission is universally better than another.

What Parts Do You Need for a 3UZ-to-TL70 Swap?

A 3UZ-to-TL70 conversion requires more than an adapter plate. Depending on your setup, you'll need the transmission adapter, compatible flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, release-bearing components, transmission mount or crossmember solution, clutch hydraulics and supporting drivetrain components.

Relevant parts available through Lunatics Co include:

Always verify that the individual components you're using are compatible with your exact engine, transmission and clutch configuration before installation.

Lexus IS300 3UZ TL70 Swap FAQ

Can you put an FR-S transmission behind a 3UZ?

Yes. The Toyota TL70 transmission used in the FR-S/BRZ/86 platform can be adapted to Toyota UZ-series engines. We're using an Xcessive Manufacturing adapter system to connect our 3UZ-FE to the TL70.

What adapter do you need for a 3UZ to TL70?

We're using the Xcessive Manufacturing 1UZ/3UZ to TL70 adapter system, which is designed to pair Toyota 1UZ-FE and 3UZ-FE engines with the TL70 manual transmission.

What flywheel works with a 3UZ TL70 swap?

Xcessive offers a 1UZ/3UZ Flywheel Kit compatible with TL70 applications. The kit uses a modified 3S-GTE-based flywheel configuration with the appropriate pressure plate and TL70-compatible clutch disc.

Will a TL70 fit in a Lexus IS300 transmission tunnel?

The compact size of the TL70 was one of the reasons we chose it for our build. In our configuration, it offers favorable packaging compared with some physically larger transmission options. Exact clearance depends on engine position, transmission mounting and the individual chassis.

What engine mounts are needed for a 3UZ IS300?

Our build uses Xcessive Manufacturing components. The Xcessive 1UZ/3UZ IS300 Engine Mount Brackets are designed for installing UZ-series V8 engines into the 2001–2005 Lexus IS300.

Should a drift 3UZ use an oil pan baffle?

Oil baffling is commonly used in performance applications to help manage oil movement under sustained acceleration and cornering. Because our IS300 is being built specifically for drifting, we decided to add a baffle as a preventative oil-control measure.

Can you install a 3UZ oil pan baffle with the engine still in the IS300?

We were able to do it with our particular setup. Moving the engine forward using our adjustable mounting configuration created enough room to remove the lower oil pan while the 3UZ was in the chassis. Other swap configurations may have different clearance.

The 3UZ Is Finally in the IS300

This is one of the biggest milestones we've reached with the build.

What started with an empty IS300 engine bay now has a 3UZ-FE V8 and TL70 6-speed transmission sitting inside the chassis.

This episode included:

Xcessive 1UZ/3UZ-to-TL70 adapter installation
Pilot bearing installation
Flywheel and clutch installation
TL70 clutch fork and throwout bearing preparation
TL70 transmission installation
Brake booster vacuum fitting
-3 AN clutch-line conversion
Engine and transmission installation
Engine mount repositioning
Firewall and slave-cylinder clearance
3UZ oil pan removal
Drift oil baffle installation

There is still plenty of work ahead.

The next stage is figuring out the supporting systems required to make the car actually run and drive, including cooling, fuel, vacuum and power steering.

We're planning to use an electric power steering system, which will create another project of its own.

But for now, the important part is simple:

The 3UZ and TL70 are finally in the Lexus IS300.

Follow the complete build as we continue turning this IS300 into a V8-powered drift car.